Clinical/Counselling Psychologist - Adult Autism Service

NELFT NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Greater London; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 6,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organisation in Greater London is seeking a Senior Clinician to provide specialist diagnostic autism assessments and consultations. The role involves managing workloads, supervising staff, and delivering training. Candidates should have considerable experience in mental health services and a strong focus on autism support. This position includes a High Cost Area Supplement in salary and a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Support for work-life balance

Health and wellbeing support

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health services, particularly with autism.
• Ability to manage teams and supervise clinical staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Organising and prioritising workloads.
• Providing comprehensive mental health assessments.
• Delivering training and consultation to professionals.
• Supporting risk management at the team level.

Skills

Organisational skills

Risk assessment

Mental health assessment

Consultation and liaison

Specialist training delivery

Job description

Overview

Acting as a senior clinician within NELFT Adult Autism Service providing specialist diagnostic autism assessment, advice, and consultation to other service providers. Providing specialist post‑intervention services to individuals referred to the Adult Autism Service.

Responsibilities

• Organising and prioritising own and others' workload in day‑to‑day allocation of work.
• Deputising when required in the team manager's absence.
• Adhering to Trust protocols and procedures.
• Providing accurate records of information required by the Trust for audit purposes.
• Ensuring effective risk management at team level through accident/incident reporting, assessing risk and adding them to the Trust register when appropriate.
• Providing comprehensive mental health needs and risk assessments of clients within the Adult Autism Service.
• Providing consultation and liaison to other professionals working with individuals with autism in the Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest localities, both community and in‑patient based.
• Delivering specialist training across different tiers of service and within the wider professional network.
• Contributing to the operational management of the NELFT Adult Autism Service.
• Managing the work of specialist autism clinics for community and inpatient services.
• Developing, with others in the NELFT Adult Autism Service, audit and evaluative measures to record outcomes of the service.
• Supervising qualified practitioners, assistants/trainees, and students within the service.
• Providing specialist consultation and training to a variety of professionals across different tiers of mental health service and external agencies such as local authorities and the third sector.

Key Information

Probationary period applies. Salary includes a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum £4,714, maximum £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part‑time). Use of AI – see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.

Benefits

• A long‑standing and award‑winning approach to equality and diversity with supportive networks for ethnic minority staff, staff with disabilities or long‑term/chronic conditions and LGBT staff.
• Commitment to supporting colleagues to achieve a work‑life balance, flexible working opportunities and support for working parents and carers.
• Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to employee assistance programme, staff psychological support, individual wellbeing conversations and a network of health and wellbeing ambassadors.
• Support for the Armed Forces community, including Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, supportive policies, guaranteed interview schemes for veterans, reservists and military spouses, and additional leave for Reservists.

Working for NELFT

Our culture is guided by our 2025–2030 Values: We are kind, we are respectful, and we work together with our communities to strive to provide the best care by the best people.

Starting with Us

New starters will join on the first Monday of each month. Induction includes up to two weeks of mandatory training, systems training, equipment allocation, meetings with executive team, senior managers, drop‑in sessions on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. Induction held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Other Information

• Trust is CQC rated Good and aims for Outstanding.
• We have sites across North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway.
• Provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children in these areas.
• Incentives: Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, Working Families Top 10 Employers for five consecutive years, Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation.

Additional Details

• Certificates of Sponsorship – Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High‑Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
• NHS AfC: Band 8a.
• Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust.