Counselling Psychologist / Clinical Lead (Residential)

Our new childrens home in Colchester will be responsible for providing stable, short-term and supportive placements for children who are unable to live with their birth families at the current time.

As a key member of our residential staff team, the Clinical Lead will support both staff and children living in our homes, lead the development of a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach to care, evaluate the effectiveness of their input and the improved outcomes for children, and provide specialist advice and training to professionals and families/carers., In this role, you will work closely with a dynamic team of social workers, clinical leads, mental health coordinators and local mental health service providers to enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of children and young people who have experienced trauma. Your role will involve fostering nurturing collaborative relationships, and you will actively contribute to the strategic and operational development of our trauma-informed, therapeutic approach to care.

As a specialist in your field, you will provide invaluable advice and training to both professionals and families/carers, helping develop effective strategies to maintain children in their placements, resolve issues and achieve positive outcomes. Your responsibilities will also include conducting highly specialised assessments of therapeutic and placement needs when necessary. Working with a high degree of autonomy while adhering to professional guidelines and our organisational framework, you will collaborate across services to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children, young people, carers and Social Care colleagues.

Furthermore, you will play a pivotal role in continually improving our services, implementing changes and evaluating service quality. You will leverage digital technologies and innovation to enhance our function, all while celebrating and championing Equality and Diversity in every decision you make.

Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. Englands oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest Basildon and Harlow are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.