Family & Systemic Psychotherapist

Job Summary

North Bedfordshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Family & Systemic Psychotherapist – CAMHS Adolescent Mental Health Team / Alternative to Admission Pathway

Band 8a

33.75 hours per week – permanent

We are looking for an experienced Family & Systemic Psychotherapist with substantial knowledge in child and adolescent mental health, confident working with adolescent mental health and crisis/risk management.

Our clinically-led service is strongly committed to continuously improving the experience and quality of care we offer our families. We encourage curiosity and innovation in our clinicians as we aim to deliver the very best for our service users.

The successful candidate will receive a robust induction programme, regular clinical and management supervision, and will be invited to a countywide forum for family & systemic therapists to develop and maintain links with other clinicians. The Trust supports staff well-being, addresses inequalities, and promotes open dialogue on difficult topics.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. The values we live by are We Care, We Respect, and We are Inclusive. We look for people who embody these values in supporting service users, carers, colleagues, and partner organisations.

Date posted: 21 January 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for Change

Band:
Band 8a

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year pro‑rate

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Part‑time

Reference number: 363-SSLB
7728670

Job location:

Bedford CAMHS – 9 Rush Court, Bedford, MK40 3JT

The successful applicant will be located within our North Bedfordshire clinic, working with families with a specific emphasis on adolescents with complex, severe and enduring mental health problems. This varied role will include the provision of specialist advice, consultation, formulation, family therapy and systemic assessment, liaison with other agencies, systemic interventions, clinical supervision and teaching of staff and/or students.

The post is based in Bedford, Bedfordshire – close to the M1 and easily reached by rail and car from North London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. The clinic also offers free parking and support from efficient administrative staff. Access to a car is essential for outreach support at home or other CAMHS/multi‑agency sites.

Please see attached JD for more details.

• Qualification in an appropriate mental health/social welfare profession such as Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Teaching, or AFT‑agreed equivalent
• Masters or Doctoral level qualification in Systemic Psychotherapy or AFT‑agreed equivalent
• UKCP Registration
• Evidence of CPD

• Experience in relevant first profession
• Post‑qualifying experience
• Experience working with a wide variety of patient groups across the life course, presenting a full range of clinical severity and handling emotionally demanding situations
• Experience working with children and young people, including in crisis and family contexts
• Knowledge of child protection issues and risk assessment and management
• Experience in a complex multi‑disciplinary setting and effective teamwork
• Knowledge of working with interpreters and multi‑ethnic communities
• Experience using audio‑visual/video equipment in a clinical setting

• Specialist systemic assessment and treatment skills for individuals, couples, families and groups
• Application of systemic theory across contexts
• Continuing professional development per UKCP/AFT guidelines
• Use of a wide variety of systemic theories and interventions appropriately
• Understanding of child and adolescent development and relevant legislation (Children Act 1989, Mental Health Act, CPA, etc.)
• Strong communication skills with service users and multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work with diverse communities, including in family homes
• Management of stressful situations and recognition of potential physical or verbal abuse
• IT proficiency (PowerPoint, Excel, Access, RiO,…