24 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    11 January 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    18 December 2025

Job details

Job role

  • Other leadership roles

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time, part time: Monday to Friday, 30-35 hours per week (negotiable)

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£54,495.00 - £62,636.00

Actual salary

£47,453.49 - £54,542.57

Pay scale

NJC Scale 43 – 50

What skills and experience we're looking for

Qualifications/Training

Essential

Post-graduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS

Registered as a clinical psychologist with the HCPC

Fully competent as a Clinical Psychologist with up-to-date knowledge of mental health and wellbeing in children

Evidence of and commitment to continuing professional and personal development since qualification and registration

Clinical supervision training

Qualifications/Training

Desirable

Post qualification training in CAT, Schema Therapy, systemic therapy, DBT or CBT

Additional training in HSB, violence and aggression, safeguarding

Evidence of further qualification or training relevant to the field of SEMH

Up to date knowledge of issues in special education

Experience

Essential

Considerable experience of working as a psychologist with children and adults with SEMH, neurodevelopmental conditions, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and experiences of trauma

Experience of teaching, training and providing professional and /or clinical supervision.

Relevant & significant post-qualification experience

Experience of and ability to conduct and develop assessment and formulations to inform and implement intervention plans and recommendations for others in a range of settings

Experience of effective working within multidisciplinary services (working with both clinical and non-clinical, internal and external professionals)

Experience of offering consultation and advice to staff groups supporting vulnerable clients

Experience supporting families facing complex challenges, including trauma, family breakdown, behavioural difficulties and of working with children who are looked after (CLA) and /or adopted and their families

Experience of effectively working across different systems / levels within an organisation e.g. service development, group and individual levels

Experience

Desirable

Published research or writing in professional/academic outlets

Experience as a qualified psychologist across multiple services

Previous experience working in an educational setting or SEMH school

Experience delivering workshops or training sessions for parents and carers

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex situations involving a range of options to make decisions about an appropriate course of action or solution to a problem

Skilled in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management with both children and adult service users and their families

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families and professionals both within and outside clinical / therapeutic services

Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies for complex problems (e.g. trauma, communication challenges, behaviours that challenge).

The ability to lead psychological services within an MDT and to work collaboratively with professionals from other disciplines

Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology and the ability to use evaluation tools to demonstrate and improve service effectiveness and outcomes

Knowledge of legislation and national standards and guidelines that relate this client group

Familiarity and proficiency with evidence-based, client and family centred approaches, including Systemic Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or trauma-informed practices

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build trust and rapport with families from diverse backgrounds

Strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple cases effectively and maintain accurate records

Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and the ability to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Sound understanding of client confidentiality and ethics

Knowledge and Skills

Desirable

Familiarity with the challenges faced by families in navigating educational systems and mental health services.

Ability to develop creative and adaptable strategies to meet the unique needs of children, young adults and families

Awareness of local community resources and services to support children and families

Personal Qualities

Essential

Enthusiasm for work within an education system.

Ability to work under pressure and set priorities

Ability to cope and work with frequent exposure to highly distressing and emotional situations including children, young adults and parents / carers who may be distressed, angry, confrontational or violent.

Ability to contain and work with organisational stress and the ability to hold the stress of others

Ability to work within teams and motivate others as well as working autonomously

Ability to sit for prolonged periods during assessments, patient interviews, case conferences

Has integrity, is reliable, self-aware and remains calm in crisis

Is warm and empathic with a compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to working, with a commitment to empowering families.

Resilient, with the ability to manage emotional challenges and maintain professional boundaries

A collaborative mindset, with the commitment and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and under the supervision of the Head of Therapeutic Practice and Health

Commitment to the Foundation’s aims, ethos and values including promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, Quality of Life and Positive Behaviour Support in all aspects of the role.

Possesses a determination to succeed, and is passionate about their work, discipline and professional interests

Has the ability to adapt to and promote change

A strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively across different teams and the William Henry Smith Foundation functions.

Any Additional Factors

Essential

Willingness to work flexible hours, to accommodate child and family needs

Holds a valid UK driving licence, and can undertake home / external visits as required


What the school offers its staff

Why Join Us?

At William Henry Smith Foundation, we are committed to delivering exceptional education and care in safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments. You will join a team of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose: helping every young person reach their full potential.

We offer:

A competitive salary and benefits package include: -

  • A friendly and inclusive working environment
  • Opportunities to truly enrich the lives of our children and young people and make a positive difference.
  • Quality of Life and Well-being programme of activity, experiences and gifts
  • A competitive defined pension scheme
  • An employee assistance healthcare cashback plan
  • Life Assurance Scheme (4x annual salary)
  • A full induction programme, including an outstanding network of support
  • A learning and development programme and CPD
  • Assistance with childcare savings and cycle to work scheme
  • Subscription to Head Space, Perks at Work and Discount for Teachers online apps which offer hundreds of discounts and benefits
  • 50% towards the cost of branded work wear
  • Personal health and fitness training, and a financial advisory service
  • Free staff lunches and on-site parking
  • One life day and one additional life day if 100% attendance is achieved*

Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced child/adult DBS check including barred list (this is a regulated activity position).

The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on school website (opens in new tab)

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form

School type
Special school, ages 5 to 19
School size
88 pupils enrolled
Age range
5 to 19
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Phone number
01484 710 123

William Henry Smith Foundation values equality and diversity across its workforce and aims to ensure our staff community is reflective of the diversity of the children and young people within our care. We are also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.

William Henry Smith Foundation is a registered charity that operates the outstanding William Henry Smith School, Sixth Form and Specialist College and therapeutic children’s home, all for children and young adults experiencing social, emotional, and mental health challenges (SEMH).

The School, Sixth-Form, Specialist College and Children's home have a wealth and breadth of professionals which form an integrated team around students, including Creative Arts Psychotherapists, Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists, Nurses, a Social Worker and a Family team. Residential Care and Teaching and Learning staff play a vital part in children’s lives, progress and quality of life.

Arranging a visit to The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@whsfoundation.org.uk.

School location

Similar jobs nearby

Chief Executive Officer

Focus Academy Trust (Uk) Ltd

Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9RH

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in West Yorkshire