Specialist CAMHS Practitioner - Learning Disabilities

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Job overview

Harrow CAMHS are looking for a permanent Specialist CAMHS Practitioner on a full time basis, to join our friendly, supportive, and experienced multi-disciplinary specialist mental health service. We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled clinician to be a core member of the LD team. They should maintain clinical curiosity and engage in reflective practice as well as be able to be an advocate for children, young people and families' needs. Previous experience within CAMHS-LD or adult LD settings (particularly with safeguarding, risk and Positive Behavioural Support [PBS]) would be helpful.

Harrow CAMHS-LD team is set up to provide specialist assessment and consultation to children and young people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and their families and carers. In recent years this team has been expanded to increase the capacity of the service allowing for exciting new developments. In line with the Transforming Care agenda these developments are focussed on providing more intense support to those most at risk of restrictive practice. Our practitioners have undergone PBS training as part of a borough wide initiative to increase this approach.

The Trust will support flexible working hours where appropriate.

To find out more about working in CAMHS,CLICK HEREfor our video.

Main duties of the job

The Harrow CAMH service is based at Ash Tree Clinic in South Harrow. The team is well established and is staffed by a large multi-disciplinary team of clinicians. We aim to provide an accessible, flexible and responsive local service for patients and professionals working with children in the area using the whole range of therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, systemic and family therapies, psychotherapy, psychoeducation and therapy groups and multi-family work as well as Positive Behaviour Support. Harrow CAMHS consists of four main sub-teams: Emotional Disorders Team; Neurodevelopmental Team; Enhanced Treatment Team, and; Learning Disabilities (LD-CAMHS).

We offer training and support to enable clinicians to undertake a range of diagnostic and other specialist / adapted assessments, including for ASD, ADHD and to review LD diagnosis. As well as family-focused PBS interventions, we also offer a range of therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic groups, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), parent drop-ins, psychoeducation and school consultation, in addition to a developing attachment-based, narrative and systemic practice.

The post holder may also be required to travel to other parts of the catchment area and / or wider service and trust as necessary, including working within the community (e.g. schools).

The service operates Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17:00.

About us

Working for our organisation

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a prominent mental health trust offering high quality children's mental health services across 5 boroughs of London. The Trust supports staff wellbeing, reflective practice and monthly team reflective groups in CAMHS teams. Harrow CAMHS-LD has a strong multi-disciplinary approach and thrives on innovative practice to meet the local population needs. We have strong links with our neighbouring CAMHS-LD teams within CNWL as well as universities and other local partners and stakeholders. The post provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in clinical practice and leadership via regular clinical supervision, being part of Quality Improvement (QI) projects, CPD opportunities as well as multi-disciplinary working within an experienced wider service of Family Therapists, Psychotherapists, Nurses, Child Wellbeing Practitioners, Psychiatrists and Clinical / Counselling Psychologists

As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

Date posted

04 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,836 to £52,849 a year pro rata per annum including HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-G-CA-1187-C

Job locations

Ash Tree Clinic

322-326 Northolt Road

South Harrow

HA2 8EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

  • To provide comprehensive specialist assessments, including risk assessment of children, young people and their families/carers referred with moderate, complex and severe mental health problems/ behaviours that challenge others using the PBS framework.
  • To use a range of assessment techniques including observations, standard measures and questionnaires, direct work and interviews with parents and professionals in order to collate information required to complete a functional analysis assessment.
  • To formulate and to be responsible for implementing in partnership with other agencies working with the child/young person a positive behaviour plan/ intervention.
  • To communicate in a sensitive manner assessment outcomes/ PBS formulations and positive behaviour support plans.
  • To co-ordinate and run psycho-educational and therapeutic groups using the PBS framework with support from the assistant psychologist/team lead.
  • To evaluate the implementation and impact of the intervention.
  • To write confidential behavioural support plans, reports for case conferences, and education that may have wide ranging implications for children, young people and their families.
  • To be available to carry out urgent assessments. Assessments and interventions will be conducted in school settings, clinic settings, patients home and the community.
  • To undertake other psychological and/or diagnostic assessments (i.e. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, or cognitive assessments) and interventions if required and appropriate.
  • To provide consultation and appropriate training to other professionals working with the children referred to the service in order to ensure implementation of behavioural support plans and PBS skills.
  • To attend PBS training and to deliver relevant training to families and other agencies in order to support and ensure the implementation of PBS.
  • To liaise with and where appropriate participate in joint work with other members of the Learning Disabilities Pathway in Harrow CAMHS Learning Disabilities team.
  • To act as care coordinator for an identified caseload and to be responsible for the coordination of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic packages of care provided by the multidisciplinary team.
  • To act as care coordinator in accordance with CPA guidelines within the CAMHS community setting.
  • To ensure that the needs of the client group is paramount and be aware of and adhere to NICE Guidelines relating to Child Protection.
  • To ensure acceptable levels of safety (regarding potential verbal and physical aggression from disturbed clients) for self and to advise other colleagues when necessary. To adhere to the lone worker policy and update training in breakaway techniques when necessary.
  • To maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with service standards and to record and maintain patient data in local database systems (System 1) and the trust wide electronic database.

