Psychologist (Basic Grade) - ChiPPs
Location: Blackrock, Co. Cork
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: Aligned with the HSE Psychology (Basic Grade) Salary Scale (June 2026)
Join Childhood Matters
Childhood Matters is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families across Ireland. Through our specialist services, we support children who have experienced trauma, strengthen family resilience, and promote positive developmental outcomes. With services based in Blackrock, Blackpool, Clonakilty and Farranree, we employ over 130 staff and are committed to delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed care.
We are currently seeking a Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychologist (Basic Grade) to join our specialist ChiPPs team in Blackrock, Co. Cork.
About the Role
ChiPPs is a specialist attachment-focused, trauma-informed mental health service supporting children and young people in care. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide both direct and indirect therapeutic interventions, contributing to assessment, formulation, consultation and treatment planning for children, carers and professional networks.
Our approach is grounded in attachment and developmental trauma frameworks and draws from models including:
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Theraplay
- Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT)
- Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI)
You will work alongside psychologists, occupational therapists, play therapists, child art psychotherapists, social workers and social care professionals in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a clinical caseload and provide high-quality psychological assessment and intervention.
- Deliver attachment-focused and trauma-informed therapeutic supports to children and carers.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary case discussions, formulation and care planning.
- Provide consultation, training and support to colleagues and external professionals.
- Complete psychological assessments, reports and clinical documentation.
- Liaise with partner agencies and support positive outcomes for children in care.
- Participate in service development, reflective practice and continuing professional development.
- Attend court as an expert witness when required.
Essential Requirements
- Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychology (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- Professional accreditation recognised by a relevant body such as PSI or BPS.
- Experience delivering attachment-based psychological interventions to children who have experienced developmental trauma.
- Strong assessment, report writing and communication skills.
- Knowledge of child development, attachment, developmental trauma, neurodiversity and child mental health.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Why Join Childhood Matters?
We are committed to supporting our employees through professional development, reflective practice and wellbeing-focused benefits, including:
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
- Additional annual leave days
- Comprehensive annual CPD programme
- Financial support for further education
- Ongoing supervision and training opportunities
- Supportive trauma-informed workplace culture
Apply
Applications are accepted via application form only. CVs cannot be accepted. Application forms are available on the Childhood Matters careers website.
Closing Date: 16 September 2026 at 5:00pm.
Become part of a passionate organisation making a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Ireland.
Pay: €63,222.00 per year
Work Location: In person
