Birmingham Children's Trust
Principal Psychologist (Clinical or Forensic)
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Principal Psychologist (Clinical or Forensic)
Safer Connections Service - Supporting Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviour
Salary: £54,495.00 to £64,811.00 (with market supplement), up to £72,311.00 (depending on experience)
About the Role
An exciting role has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Principal Psychologist to join our Safer Connections Service. Our newly configured service supports children and young people (aged 7 to 17), part of Birmingham Children’s Trust, who present with harmful sexual behaviour. The team adopts a multi-agency approach, collaborating with Early Help, Safeguarding, Children in Care, and Youth Justice Services. We deliver bespoke and tailored interventions, education, and support programmes.
We are seeking a Principal Psychologist with:
- Significant clinical leadership experience
- Expertise in service development
- A trauma-informed, systemic, and developmentally sensitive approach
This position will work closely with the Operational Team Manager to provide clinical leadership, ensuring our service aligns with the evidence base and adheres to current best practice guidance.
Core Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Supporting the development and delivery of the service using innovative, psychologically informed, evidence-based practices.
- Conducting routine service evaluations and contributing to clinical research where applicable.
- Leading risk screening and management planning, escalating mental health concerns, and fostering effective inter-agency partnerships.
- Providing psychological consultation, shared formulations of complex presentations, and developing safety plans.
- Delivering training, clinical supervision, education, and interventions for children, young people, families, and caregivers.
- Undertaking specialist assessments and psychological interventions tailored to individual needs.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
While experience in harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) interventions is beneficial, we welcome applications from psychologists across specialties with:
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- Strong capability in complex formulation and risk management
- Experience in multi-agency collaboration and consultative leadership
- Understanding of early adversity, systemic issues, trauma, and significant attachment disruption
- Familiarity with navigating careers in social care, youth justice, and both contexts
Additional Considerations
Birmingham is a super-diverse city, and we prioritise candidates who can engage in culturally sensitive and anti-discriminatory practice.
Work Environment
Working in Children’s Social Care can be pressured and emotionally demanding, yet highly rewarding. Birmingham Children’s Trust won ‘Most Supportive Social Work Organisation’ in 2025.
Support & Growth Opportunities
- Access to training, supervision (clinical, professional, and managerial), and professional support
- Peer psychologists within the Trust for ongoing networking and peer support
Please prepare a supporting statement and CV outlining how you meet the role’s competencies (refer to the attached person specification).
Application Contact
For more information, contact:
-
Lee Vince, Therapeutic & Emotional Support Service (TESS) and Safer Connections Service Head of Service Lee.Vince@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
-
Dr Marie Kershaw, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Marie.Kershaw@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
Birmingham Children’s Trust – Our Commitment to Excellence
Ofsted Rating
We were rated "Good" in the 2023 Ofsted inspection, highlighted for:
- Safeguarding excellence
- Proactive leadership
- Strong multi-agency collaboration
Role Location & Requirements
- Hybrid role based in Birmingham
- Must live within commutable distance
- Must meet right-to-work UK requirements
- No sponsorship available
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Benefits
Core Offerings
- Registration fees covered for Social Work England
- DBS application fee and update service reimbursement
- 30 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days (5 years) and 35 days (10 years)
- Early Friday finishes
- Salary sacrifice car scheme (all-inclusive, no credit checks, flexible packages)
- Complimentary electric vehicle charging
- Internal benefits package (health, fitness, wellbeing discounts, occupational health)
Professional Development
- High-quality health discounts (Blue Light Card)
- Flexible/hybrid working model
- Local Government Pension Scheme (competitive employer contribution)
- Discounted gym memberships with Pure Gym and Nuffield Health
Why Join Birmingham Children’s Trust?
Impactful Work
Contribute to transformational change for 10,000+ vulnerable children and young people daily.
Supportive Culture
Collaborative and values-based organisation.
Career Growth
- Tailored professional development
- On-going training and leadership opportunities
- Strong professional supervision frameworks
Mission Statement
We are dedicated to ensuring all children in Birmingham are safe, happy, and healthy.
Core Values
Supporting children means listen, empower, and unite.
- Empowering voices of young people
- Resourcefully responsible resource allocation
- Trans-disciplinary collaboration for holistic outcomes
Safeguarding Commitment
We prioritise the welfare and protection of children:
- Appropriate DBS checks (standard/enhanced with resources determined by role).
- Dedicated safeguarding processes aligned with trust values.
Note: Criminal records will be considered case-by-case based on role requirements.
Application Tip: Due to anticipated recipient interest, apply early to avoid early closure.
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