Person Specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities | or Post graduate training in autism and Challenging behaviour (e.g. ABA diploma, IABA extended course, post grad certificate in autism, MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis | Or Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical/counselling Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) & Registration with HCPC | Or Bachelor/Post-graduate Diploma/ MSc in Speech & Language Therapy with registration with HCPC and membership of RCSLT | Or Art Therapies with registration with HCPC Training in Positive Behaviour Support or Applied Behavioural Analysis
  • Behaviour analyst would need to be either/both BCBA or UKSBA registered

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working in CAMHS Or experience in Adult Services for Autism/ Learning Disability with clear evidence of transferrable skills
  • Experience of group-work
  • Experience of working with a wide range of learning disabilities and mental health problems
  • Experience of care planning
  • Experience of working in a culturally diverse Inner-city area
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary way
  • Experience in crisis wor

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Evidence of well developed clinical skills and knowledge in CAMHS
  • Specialist clinical skills for the assessment and treatment of Mental health in Learning Disabilities and ASD
  • Skilled in emergency and crisis assessments
  • Able to manage own time and caseload
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work effectively across organisational boundaries
  • Teaching skills, both in clinical setting and education centres
  • Ability to work virtually using trust approved virtual meeting platforms.
  • Computer skills, including Excel

Knowledge

Essential

  • A developed knowledge of LD and ASD as well as issues related to assessment and interventions for this population
  • Awareness of current national guidelines and policies in the field of CAMHS
  • Knowledge of legislation and its implication for clinical practice in relation to children, young people and their families
  • Knowledge of specific inner-city issues which impact of care delivery
  • An awareness of different research methods
  • A working knowledge of Child Protection Guidelines

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

  • To provide comprehensive specialist assessments, including risk assessment of children, young people and their families/carers referred with moderate, complex and severe mental health problems/ behaviours that challenge others using the PBS framework.
  • To use a range of assessment techniques including observations, standard measures and questionnaires, direct work and interviews with parents and professionals in order to collate information required to complete a functional analysis assessment.
  • To formulate and to be responsible for implementing in partnership with other agencies working with the child/young person a positive behaviour plan/ intervention.
  • To communicate in a sensitive manner assessment outcomes/ PBS formulations and positive behaviour support plans.
  • To co-ordinate and run psycho-educational and therapeutic groups using the PBS framework with support from the assistant psychologist/team lead.
  • To evaluate the implementation and impact of the intervention.
  • To write confidential behavioural support plans, reports for case conferences, and education that may have wide ranging implications for children, young people and their families.
  • To be available to carry out urgent assessments. Assessments and interventions will be conducted in school settings, clinic settings, patients home and the community.
  • To undertake other psychological and/or diagnostic assessments (i.e. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, or cognitive assessments) and interventions if required and appropriate.
  • To provide consultation and appropriate training to other professionals working with the children referred to the service in order to ensure implementation of behavioural support plans and PBS skills.
  • To attend PBS training and to deliver relevant training to families and other agencies in order to support and ensure the implementation of PBS.
  • To liaise with and where appropriate participate in joint work with other members of the Learning Disabilities Pathway in Harrow CAMHS Learning Disabilities team.
  • To act as care coordinator for an identified caseload and to be responsible for the coordination of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic packages of care provided by the multidisciplinary team.
  • To act as care coordinator in accordance with CPA guidelines within the CAMHS community setting.
  • To ensure that the needs of the client group is paramount and be aware of and adhere to NICE Guidelines relating to Child Protection.
  • To ensure acceptable levels of safety (regarding potential verbal and physical aggression from disturbed clients) for self and to advise other colleagues when necessary. To adhere to the lone worker policy and update training in breakaway techniques when necessary.
  • To maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with service standards and to record and maintain patient data in local database systems (System 1) and the trust wide electronic database.

