CAMHS Triage Practitioner

Job summary

We are looking for a creative, forward thinking and motivated senior clinician to join our friendly and professional multi-disciplinary Bedfordshire and Luton CAMHS Service. The post holder will be working as part of a team within our countywide CAMHS Triage Team.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake rapid triage and assessment for all referrals into the Bedfordshire CAMHS service. The post holder will work within the principles of both the agreed models of care for the services as laid down in the Single Point of Entry operational policy.

The post holder will work as an autonomous and accountable practitioner under the leadership of the CAMHS Triage Clinical Lead. This will involve the triage, assessment and signposting of all referrals into the system based on the referral pathways providing effective liaison with all agencies involved with the referral for the young person and their families/carers.

The post holder will may also be required to undertake further assessment, treatment and onward signposting for CAMHS referrals dependent on the treatment pathway, in accordance with the CAMHS Front Operational guidelines.

The post holder will be required to undertake clinical assessments across Bedfordshire / Luton.

Bedfordshire and Luton CAMHS has a thriving service-user participation group which meets regularly to consider service development initiatives. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to the service-user program, ensuring that the views of CYP with developmental disorders, and their carers, are represented in our participation program. The successful applicant would have the opportunity to initiate a quality improvement program, as well as be part of all service-wide meetings and developments.

Person Specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

• A qualification in Child Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Family Therapy, Social Work, Nursing & Registration. Counselling Psychology may be considered if the applicant has relevant CAMHS experience
• Clinical Psychology Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) Registration with HPC Qualification in appropriate mental health/social welfare profession such as Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Nursing or Counselling Masters or Doctoral level qualification in Systemic Psychotherapy or AFT agreed equivalent UKCP Registered Child Psychotherapy Honours degree. Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Psychoanalytical Observational Studies or recognised equivalent. Masters in Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Child and Adolescent. Registered member of ACP Nursing Mental Health Nurse Level 1 (RN3, RNMH in sub part 1 of the NMC Register) ENB 998 or equivalent Counselling Psychology Postgraduate Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to Doctorate program introduced) Registration with HPC Play Therapist Educated to post graduate diploma or degree level Registration with the British Association of Play Therapist (BAPT)

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within mental health settings
• Strong clinical experience of care planning, assessment and goal setting
• Experience of working in a culturally diverse Inner city area
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary way

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in CAMHS
• Experience of working with a wide range of CAMHS problems

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Skilled in emergency and crisis assessments
• Specialist clinical skills within in specific therapeutic modalities
• Able to manage own time and workload
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Evidence of ability to support and influence others
• Able to work effectively across organisational boundaries
• Teaching skills, both in clinical setting and education centres
• Basic computer skills

Knowledge

Essential

• A high degree of self-awareness and an ability to reflect on personal and professional attitudes and accept feedback
• Knowledge of specific inner city issues which impact of care delivery
• Knowledge of the Children’s Act and other appropriate legislation
• Knowledge of standard setting and audit implementation

Closing Date: 26 July 2026