Oxfordshire County Council

Band 8B Highly Specialist Clinical / Counselling Psychologist

The closing date is 29 November 2025

Job summary

Why Join Us? Led by Excellence: Work under the guidance of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and benefit from monthly reflective practice sessions facilitated by the renownedArlene Vetere, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist. Supportive Culture: We prioritise wellbeing and collaboration through regular team meetings, supervision, and a strong team ethos. Professional Growth: Enjoy dedicated CPD funding, opportunities to supervise doctoral trainees from Oxford University, and contribute to cutting-edge research and service innovation. Creative Practice: Our therapeutic centre in central Oxford offers outdoor interventions with mountain bikes, canoes, camping gear, and Land Roversbringing therapy into nature in truly transformative ways. Outstanding Employer: Oxfordshire County Council offers generous conditions includingAgenda for Change salary,pension scheme, andrelocation support.

Main duties of the job

As aHighly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, youll lead clinical input in one of three localities, working alongside a Family Therapist and Psychological Practitioner. Youll collaborate with colleagues across the Clinical Team and theFamily Solutions Service (FSS), supporting vulnerable children and families aged 019. Your work will focus on preventing family breakdown and promoting resilience through: Specialist psychological assessments and interventions Trauma-informed, systemic, and developmental approaches Innovative tools likeVideo Interaction Guidance,MBT, andCBT Leadership in research and publicationour team has already contributed to academic papers and an upcoming book chapter on safety in residential care

About us

Were looking for someone who is: Curious and compassionate, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care Collaborative and reflective, thriving in a team that values openness and shared learning Driven by evidence and innovation, eager to explore new ways of supporting families Passionate about prevention, believing in the potential of families to grow and thrive Wed love to meet you and hear about the unique skills and experience you bringand how we can support your development in this exciting role.

Details

Date posted

30 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VPCB478A0D

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Oxfordshire?

Were inviting passionateBand 8b Clinical Psychologiststo be part of ourinnovative Community Family Clinic initiative, a bold new chapter in therapeutic care led by our highly respectedmulti-disciplinary Clinical Team.

Why Join Us?

  • Led by Excellence: Work under the guidance of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and benefit from monthly reflective practice sessions facilitated by the renownedArlene Vetere, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist.
  • Supportive Culture: We prioritise wellbeing and collaboration through regular team meetings, supervision, and a strong team ethos.
  • Professional Growth: Enjoy dedicated CPD funding, opportunities to supervise doctoral trainees from Oxford University, and contribute to cutting-edge research and service innovation.
  • Creative Practice: Our therapeutic centre in central Oxford offers outdoor interventions with mountain bikes, canoes, camping gear, and Land Roversbringing therapy into nature in truly transformative ways.
  • Outstanding Employer: Oxfordshire County Council offers generous conditions includingAgenda for Change salary,pension scheme, andrelocation support.

About the Role

As aHighly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, youll lead clinical input in one of three localities, working alongside a Family Therapist and Psychological Practitioner. Youll collaborate with colleagues across the Clinical Team and theFamily Solutions Service (FSS), supporting vulnerable children and families aged 019.

Your work will focus on preventing family breakdown and promoting resilience through:

  • Specialist psychological assessments and interventions
  • Trauma-informed, systemic, and developmental approaches
  • Innovative tools likeVideo Interaction Guidance,MBT, andCBT
  • Leadership in research and publicationour team has already contributed to academic papers and an upcoming book chapter on safety in residential care

About You

Were looking for someone who is:

  • Curious and compassionate, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care
  • Collaborative and reflective, thriving in a team that values openness and shared learning
  • Driven by evidence and innovation, eager to explore new ways of supporting families
  • Passionate about prevention, believing in the potential of families to grow and thrive

Wed love to meet you and hear about the unique skills and experience you bringand how we can support your development in this exciting role.

Rewards and benefits

  • Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
  • Honouring of NHS continuous service
  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Agenda For Change pay scale
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Flexible working
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeingsupport24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Ourcommitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,TwitterandInstagram.

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Job description

Job responsibilities

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Oxfordshire?

Were inviting passionateBand 8b Clinical Psychologiststo be part of ourinnovative Community Family Clinic initiative, a bold new chapter in therapeutic care led by our highly respectedmulti-disciplinary Clinical Team.

Why Join Us?

  • Led by Excellence: Work under the guidance of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and benefit from monthly reflective practice sessions facilitated by the renownedArlene Vetere, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist.
  • Supportive Culture: We prioritise wellbeing and collaboration through regular team meetings, supervision, and a strong team ethos.
  • Professional Growth: Enjoy dedicated CPD funding, opportunities to supervise doctoral trainees from Oxford University, and contribute to cutting-edge research and service innovation.
  • Creative Practice: Our therapeutic centre in central Oxford offers outdoor interventions with mountain bikes, canoes, camping gear, and Land Roversbringing therapy into nature in truly transformative ways.
  • Outstanding Employer: Oxfordshire County Council offers generous conditions includingAgenda for Change salary,pension scheme, andrelocation support.

About the Role

As aHighly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, youll lead clinical input in one of three localities, working alongside a Family Therapist and Psychological Practitioner. Youll collaborate with colleagues across the Clinical Team and theFamily Solutions Service (FSS), supporting vulnerable children and families aged 019.

Your work will focus on preventing family breakdown and promoting resilience through:

  • Specialist psychological assessments and interventions
  • Trauma-informed, systemic, and developmental approaches
  • Innovative tools likeVideo Interaction Guidance,MBT, andCBT
  • Leadership in research and publicationour team has already contributed to academic papers and an upcoming book chapter on safety in residential care

About You

Were looking for someone who is:

  • Curious and compassionate, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care
  • Collaborative and reflective, thriving in a team that values openness and shared learning
  • Driven by evidence and innovation, eager to explore new ways of supporting families
  • Passionate about prevention, believing in the potential of families to grow and thrive

Wed love to meet you and hear about the unique skills and experience you bringand how we can support your development in this exciting role.

Rewards and benefits

  • Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
  • Honouring of NHS continuous service
  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Agenda For Change pay scale
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Flexible working
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeingsupport24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Ourcommitment to:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us onLinkedIn,Facebook,TwitterandInstagram.

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above

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

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Sandra Benaite

VPCB478A0D.1286@vacancyposter.com

01865816000

Details

Date posted

30 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VPCB478A0D

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND


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