Principal Practitioner Psychologist & Clinical Lead for Croydon IST

Principal Practitioner Psychologist & Clinical Lead for Croydon IST

Hours: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £67,950 to £78,028

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of autistic adults and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities? By joining our newly formed Croydon Intensive Support Team (IST), you’ll be part of something truly special. Our mission is to empower people to stay supported in their communities, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, and create care systems that are compassionate, personalised, and sustainable.

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role where you’ll make a real, tangible difference. As our Principal Practitioner Psychologist and Clinical Lead, you’ll work closely with a dedicated team that includes a behaviour specialist and a specialist speech and language therapist from Croydon Health Services (CHS), a Transforming Care Nurse and Peer Support Worker from South London and the Maudsley, and an advanced practitioner from Croydon Local Authority. Together, you’ll guide a small but passionate multidisciplinary team, empowering adults with intellectual disabilities to live fulfilling lives in the least restrictive environments.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who cares as much as we do. You’ll be a skilled psychologist with expertise in Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches, but more than that, you’ll be someone who listens, understands, and takes the time to make people feel heard. You’ll bring warmth and empathy to your leadership, supporting your team to thrive while inspiring change across the service.

Main Duties

Clinical Care and Support

• Lead the delivery of specialised psychological care that empowers people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
• Work closely with individuals and their families to develop care plans that are as unique as they are, rooted in kindness, understanding, and evidence-based practices.
• Use your expertise in Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches to create strategies that reduce risks and enhance quality of life.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Support and inspire your team, creating an open and supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
• Provide expert guidance and clinical supervision, helping your team and local providers build the skills to make a lasting impact.
• Be an advocate for inclusion and equality, ensuring everyone who walks through our doors receives the respect and care they deserve.

Driving Innovation

• Evaluate and improve the service to meet the changing needs of the people we serve.
• Use data and feedback to influence how we grow, ensuring every decision is driven by the people who matter most—our service users.
• Lead projects that build expertise in the community, so that more people can be supported closer to home.

What can we offer?

From your very first day, we’ll fully support your growth and development. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or explore new areas of interest, we’re here to help you succeed. CPD is actively encouraged, with funding available for external courses and special interests, so you can pursue opportunities that matter most to you.

Our approach to one-to-ones focuses on you—your development, goals, and ambitions—not just the tasks at hand. Through hands-on experience, formal training, and even learning from the occasional misstep, you’ll discover your strengths and continue to grow.

We’re committed to helping you develop both personally and professionally, so you can bring your unique perspective and expertise to improve the lives of those we support.

Benefits:

• 27 - 33 days holiday (dependent on service) + bank holiday
• Over 4,000 discounts at high-street retailers on the Blue Light Card.
• Convenient and affordable childcare options for employees with young children.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• And more!

If you’re ready to make a real difference and want to be part of a team that’s breaking barriers and transforming care, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV to Bharathi Krishnakumar by email.

PLEASE NOTE: You must have the right to work in the UK, or your application will not be considered.