Person Specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities | or Post graduate training in autism and Challenging behaviour (e.g. ABA diploma, IABA extended course, post grad certificate in autism, MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis | Or Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical/counselling Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) & Registration with HCPC | Or Bachelor/Post-graduate Diploma/ MSc in Speech & Language Therapy with registration with HCPC and membership of RCSLT | Or Art Therapies with registration with HCPC Training in Positive Behaviour Support or Applied Behavioural Analysis
  • Behaviour analyst would need to be either/both BCBA or UKSBA registered

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working in CAMHS Or experience in Adult Services for Autism/ Learning Disability with clear evidence of transferrable skills
  • Experience of group-work
  • Experience of working with a wide range of learning disabilities and mental health problems
  • Experience of care planning
  • Experience of working in a culturally diverse Inner-city area
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary way
  • Experience in crisis wor

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Evidence of well developed clinical skills and knowledge in CAMHS
  • Specialist clinical skills for the assessment and treatment of Mental health in Learning Disabilities and ASD
  • Skilled in emergency and crisis assessments
  • Able to manage own time and caseload
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work effectively across organisational boundaries
  • Teaching skills, both in clinical setting and education centres
  • Ability to work virtually using trust approved virtual meeting platforms.
  • Computer skills, including Excel

Knowledge

Essential

  • A developed knowledge of LD and ASD as well as issues related to assessment and interventions for this population
  • Awareness of current national guidelines and policies in the field of CAMHS
  • Knowledge of legislation and its implication for clinical practice in relation to children, young people and their families
  • Knowledge of specific inner-city issues which impact of care delivery
  • An awareness of different research methods
  • A working knowledge of Child Protection Guidelines

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities Or Post graduate training in autism and Challenging behaviour (e.g. ABA diploma, IABA extended course, post grad certificate in autism, MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis Or Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical/counselling Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) & registration with HCPC Or Bachelor/Post-graduate Diploma/ MSc in Speech & Language Therapy with registration with HCPC and membership of RCSLT Or Art Therapies with registration with HCPC. Training in Positive Behaviour Support or Applied Behavioural Analysis

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working in CAMHS Or experience in Adult Services for Autism/ Learning Disability with clear evidence of transferrable skills
  • Experience of group-work
  • Experience of working with a wide range of learning disabilities and mental health problems
  • Experience of care planning
  • Experience of working in a culturally diverse Inner-city area
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary way
  • Experience in crisis work

Desirable

  • Specific experience in LD and ASD assessment and treatment protocols
  • Experience in assessment and interventions using the PBS framework/ Applied Behavioural Analysis
  • Training in diagnostic assessments (i.e. ADOS2 and/or 3DI)
  • Experience of specialist assessments and treatments for LD/ ASD and behaviours that challenge
  • Experience in delivering interventions in patients' homes
  • Experience of supervising others.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities Or Post graduate training in autism and Challenging behaviour (e.g. ABA diploma, IABA extended course, post grad certificate in autism, MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis Or Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical/counselling Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) & registration with HCPC Or Bachelor/Post-graduate Diploma/ MSc in Speech & Language Therapy with registration with HCPC and membership of RCSLT Or Art Therapies with registration with HCPC. Training in Positive Behaviour Support or Applied Behavioural Analysis

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working in CAMHS Or experience in Adult Services for Autism/ Learning Disability with clear evidence of transferrable skills
  • Experience of group-work
  • Experience of working with a wide range of learning disabilities and mental health problems
  • Experience of care planning
  • Experience of working in a culturally diverse Inner-city area
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary way
  • Experience in crisis work

Desirable

  • Specific experience in LD and ASD assessment and treatment protocols
  • Experience in assessment and interventions using the PBS framework/ Applied Behavioural Analysis
  • Training in diagnostic assessments (i.e. ADOS2 and/or 3DI)
  • Experience of specialist assessments and treatments for LD/ ASD and behaviours that challenge
  • Experience in delivering interventions in patients' homes
  • Experience of supervising others.

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Ash Tree Clinic

322-326 Northolt Road

South Harrow

HA2 8EQ


Employer's website

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Ash Tree Clinic

322-326 Northolt Road

South Harrow

HA2 8EQ


Employer's website

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Principal Clinical Psychologist

Natalie Kanakam

natalie.kanakam2@nhs.net

07927589007

Date posted

04 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,836 to £52,849 a year pro rata per annum including HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-G-CA-1187-C

Job locations

Ash Tree Clinic

322-326 Northolt Road

South Harrow

HA2 8EQ


Supporting documents

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