Clinical / Counselling / Educational Psychologist

The advertised post is an exciting and varied role with good scope for creative and innovative working within a new national initiative to increase mental health input directly into schools. There is a very strong peer support network across the service as well as clinical supervision being offered by the borough 8B lead and service development supervision being offered by the consultant psychology lead. There is a huge amount of opportunity for developing skills and being at the forefront of an innovative service. We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and creative psychologist who is keen to expand their skills and learn on the job, with strong support offered at all levels.

The role involves supervising, running and training a new Mental Health Support Team (MHST) across schools in Sutton. The team will consist of 4 Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) trainees, 3 qualified clinicians (bands 6 and 7), the advertised post plus admin support. MHSTs offer direct interventions within schools and the implementation of a whole schools approach (WSA) to mental health.

The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the Kings College London CYP IAPT supervision course (15 days over the year, starting in late January 2025) and a place has already been confirmed for the successful candidate. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a fully funded, formal supervision qualification at a renowned university., The postholder will be responsible for the smooth running of the MHST and supervision of the team, including risk and safeguarding issues. The role includes a link liaison role with schools and working jointly with our other MHSTs in Sutton. The WSA work involves collaborative working with schools at a preventative or early intervention level, meeting need as it arises. There are many opportunities for offering consultation, staff training or reflective practice sessions, parent workshops, coffee mornings and groups. The postholder will also provide specialist clinical interventions for children and young people who do not meet higher CAMHS thresholds. There is an opportunity to complete EMDR training in 2026 in order to pick up specialist EMDR cases if desired.

The MHSTs sit within a network of child mental health resources that coordinate early help, targeted help and specialist interventions for children and young people according to presentation and need. There are good opportunities for linking in with local CAMHS and the Single Point of Access to ensure joined up service delivery.

Good experience of working in a CAMHS setting is essential. A strong understanding and experience of using CBT and parenting principles will be needed to effectively supervise the four EMHPs in the team.

The post is advertised as 4 days per week but could be full time, term time only if preferred (5 days per week during school term time with all school holidays as leave - 0.84wte)., This new MHST will work with a defined cluster of primary and secondary schools in Sutton. The team will have a base within one of the schools in the area (currently being arranged) but will also link in closely with the other four MHSTs working across Sutton and the other Sutton MHST leads. Some service internal meetings and peer support groups are held at the Trust's main site in Springfield Hospital.

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.