Lead Therapist for Behavioural and Conduct Pathway

Joining the NELFT NHS Foundation Trust means becoming part of a compassionate and nurturing workplace. We are rated Good by the CQC, and we are committed to progressing towards an Outstanding rating. Our organization operates across various regions, providing essential community and mental health services to both adults and children.

We take pride in our award-winning initiatives focused on equality and diversity, as well as our commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We prioritize your professional growth because we believe that when our staff feel valued and supported, they can deliver exceptional care to our patients. As a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, we have consistently been recognized in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark and have achieved Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Our dedicated staff networks and extensive training opportunities reflect our commitment to fostering a just and compassionate culture.

Position Overview

Senior Professional Lead for CAMHS Looked After Children - Band 7

This role presents an exciting opportunity to be part of a vibrant team dedicated to addressing the significant needs of our looked after children population. You will play a crucial role in enhancing their lived experiences and equipping them with the necessary tools for a healthy transition into adulthood.

The successful candidate will ensure adherence to clinical best practices within the triage and pathway functions of our community CAMHS service, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team, aligned with the I-Thrive framework for supporting children and young people.

The ideal candidate will be a registered professional (nurse, social worker, or allied health professional) with substantial experience working with children in care. Responsibilities will include conducting assessments and brief interventions for looked after children within the CAMHS triage capacity and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team and multi-agency partners.

You will oversee the implementation of the LAC care pathway and prioritize assessments for looked after children in conjunction with the LAC team.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage your daily workload effectively, ensuring that referrals for children in care are prioritized appropriately.
• Provide support, clinical advice, and guidance to the team regarding the treatment of children in care.
• Conduct assessments of children in care and their support networks to identify and address their mental health and wellbeing needs.
• Offer brief interventions and guidance to children and their support networks as needed.

Working with Us

Onboarding at NELFT
We emphasize the importance of a warm welcome and thorough induction for new team members. All new hires will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undergo a comprehensive induction program lasting up to two weeks, which includes mandatory training, systems training, and equipment allocation. During this process, new starters will have the opportunity to meet the executive team and senior managers, as well as participate in various engagement and wellbeing sessions.

Probationary Period
This position is subject to a probationary period, with internal applicants exempt unless currently undergoing a probationary period or part of the bank staff.

High Cost Area Supplement – London
This role includes a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,313 and a maximum payment of £5,436 per annum).

Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development of an effective team alongside the LAC team and foster productive relationships throughout the Trust and with local authority social care teams.
• Promote integrated health and social care working both internally and externally to support the management of children in care.
• Encourage the sharing of clinical knowledge across Children's services and with local authority teams.
• Participate in staff appraisals and supervisions as appropriate.
• Supervise students on placements within the service, ensuring they receive adequate support and experience.
• Attend LAC/CAMHS meetings bi-weekly to ensure effective communication and collaboration for the benefit of children in care.
• Lead educational initiatives and awareness-raising efforts regarding LAC mental health alongside the wider LAC team.

Clinical Skills

• Act as an autonomous, registered practitioner, accountable for your actions in accordance with professional codes of conduct and Trust guidelines.
• Enhance professional knowledge through accredited courses, workshops, and in-house training programs.
• Ensure the highest standard of care for children in care and their families.
• Initiate referrals to specialist services and monitor progress, seeking additional support from the medical team as necessary.
• Provide children in care and their support networks with information and education to promote dignity, independence, and quality of life.
• Maintain evidence-based practice supported by research and national guidance.
• Provide clinical and professional support to junior team members regarding treatment and management of children in care.
• Demonstrate legal literacy and knowledge in supporting children and young people to make informed decisions.
• Maintain expert clinical assessment practices and knowledge of treatment and management for children referred to CAMHS.
• Promote care practices that reduce the likelihood of hospital admissions for children and young people.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and partner agencies to ensure effective communication and liaison.
• Participate in child protection and clinical supervision in line with Trust policy.
• Promote understanding of risks and harm to vulnerable children as they transition into adulthood.
• Foster a trauma-informed culture that acknowledges the lived experiences of looked after children.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Registered social worker
• Mental Health Nurse

Desirable Criteria

• Approved mental health practitioner

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience working with children and young people with mental health needs
• Experience with Children in Care
• Experience in supporting user engagement and co-production

Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Awareness of NHS Long Term Plan and priorities
• Understanding of mental health concerns affecting children in care
• Knowledge of policies governing the treatment of children in care
• Familiarity with safeguarding protocols
• Understanding of IG and Data Protection Act

Skills

Essential Criteria

• Basic IT skills
• Advanced clinical skills in community settings
• Advanced assessment and treatment skills for children with complex needs

Other

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrate Trust Values
• Ability to travel efficiently within the area
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

Benefits

At NELFT, we believe in supporting our employees holistically. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

• A long-standing commitment to equality and diversity with supportive networks for minority staff.
• Flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance, recognized as a 'Top 10 Family Friendly Employer.'
• Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to employee assistance programs and psychological support.
• Detailed information about our wellbeing and benefits can be found in our resources.

As a flexible working-friendly organization, we encourage discussions about accommodating flexible working arrangements that suit both our needs and those of our patients.