What skills and experience we're looking for
Qualifications and experience for this role are listed in the following sections.
Qualifications/Training
Essential
- Post‑graduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS
- Registered as a clinical psychologist with the HCPC
- Fully competent as a Clinical Psychologist with up‑to‑date knowledge of mental health and wellbeing in children
- Evidence of and commitment to continuing professional and personal development since qualification and registration
- Clinical supervision training
Desirable
- Post qualification training in CAT, Schema Therapy, systemic therapy, DBT or CBT
- Additional training in HSB, violence and aggression, safeguarding
- Evidence of further qualification or training relevant to the field of SEMH
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of issues in special education
Experience
Essential
- Considerable experience of working as a psychologist with children and adults with SEMH, neuro‑developmental conditions, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and experiences of trauma
- Experience of teaching, training and providing professional and /or clinical supervision
- Relevant & significant post‑qualification experience
- Experience of and ability to conduct and develop assessment and formulations to inform and implement intervention plans and recommendations for others in a range of settings
- Experience of effective working within multidisciplinary services (working with both clinical and non‑clinical, internal and external professionals)
- Experience of offering consultation and advice to staff groups supporting vulnerable clients
- Experience supporting families facing complex challenges, including trauma, family breakdown, behavioural difficulties and of working with children who are looked after (CLA) and /or adopted and their families
- Experience of effectively working across different systems / levels within an organisation e.g. service development, group and individual levels
Desirable
- Published research or writing in professional/academic outlets
- Experience as a qualified psychologist across multiple services
- Previous experience working in an educational setting or SEMH school
- Experience delivering workshops or training sessions for parents and carers
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex situations involving a range of options to make decisions about an appropriate course of action or solution to a problem
- Skilled in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management with both children and adult service users and their families
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families and professionals both within and outside clinical / therapeutic services
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies for complex problems (e.g. trauma, communication challenges, behaviours that challenge)
- The ability to lead psychological services within an MDT and to work collaboratively with professionals from other disciplines
- Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology and the ability to use evaluation tools to demonstrate and improve service effectiveness and outcomes
- Knowledge of legislation and national standards and guidelines that relate this client group
- Familiarity and proficiency with evidence‑based, client and family centred approaches, including Systemic Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or trauma‑informed practices
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build trust and rapport with families from diverse backgrounds
- Strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple cases effectively and maintain accurate records
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and the ability to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Sound understanding of client confidentiality and ethics
Desirable
- Familiarity with the challenges faced by families in navigating educational systems and mental health services.
- Ability to develop creative and adaptable strategies to meet the unique needs of children, young adults and families
- Awareness of local community resources and services to support children and families
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Enthusiasm for work within an education system.
- Ability to work under pressure and set priorities
- Ability to cope and work with frequent exposure to highly distressing and emotional situations including children, young adults and parents / carers who may be distressed, angry, confrontational or violent.
- Ability to contain and work with organisational stress and the ability to hold the stress of others
- Ability to work within teams and motivate others as well as working autonomously
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods during assessments, patient interviews, case conferences
- Has integrity, is reliable, self‑aware and remains calm in crisis
- Is warm and empathic with a compassionate, and non‑judgmental approach to working, with a commitment to empowering families.
- Resilient, with the ability to manage emotional challenges and maintain professional boundaries
- A collaborative mindset, with the commitment and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and under the supervision of the Head of Therapeutic Practice and Health
- Commitment to the Foundation’s aims, ethos and values including promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, Quality of Life and Positive Behaviour Support in all aspects of the role.
- Possesses a determination to succeed, and is passionate about their work, discipline and professional interests
- Has the ability to adapt to and promote change
- A strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively across different teams and the William Henry Smith Foundation functions.
Any Additional Factors
Essential
- Willingness to work flexible hours, to accommodate child and family needs
- Holds a valid UK driving licence, and can undertake home / external visits as required
What the school offers its staff
Why Join Us?
At William Henry Smith Foundation, we are committed to delivering exceptional education and care in safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments. You will join a team of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose: helping every young person reach their full potential.
We offer:
- A friendly and inclusive working environment
- Opportunities to truly enrich the lives of our children and young people and make a positive difference.
- Quality of Life and Well‑being programme of activity, experiences and gifts
- A competitive defined pension scheme
- An employee assistance healthcare cashback plan
- Life Assurance Scheme (4x annual salary)
- A full induction programme, including an outstanding network of support
- A learning and development programme and CPD
- Assistance with childcare savings and cycle to work scheme
- Subscription to Head Space, Perks at Work and Discount for Teachers online apps which offer hundreds of discounts and benefits
- 50% towards the cost of branded work wear
- Personal health and fitness training, and a financial advisory service
- Free staff lunches and on‑site parking
- One life day and one additional life day if 100% attendance is achieved
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
Commitment to safeguarding.
William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced child/adult DBS check including barred list (this is a regulated activity position). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025.