West London NHS Trust
Job summary
Due to on-going investment, a structure review and subsequent expansion of the West London CAMHS Systemic & Family Psychotherapy Team, we are extremely pleased to be able to recruit a permanent Band 8a Higher Specialist Systemic and Family Psychotherapist to join the Cross-borough Eating Disorder Team, based at Ealing CAMHS, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall UB2 4SA.
West London CAMHS Eating Disorders Service is a well-established multidisciplinary Specialist Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, which is an integral part of the wider CAMH Service. West London CAMHS employs family therapists across many specialties including generic CAMHS, Eating Disorders, Neuro-developmental Conditions and Learning Disabilities. This means there is ample opportunity for networking with colleagues and sharing expertise.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work alongside other family therapists in a family therapy clinic in addition to holding an individual caseload. You will receive regular clinical, professional and management supervision from a Principal Systemic & Family Psychotherapist. We offer a range of in house and external training opportunities e.g. Narrative therapy; NVR; CYP-IAPT. West London CAMHS has good relationships with local family therapy training providers, and we offer specialist placements to trainees.
Main duties of the job
Family Therapy and family-based interventions are the primary intervention offered to families where there is a diagnosed eating disorder. The successful candidate will be key in supporting the continued development of these interventions and supporting colleagues in the facilitation of systemic interventions.
As a Systemic & Family Psychotherapist within West London CAMHS you will be offered good opportunities for continuing professional development and you will be supported in your career progression. The post holder will be part of a growing team of clinicians with a special interest and expertise in working with children, and young people, who are presenting with complex mental health needs.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Post-graduate training in systemic family therapists as accredited by IFT or AFT.
- Professional registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- Minimum four years’ practice in relevant first profession including experience of safe-guarding children.
Desirable
- CYP IAPT training
- Training in Systemic supervision and consultation
- FT-AN/FBT/MFT training
Experience
Essential
- To have an interest in working with young people who have an eating disorder and their families/carers.
- At least three years’ experience of work with children and adolescents in a mental health or equivalent setting, including work with young people with eating disorders.
- To have a commitment to and experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Experience of supervision or consultation.
- Experience of research and audit.
Desirable
- Experience/ or interest in running Multi Family Therapy groups (MFT)
- Experience of teaching and training in systemic psychotherapy.
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence base in relation to eating disorder treatments.
- Evidence base in relation to child mental health.
- Research and research methodology at post-graduate level in relation to children and adults with mental health and social problems.
- A developed understanding of the impact of abuse, trauma and other adverse experiences on children and families.
- Legislation and DOH guidelines relevant to eating disorders and other child and adolescent mental health presentations.
- Child protection policies and procedures.
Desirable
- Well-developed knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised systemic family therapy with vulnerable and hard to reach families.
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of highly specialised psychological therapies and assessment methodologies.
Skills
Essential
- Clinical experience and skills in engaging young people who have an eating disorder and their families/carers.
- Ability to formulate comprehensive assessments and offer effective treatment based on systemic principles.
- Ability to apply analytical skills to multi-layered complex cases and to attend to issues of risk.
- Ability to provide on-going treatment in complex and frequently changing circumstances.
- Ability to liaise with and manage complex professional networks in relation to individuals and families.
- Skills in consulting to professional colleagues within and outside CAMHS
- Ability to manage high levels of emotional distress and think clearly in emotionally charged situations.
Desirable
- Word processing skills, including the ability to use internet and other computer technology effectively
Closing Date: 1 December 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.