Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is a broad summary of the role. For the full range of duties, responsibilities and criteria, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification, which candidates are encouraged to read closely before applying.

Person specification

Education / Qualification

Essential criteria

• Doctoral level training in clinical/counselling psychology, BPS accredited
• HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist
• Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable criteria

• Formal training in standardised autism assessment tools, e.g. ADOS-2, ADI-R
• Additional qualifications or formal training in autism, supervision or research

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and support across a range of care settings
• Experience of working with autistic adults, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions
• Experience of teaching and supervising junior psychologists
• Experience of applying clinical psychology across different cultural contexts

Desirable criteria

• Experience of conducting autism diagnostic assessments within an adult service
• Experience of service development, audit or research
• Experience of co-production or working alongside experts by experience

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of differential diagnosis between autism and other conditions, including masked, atypical and late-recognised presentations
• Knowledge of neuroaffirmative approaches and current autism research, legislation and drivers
• Ability to communicate complex, sensitive information compassionately to autistic adults, families and professionals

Desirable criteria

• Ability to communicate in a community language spoken in the boroughs served
• Knowledge of local systems and pathways across health, social care and the third sector

Personal and professional attributes

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates genuine commitment to improving the lives of autistic adults, with specific supporting evidence
• Evidence of managing own workload autonomously and meeting deadlines under competing demands
• Evidence of effective team working and constructive contribution to an MDT
• Evidence of using supervision reflectively and responding meaningfully to feedback

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of continued learning about autism, including from autistic voices and lived experience
• Evidence of advocating for or empowering disadvantaged service users

We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.

If you use AI or other tools to support your application, it must reflect your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Supporting information should be in your own words and include your personal insights. AI can assist with drafting but may produce generic or inaccurate content. Applications that rely heavily on AI may lack authenticity and reduce your chances of success.

Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close early. Please apply promptly if you meet the Person Specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria will be shortlisted. Interview details will be emailed after the closing date - please check your inbox regularly.

CLCH Trust does not recommend relying solely on AI when completing your application.

CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:
• Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
• Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.

We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Simply let us know how we can support you.

Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust