South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Parent Infant Psychotherapist

The closing date is 09 January 2026

Job summary

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are pleased to host a 12-month, 22.5hrs per week temporary contract (with potential to be extended to 3yrs), working in the Wakefield PAIR Team.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified and registered Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists who have a special interest/skills in working with parents and infants.

The successful candidate will provide specialist psychotherapy into a dedicated parent infant relationships team, ensuring specialist leadership for the development of the psychological elements of delivery and pathways. They will deliver Parent-infant Psychoanalytic psychotherapy with families in a variety of settings across the whole Wakefield district. They will ensure delivery of multiple specialist therapeutic interventions on a one-to-one or group basis. Interventions will include Parent-infant psychotherapy, Video Interaction Guidance and the Circle of Security Parenting Programme providing families with a cohesive multidisciplinary treatment offer.

They will support case discussion and supervision in the specialist PAIR team as well as supporting case discussion/supervision for professionals working at Tier 1/universal services and Tier 2/targeted services level.

It is anticipated the psychotherapists time will be split approximately: 70% providing direct interventions to families and 30% providing capacity building activities across the system.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will have access to specialist supervision.

The post holder will provide psychological assessments, formulations and interventions for women and their babies experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy and up to the baby being two years of age.

They will have oversight of the caseload for complex cases requiring parent-infant psychotherapy and other range of specialist interventions.

The post holder will lead on developing links across community services which provide services to families and infants to offer consultation and supervision to build a robust system and workforce.

The role will also include providing Parent Infant awareness training to ensure that staff remain up to date and all interventions are evidence based.

They will work in partnership with PAIR Team Clinical Leads to continue to shape and develop the PAIR team.

The Service operates Monday-Friday; 9.00am-5.00pm however successful applicants would be expected to have the flexibility to work occasional extended hours to facilitate service effectiveness. Car driver essential.

Please contact Claire Lowe by emailing Claire.Lowe@swyt.nhs.uk for further details.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

15 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2370

Job locations

8 Fox View Hub, Dewsbury District Hospital

Halifax Road

Dewsbury

WF13 4AD


Job description

Job responsibilities

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will work autonomously within professional guidelines to provide Psychotherapy services to the Service. As part of the multi-disciplinary team and working in partnership with other lead agencies when appropriate, the post holder will be responsible for providing highly specialist assessment of service users and the planning, implementation and evaluation of highly specialist psychotherapy.

The post holder will provide specialist advice and consultation to NHS colleagues, referrers and other external agencies.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical Duties

1. Working autonomously as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide assessments and psychotherapy for service users practicing at a high level of clinical expertise and within relevant Codes of Practice and drawing on a wide range of models and techniques.

2. To formulate a range of treatment options based on an appropriate conceptual framework. To identify priorities of action in complex circumstances. As part of this practice, there will be the need to identify risk and take appropriate action.

3. To work in ways which are sensitive to and appropriate for the needs of service users from a wide range of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. This includes abilities to understand and offer therapeutic interventions to service users

4. To provide psychotherapy as an autonomous clinician, drawing on a range of models and techniques when required. To practice in a way that is inclusive and considerate of the needs of each individual and their current emotional state. Ensuring that consultation, assessment and treatment interventions are provided in partnership with service users and their families.

5. To be responsible for implementing a range of psychotherapeutic interventions for service users, adjusting and refining formulations drawing upon different explanatory models and maintaining a number of provisional hypotheses.

6. To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the patient and their difficulties.

7. To ensure that appropriate feedback on caseload is provided to relevant stakeholders, and that feedback from service users is utilised to enhance and develop service delivery. To be responsible for attending CPA meetings and reviews where appropriate.

8. To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients as appropriate. Responsible for ensuring that referrals and discharges are made in accordance with relevant policy and procedures and the principles of good practice. Include elements of risk assessment in all work.

9. To assist the Clinical Lead and Service Manager in the on-going development and provision of Psychotherapy Services, promoting a high level of clinical practice to ensure a needs-led service.

10. To facilitate other team members work with service users through joint work and supervision.

11. To manage complex clinical planning, and provide specialist consultation, advice and guidance to other professionals. The post holder will attend training and monthly supervision for their clinical work and will be expected to contribute to the supervision of others. This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with highly complex, emotive and often conflictual issues.

12. To maintain high standards of clinical record keeping and to adhere to policies and procedures as defined by the Trust and Other Statutory Bodies and to adhere to professional ethical standards and codes of practice of professional bodies and UKCP or HCPC. To provide comprehensive reports as required.

13. Demonstrate awareness of research and its application to clinical practice.

14. Ensure that appropriate feedback on work is provided to relevant stakeholders/referrers/ researchers, and that feedback from service users is utilised to enhance and develop service delivery.

15. Communicate in highly skilled and sensitive manner information concerning assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients. Effectively communicate professional opinion, verbally and in writing to service users, other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies.

16. Contribute to the writing of information sheets and leaflets as necessary.

17. Working in partnerships with other lead Agencies, to ensure that Child & Adult Protection issues are addressed effectively and within all local procedures.

18. Communicate effectively with service users, members of the multidisciplinary team and other statutory and voluntary agencies and maintain close links with relevant clinicians and services.

Management, Policy and Service Development

To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services, through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit. This will include assisting with the completion of statistical information to ensure quality and quantity of services available or highlight areas of deficit.

To advise both service and professional management on psychotherapeutic issues.

To assist in the development of policies, procedures and plans in order to enhance and develop Psychotherapy as part of the service

To attend and participate in the multi-disciplinary team.

To assist in the implementation of Trust strategy for Scientific and Professional staff in accordance with recommendations following CQC inspections and as part of Local Delivery Plans.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will work autonomously within professional guidelines to provide Psychotherapy services to the Service. As part of the multi-disciplinary team and working in partnership with other lead agencies when appropriate, the post holder will be responsible for providing highly specialist assessment of service users and the planning, implementation and evaluation of highly specialist psychotherapy.

The post holder will provide specialist advice and consultation to NHS colleagues, referrers and other external agencies.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical Duties

1. Working autonomously as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide assessments and psychotherapy for service users practicing at a high level of clinical expertise and within relevant Codes of Practice and drawing on a wide range of models and techniques.

2. To formulate a range of treatment options based on an appropriate conceptual framework. To identify priorities of action in complex circumstances. As part of this practice, there will be the need to identify risk and take appropriate action.

3. To work in ways which are sensitive to and appropriate for the needs of service users from a wide range of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. This includes abilities to understand and offer therapeutic interventions to service users

4. To provide psychotherapy as an autonomous clinician, drawing on a range of models and techniques when required. To practice in a way that is inclusive and considerate of the needs of each individual and their current emotional state. Ensuring that consultation, assessment and treatment interventions are provided in partnership with service users and their families.

5. To be responsible for implementing a range of psychotherapeutic interventions for service users, adjusting and refining formulations drawing upon different explanatory models and maintaining a number of provisional hypotheses.

6. To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the patient and their difficulties.

7. To ensure that appropriate feedback on caseload is provided to relevant stakeholders, and that feedback from service users is utilised to enhance and develop service delivery. To be responsible for attending CPA meetings and reviews where appropriate.

8. To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients as appropriate. Responsible for ensuring that referrals and discharges are made in accordance with relevant policy and procedures and the principles of good practice. Include elements of risk assessment in all work.

9. To assist the Clinical Lead and Service Manager in the on-going development and provision of Psychotherapy Services, promoting a high level of clinical practice to ensure a needs-led service.

10. To facilitate other team members work with service users through joint work and supervision.

11. To manage complex clinical planning, and provide specialist consultation, advice and guidance to other professionals. The post holder will attend training and monthly supervision for their clinical work and will be expected to contribute to the supervision of others. This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with highly complex, emotive and often conflictual issues.

12. To maintain high standards of clinical record keeping and to adhere to policies and procedures as defined by the Trust and Other Statutory Bodies and to adhere to professional ethical standards and codes of practice of professional bodies and UKCP or HCPC. To provide comprehensive reports as required.

13. Demonstrate awareness of research and its application to clinical practice.

14. Ensure that appropriate feedback on work is provided to relevant stakeholders/referrers/ researchers, and that feedback from service users is utilised to enhance and develop service delivery.

15. Communicate in highly skilled and sensitive manner information concerning assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients. Effectively communicate professional opinion, verbally and in writing to service users, other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies.

16. Contribute to the writing of information sheets and leaflets as necessary.

17. Working in partnerships with other lead Agencies, to ensure that Child & Adult Protection issues are addressed effectively and within all local procedures.

18. Communicate effectively with service users, members of the multidisciplinary team and other statutory and voluntary agencies and maintain close links with relevant clinicians and services.

Management, Policy and Service Development

To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services, through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit. This will include assisting with the completion of statistical information to ensure quality and quantity of services available or highlight areas of deficit.

To advise both service and professional management on psychotherapeutic issues.

To assist in the development of policies, procedures and plans in order to enhance and develop Psychotherapy as part of the service

To attend and participate in the multi-disciplinary team.

To assist in the implementation of Trust strategy for Scientific and Professional staff in accordance with recommendations following CQC inspections and as part of Local Delivery Plans.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Enthusiastic, self-motivated team player.
  • Teaching skills.
  • Physical stamina to support clinical caseload which requires intense concentration whilst sitting with client groups or in video screen rooms observing clients for prolonged periods.
  • Emotional stamina and ability to respond constructively in highly stressful situations where individuals hold very different perspectives and there is a high level of distress, ambiguity and conflict.
  • Able to negotiate, be confident and assertive.
  • Ability to work on own initiative.
  • Supportive approach towards colleagues and service users.
  • Able to maintain professional boundaries and conduct.
  • Flexible and creative approach to treatments/models of care.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Desirable

  • A commitment to the continuous improvement of services using feedback from individual clients, families, user surveys and clinical research.
  • A demonstrated interest in supporting the development of the field through participation in professional bodies and activities.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered qualification in core mental health/social welfare profession OR completion of Low Intensity Talking Therapies (IAPT) Training and Knowledge/Skills and Attitudes Accreditation with BABCP.
  • Qualifying level course in Psychotherapy or equivalent at Masters/Doctoral level.
  • Registration/ Accreditation with the relevant professional/accrediting body for the model of psychotherapy relevant to this post. , e.g. UKCP, ACAP, BABCP.

Experience

Essential

  • Substantial post qualification experience, some of which must be working with users of the service.
  • Substantial experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to prioritise case referrals, assessment and discharge effectively on an individual basis or within multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

  • Specialist expertise in particular areas Group work experience.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Training

Essential

  • Approved Clinical Supervisor.
  • Post qualification training to demonstrate competency to work across a number of modalities.
  • Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Advanced knowledge and skills in using the complete range of approaches within psychotherapeutic practice as required to meet the needs of different patients and settings.
  • Highly developed skills in live supervision of both psychotherapists and multi-disciplinary colleagues.
  • A highly developed ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to convey complex and clinically sensitive information to service users of all ages and to a wide range of professionals.
  • Ability to prioritise case referrals, assess and discharge effectively on an autonomous basis or within the multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to take clinical responsibility for patient care and treatment.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical violence.
  • Information technology and word processing skills.
  • Skills in the use of video equipment.
  • Ability to work with a culturally diverse community.
  • Sufficient knowledge of other modalities to engage appropriately with colleagues and their work with clients.
  • Ability to identify and employ as appropriate, Clinical Governance mechanisms for the support and maintenance of clinical practice.
  • Understanding of the ethical guidelines in all areas of professional conduct.
  • Ability to make evidence based therapeutic interventions.
  • Awareness of current relevant legislation and National Service Frameworks and their implications for clinical practice.
  • Understanding of risk assessment and management.
  • Excellent communication and liaison skills.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously making decisions based on sound judgement and to set appropriate goals, in accordance with professional ethical guidelines and Trust policies.
  • Excellent report writing skills.
  • Ability to manage working in situations of acute distress e.g. clients experience of physical, sexual and emotional abuse; client starvation and self-harm.

