Clinical Psychologist - At Risk Mental State

Job Overview

This Band 8A Clinical Psychologist role provides clinical leadership and highly specialist psychological input to the At Risk Mental State (ARMS) pathway within KCW EIS. The post holder will deliver expert assessment and evidence-based psychological interventions, including CBT for psychosis, to young people presenting with ARMS, alongside supporting the management of complex bio-psycho-social needs.

Working closely with the ARMS Clinical Lead, the post holder will play a key role in the development, implementation and evaluation of a clear, high-quality ARMS pathway aligned with NICE guidance and best practice. The role includes providing clinical supervision, consultation and training to psychology staff and the wider MDT.

The post holder will contribute to service development, and quality improvement. They will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support effective care pathways, risk management and timely transitions between services.

Main duties of the job

Provide highly specialist assessment for people presenting with ARMS, including use of CAARMS-2023 Deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, including CBTp, for individuals with complex and high-risk presentations Hold a small specialist caseload and oversee robust risk assessments, safety plans and crisis planning Work with the ARMS Clinical Lead to develop, implement and evaluate the ARMS pathway across the Trust Provide clinical leadership within the MDT, promoting psychologically informed and bio-psycho-social approaches Deliver regular clinical supervision and consultation to psychology staff, assistant psychologists and MDT colleagues Lead and deliver training on ARMS, CBTp and early psychosis across services Contribute to quality improvement, audit, outcome monitoring and service evaluation Ensure high standards of documentation, governance and professional practice in line with Trust policies Work collaboratively with internal services, primary care and partner organisations to support engagement and transitions

Working for our organisation

The ARMS pathway operates within a supportive, well‑established MDT environment, with close integration with the wider EIP MDT to ensure timely, coordinated care and smooth transitions where needed. The post holder will work collaboratively within the team and will be well supported, receiving regular supervision and working closely alongside the ARMS Consultant Psychiatrist to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care in line with best practice and NICE guidance.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Provide highly specialist assessment for people presenting with ARMS, including use of CAARMS-2023 Deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, including CBTp, for individuals with complex and high-risk presentations Hold a small specialist caseload and oversee robust risk assessments, safety plans and crisis planning Work with the ARMS Clinical Lead to develop, implement and evaluate the ARMS pathway across the Trust Provide clinical leadership within the MDT, promoting psychologically informed and bio-psycho-social approaches Deliver regular clinical supervision and consultation to psychology staff, assistant psychologists and MDT colleagues Lead and deliver training on ARMS, CBTp and early psychosis across services Contribute to quality improvement, audit, outcome monitoring and service evaluation Ensure high standards of documentation, governance and professional practice in line with Trust policies Work collaboratively with internal services, primary care and partner organisations to support engagement and transitions

Person specification

Qualifications And Registration

Essential criteria

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent) Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Formal training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) Further specialist training in At‑Risk Mental State (ARMS) e.g. CAARMS

Desirable criteria

BABCP accreditation as a CBT therapist

Experience

Essential criteria

Significant post‑qualification experience delivering CBTp within NHS mental health services Experience working with individuals experiencing complex mental health presentations, including high risk and diagnostic uncertainty Experience of working effectively within multidisciplinary mental health teams Experience providing clinical supervision and/or specialist consultation to psychology or MDT staff

Desirable criteria

Experience working specifically within an ARMS service Experience working in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services Experience contributing to service redesign, pathway development or strategic service initiatives

Skills & Knowledge

Essential criteria

In‑depth knowledge of NICE guidance relevant to ARMS, Early Intervention and psychosis Highly developed theoretical and clinical knowledge of CBT and its application to severe and enduring mental health difficulties in young people and adults Demonstrated ability to assess and manage risk, including working with emotionally demanding and high‑stress clinical situations Ability to contribute effectively to service development, quality improvement and clinical governance activities

Desirable criteria

Experience or competency in use of CAARMS‑2023 for ARMS assessment Demonstrated experience in early identification and risk management in ARMS or early psychosis populations