Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Psychologist to join a friendly and skilled team of Therapeutic Social Workers, Psychologists and a Speech and Language Therapist, who work to support children who are in local authority care, kinship care or on child protection plans, and care-experienced young adults up to the age of 25.

The distinct contribution of psychology is highly valued within this social care team, and this role offers variety and opportunity for growth. The teams purpose is to support the wellbeing of young people, through:

• Supporting key adults around a young person to understand the impact their early experiences may be having on their current experiences (e.g. through formulations, consultation, group training)
• Supporting conversations around identity through life story clinics
• Supporting staff teams within residential homes working with young people and their foster carers using the dyadic models DDP and Theraplay
• Working with young people individually using models such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR

The post is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with children who have experienced adversity. This is an excellent opportunity to use and further develop your understanding of the impact of trauma and early adverse care experiences on attachment and development and to work systemically with family and professional networks around a child.

Main duties of the job

The role involves:

• Developing formulations which draw on a range of theories
• Conducting psychological/neurodevelopmental assessments
• Delivering interventions based on different models and theories including the core team models of DDP and Theraplay (following appropriate training)
• Supporting the development and implementation of Trauma Informed Care
• Supporting the embedding of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) as a model within the team
• Leading on evaluation and audit activities and supporting service developments
• Working to share the key messages of the TSWT within an interagency system
• Supervision experiences within the team (e.g. trainee or assistant psychologists)
• Opportunities to deliver teaching and training

You will be supported through:

• Regular supervision with an experienced clinical psychologist
• Peer supervision within the team
• Team training
• Connection with a city-wide group of clinical psychologists working in childrens services across Leeds.

Due to being an NHS contract with Leeds City Council, funding has been agreed until March 2026, but with a view to extend beyond this point. There has been a band 7 psychology post within the team for many years. Please Review the Job Description and Person Specification Attached for full Requirements of the Role.

About us

Working for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Who are we?

Leeds Community Healthcare provides a range of community-based health services across the whole city. We treat people in their homes, local health centres and community hospitals, and work in partnership with other local Trusts, charities and Leeds City Council. We have a strong culture based on deeply-held values, and our focus at all times is on delivering high quality care to the people of Leeds. In our most recent CQC evaluation, we were rated "Good", with our Adult Services rated "Outstanding" for caring.

Perks of the job

Our benefits range from generous annual leave to access to NHS discount sites. You can find the full list of attractive benefits and rewards at www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk click on the Join Our Team Tab.

Right to Work

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.