Desirable

  • Research awareness.
  • Working with service users with complex needs.
  • Knowledge of associated legislation Care Programme Approach.
Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Enthusiastic, self-motivated team player.
  • Teaching skills.
  • Physical stamina to support clinical caseload which requires intense concentration whilst sitting with client groups or in video screen rooms observing clients for prolonged periods.
  • Emotional stamina and ability to respond constructively in highly stressful situations where individuals hold very different perspectives and there is a high level of distress, ambiguity and conflict.
  • Able to negotiate, be confident and assertive.
  • Ability to work on own initiative.
  • Supportive approach towards colleagues and service users.
  • Able to maintain professional boundaries and conduct.
  • Flexible and creative approach to treatments/models of care.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Desirable

  • A commitment to the continuous improvement of services using feedback from individual clients, families, user surveys and clinical research.
  • A demonstrated interest in supporting the development of the field through participation in professional bodies and activities.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered qualification in core mental health/social welfare profession OR completion of Low Intensity Talking Therapies (IAPT) Training and Knowledge/Skills and Attitudes Accreditation with BABCP.
  • Qualifying level course in Psychotherapy or equivalent at Masters/Doctoral level.
  • Registration/ Accreditation with the relevant professional/accrediting body for the model of psychotherapy relevant to this post. , e.g. UKCP, ACAP, BABCP.

Experience

Essential

  • Substantial post qualification experience, some of which must be working with users of the service.
  • Substantial experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to prioritise case referrals, assessment and discharge effectively on an individual basis or within multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

  • Specialist expertise in particular areas Group work experience.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Training

Essential

  • Approved Clinical Supervisor.
  • Post qualification training to demonstrate competency to work across a number of modalities.
  • Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Advanced knowledge and skills in using the complete range of approaches within psychotherapeutic practice as required to meet the needs of different patients and settings.
  • Highly developed skills in live supervision of both psychotherapists and multi-disciplinary colleagues.
  • A highly developed ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to convey complex and clinically sensitive information to service users of all ages and to a wide range of professionals.
  • Ability to prioritise case referrals, assess and discharge effectively on an autonomous basis or within the multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to take clinical responsibility for patient care and treatment.
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical violence.
  • Information technology and word processing skills.
  • Skills in the use of video equipment.
  • Ability to work with a culturally diverse community.
  • Sufficient knowledge of other modalities to engage appropriately with colleagues and their work with clients.
  • Ability to identify and employ as appropriate, Clinical Governance mechanisms for the support and maintenance of clinical practice.
  • Understanding of the ethical guidelines in all areas of professional conduct.
  • Ability to make evidence based therapeutic interventions.
  • Awareness of current relevant legislation and National Service Frameworks and their implications for clinical practice.
  • Understanding of risk assessment and management.
  • Excellent communication and liaison skills.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously making decisions based on sound judgement and to set appropriate goals, in accordance with professional ethical guidelines and Trust policies.
  • Excellent report writing skills.
  • Ability to manage working in situations of acute distress e.g. clients experience of physical, sexual and emotional abuse; client starvation and self-harm.

Desirable

  • Research awareness.
  • Working with service users with complex needs.
  • Knowledge of associated legislation Care Programme Approach.

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.

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.

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

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

8 Fox View Hub, Dewsbury District Hospital

Halifax Road

Dewsbury

WF13 4AD


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

8 Fox View Hub, Dewsbury District Hospital

Halifax Road

Dewsbury

WF13 4AD


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Claire Lowe

claire.lowe@swyt.nhs.uk

01924316009

Details

Date posted

15 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£55,690 to £62,682 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2370

Job locations

8 Fox View Hub, Dewsbury District Hospital

Halifax Road

Dewsbury

WF13 4AD


Supporting documents

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