Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist

Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist to join our specialist CEDS team , delivering psychoanalytic psychotherapy to children, young people and their families. You will provide specialist assessment and intervention for those with complex and persistent eating-disorder presentations, taking autonomous responsibility for assessment, treatment and discharge. The role includes managing your own caseload, contributing to weekly case discussions, and offering consultation and expertise across the wider multi-agency network.

You will also play a key role in service development , training and supervision. This may involve supporting trainees, providing consultation to colleagues, and contributing to the development of CAPT provision across CEDS and CAMHS. You will participate in audit, evaluation and research, using evidence-based practice to help the service evolve and maintain high clinical standards.

We are looking for a clinician committed to reflective practice, professional integrity and collaborative working. You will uphold high standards in safeguarding, ethics and information governance, maintaining accurate records and contributing to a safe, inclusive and responsive service. If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with eating disorders, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Main duties of the job
The core focus of the role is the delivery of specialist psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and young people with complex eating-disorder presentations. This includes providing specialist assessments, formulating and delivering therapeutic interventions, managing an autonomous caseload, and contributing to multidisciplinary and multi-agency work. The post-holder also offers consultation and expertise to colleagues, participates in case discussions and service meetings, and produces high-quality clinical reports that convey the key findings of assessment, formulation and treatment outcome . They are expected to liaise effectively with external agencies and ensure all practice aligns with professional ethical standards.

Alongside clinical work, the role contributes to service development, supervision and training , helping shape CAPT provision across CEDS and CAMHS. Responsibilities include offering supervision where appropriate, supporting training for staff and trainees, and participating in audit, evaluation and research to strengthen evidence-based practice. The post-holder also maintains accurate records consistent with the current legislation , complies with Trust policies, and upholds high standards in safeguarding, equality, information governance and professional conduct.

About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - what better place to shape and develop your leadership career. We deliver care to over 1 million patients & users each year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. Our 30,000 plus strong workforce is central to our success and innovation.You will play a pivotal part in supporting our operational excellence and strategic ambitions. You'll work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams, driving improvements that enhance patient experience, staff wellbeing, and service efficiency across the Trust.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, ideas, and expertise are valued. You'll have access to professional development, digital tools and opportunities to contribute to transformational projects that shape the future of healthcare delivery.We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing, recognising the vital role you play in our organisation's success.Join us and help shape the future of our Trust--make a real difference to our teams, our services, and our communities, and fundamentally, our patients.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place . This welcoming one-stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place , simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Qualifications
Essential

• Doctorate/Professional level qualification as a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist as recognised by the Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Full membership of the Association of Child Psychotherapists

Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of awareness of child and adolescent mental health in relation to infant/child mental health matters. Evidence of clinical supervision
• Knowledge of legislation and national guidance in relation to the needs of infants and young children
• Doctoral level knowledge of child and adolescent psychotherapy including highly developed knowledge of psychoanalytical/psychological theories and models of development, psychopathology, family and institutional dynamics
• Working knowledge of professional systems involved in work with children and adolescents, particularly in relation to the statutory framework around child protection

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with patient groups presenting high levels of complexity, including infants, young children and families
• Experience in psychotherapy/psychological assessment and therapeutic work with infants and young children and their families/parents/carers with a full range of presenting problems
• Experience of consulting with other professionals in Health, Education Social Services and Local Authority
• Experience of representing child psychotherapy within the context of multidisciplinary and multi-agency treatment and care

Desirable

• Experience of working in CAMHS and/or with young people with Eating Disorders & Adolescent Psychotherapist. /clinical psychologist
• Experience of Audit
• Experience of research
• Experience of work or contact with adult mental health service
• Experience of supervision of Band 6 trainee psychotherapist

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.