Band: Agenda for Change Band 8a
Location: Lewisham CAMHS
Hours: 37.5 hours/week (flexible, including term-time options)
Reports to: CAMHS Service Manager
Responsible for: CAMHS Virtual school and Outreach practitioners, CAMHS SEND offer including EHC Panel
This senior clinical role leads the interface between CAMHS and SEND services in Lewisham. The post holder provides expert mental health input to the SEN assessment process, supports schools and borough-wide SEND initiatives, and manages clinical teams delivering mental health support in educational settings.
Clinical Leadership:
Provide assessments, interventions, and supervision within the Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
Lead on CAMHS statutory responsibilities in SEND assessments.
Offer clinical guidance on complex cases, including ADHD.
Act as a point of contact for SENCOs and complex care services.
Team Management & Supervision:
Supervise Band 6 and 7 practitioners.
Support recruitment, appraisals, and professional development.
Guide outreach teams and the CAMHS Virtual School.
Service Development & Partnership Working:
Represent CAMHS in borough-wide SEND and education initiatives.
Collaborate with commissioners, schools, and local authority partners.
Contribute to service evaluation, audits, and research.
Training & Teaching:
Deliver training to SENCos, EMHPs, and CWPs.
Promote evidence-based practice and whole-school approaches.
Governance & Record-Keeping:
Maintain high standards in clinical documentation and data entry.
Ensure compliance with Trust policies and professional standards.
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) is a leading provider of mental health services, known for its integration of care, research, and training. Staff benefit from professional development opportunities and collaboration with King’s College London and King’s Health Partners.
The post holder will lead the interface between CAMHS and SEND services in Lewisham, providing expert clinical input to the SEND assessment process and supporting borough-wide initiatives. They will manage and supervise outreach teams, contribute to service development, and ensure high-quality mental health support for children and young people in educational settings.
Main Responsibilities
1. Clinical and Client Care
Conduct assessments, formulations, and interventions for MHST referrals.
Provide clinical guidance and supervision to team members.
Support children and families in managing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
Offer specialist input to the SEND panel and statutory assessments.
Liaise with specialist CAMHS teams to ensure coordinated care.
Act as care coordinator when required and manage risk assessments and plans.
Contribute to a psychologically informed service framework.
Promote accessibility and cultural competence in service delivery.
Provide specialist advice to colleagues and liaise with external professionals.
Use evidence-based practice and research to inform clinical work.
3. Policy and Service Development
Implement and propose improvements to service policies.
Lead or participate in projects related to SEND provision.
Engage service users in planning and evaluating services.
4. Resource Management
Manage Trust resources responsibly.
Forecast and request necessary supplies and equipment.
5. Management and Supervision
Supervise Band 6 and 7 practitioners.
Support recruitment, appraisals, and professional development.
Access and participate in clinical supervision.
6. Teaching and Training
Deliver training to SENCos, EMHPs, and CWPs.
Share knowledge and research findings with the team.
Support the development of staff skills and awareness of current best practices.
7. Record-Keeping and Information Governance
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records.
Comply with Trust and professional standards for documentation and data protection.
8. Research and Development
Lead and support service evaluations and audits.
Develop and implement outcome measurement tools.
Contribute to research in specialist areas relevant to MHST.
9. Professional Standards and Development
Maintain professional registration and CPD.
Adhere to ethical and professional guidelines.
Stay informed on relevant legislation and clinical developments.
10. General Duties
Travel across the Trust as needed.
Manage challenging behaviour and emotionally distressing situations professionally.
Support colleagues in managing risk and emotional impact.
SUMMARY:
This job description is an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities of the post and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the pay band. The post may change over time to reflect the developing needs of the Trust and its services, as well as
the personal development of the post holder