Featured job: Clinical/Counselling Psychologist – Children’s Autism Services

Angela Southall, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and CEO at Midlands Psycholog, is clear about one quality in a successful applicant. They will be 'passionate and committed to working with children with autistic spectrum conditions, their families and communities. If that's you then let's talk!'

Midlands Psychology is a not-for-profit social enterprise, built on the belief that social issues and community participation drive psychological well-being. 'We work in, with and for the benefit of local communities', says Angela, 'and they are the focus of everything we do. As a social enterprise we reinvest any profits back into those communities. We've done some really important and exciting development work over the years.'

'We have been delivering the children's autism services in South Staffordshire as the NHS provider since 2010 and a lot has happened in the last eight years! This year, one exciting development is our partnership with Sport England, through which we're able to support families of children who have autism to become more active together through a programme of specially-tailored, funded activities. Another is the work we have been doing with a neighbourhood groups to develop a 'community hub', enabling delivery of activities and for and by local community members. We are very proud to be changing the face of community services for children and families who live with autism and that that's being recognised. For instance, in 2014 we received the National Autistic Society's award for Most innovative Family Support and are also the recipients of the Lean Healthcare Award for Best Impact on Patient Experience.'

'The post we are advertising will involve the diagnostic assessment of children aged 0 to 18 whose behaviours indicate Autism Spectrum Condition. Post-diagnosis services, the successful applicant will be engaged in delivering various psychological interventions, including through our regular advice surgeries, parent training workshops and group interventions, as well as one-to-one. We have an active research stream and are about to embark on national validation study which will involve the whole staff team. We have a strong publications record.'

Angela promises that 'whoever joins will find an enthusiastic, friendly and well-supported team, serious about quality and passionate about psychology. We're looking for a psychologist who will most likely have some experience working with children who have autism but we're also flexible about this. Newly qualified people challenge what we do and that's great. The job suits someone prepared to work hard, who shares our passion for psychological services and feels driven to change the culture around autism and mental health. If they have specific interests or approaches, great! If you're interested in this approach you'll be fascinated when you visit us: we're looking for someone who, in turn, is going to excite us.'

- Find out more on our Jobs in Psychology website.