Overview

PALMS is expanding and seeking to appoint a motivated, committed, flexible and forward‑thinking Clinical Psychologist to contribute to the development of an Intensive Intervention Team (IIT) for the PALMS population. The PALMS IIT includes an Administrator, Consultant Psychiatrist, Outreach Workers and Specialist Positive Behaviour Analysts. This MDT will work collaboratively with the wider PALMS MDT and with colleagues in Hertfordshire crisis service C-CATT (CAMHS Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team).

You will be

• Passionate about and have a desire to contribute to change in a vibrant NHS team
• Dedicated to supporting CYP with autism and/or learning disability and their families
• Collaborative in their approach to work with families, networks, and other services
• Able to work both in a team environment and autonomously
• Able to maintain a high degree of professionalism in settings with a highly emotive atmosphere
• Flexible in approach and resilient under pressure
• Have professional registration for your specialty

We can offer you

• Regular clinical and professional supervision including opportunities to meet as a team, peer reflection and Intervision
• Regular appraisal, personal development planning and opportunities for continuing professional development, including support to fulfill the PALMS IIT role
• Opportunities to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team and learn from other evidence‑based frameworks and approaches
• Opportunities to provide clinical supervision and line management to other members of the PALMS IIT and core PALMS team as appropriate
• Opportunities to connect with local and national networks
• Involvement in providing training

Context

PALMS has longstanding commissioning arrangements to provide input to CYP on three pathways of tailored intervention: ‘standard’, ‘heavy’ and ‘intensive’. There has been an increase in CYP presenting in/at risk of going into crisis, requiring substantial clinical input to enable de-escalation, reduce risks and decrease the likelihood of being placed out of county. Throughout 2020/21 PALMS collated robust data showing the time and skills required to meet the needs of CYP in crisis and demonstrated positive outcomes for CYP and their families. PALMS evidence supports the importance of a MDT approach. Hertfordshire is committed to realising the long‑term plan, and PALMS has been provided with additional funding to support the PALMS population at risk of crisis.

Alongside supporting these CYP and their families, the work of the team will inform decision makers with evidence‑informed options and clear recommendations for developing and delivering an effective multiagency crisis service that meets the vision of the long‑term plan within Hertfordshire.

Role details

The post is permanent; roles within the IIT are flexible in terms of base as most of the work will be within the community across the county. A full valid driving license and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Working arrangements

We are committed to supporting flexible working options for staff, wherever possible, and welcome discussions on flexible working patterns to support work‑life balance.

Interviews and application details

Interviews will be run either in person at one of our bases or using Microsoft Teams. Full details and instructions will be provided to successful candidates. Closing date: 8 September 2025.

This advert closes on Monday 8 Sep 2025