Job Title: EMDR Practitioner
Location: Onsite - Lambeth and Sidcup, London
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part time – 3 days per week 9am-5pm/0830pm-1630pm
Eligibility: Right to live and work in the UK is required. Successful applicant will also have to undergo high security vetting prior to starting the role.
Job Summary
We are looking to recruit an EMDR Therapist to provide confidential counselling and psychotherapy service to staff within the context of a multi‑specialist occupational health team. The role works specifically on the Metropolitan Police contract, supporting a unique and rewarding client group within a structured and well‑supported environment.
You will deliver therapeutic interventions to Metropolitan Police staff, working as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team that includes EMDR therapists, accredited counsellors, Occupational Health Advisors and screening nurses, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Travel will be to either Sidcup or Lambeth office to ensure services can be delivered to all MPS staff members; remote working may be possible once per week depending on face‑to‑face needs.
Workload & Support
- Sessions are 90 minutes in length, with an expectation of 4–5 client contacts per day.
- Dedicated administrative support provided; admin staff manage diaries and most coordination tasks.
- Regular clinical supervision during working hours, both individual and group sessions.
- Opportunity to work within an experienced MDT, offering peer support and shared expertise in complex cases.
Responsibilities
- Short‑term EMDR therapy for clients with work‑related issues, up to 12 sessions, aiming to return staff to full duties.
- Short‑term Trauma Focused CBT for clients, up to 12 sessions.
- Short‑term Integrative Counselling for clients, up to 6 sessions.
- Provide progress reports as needed.
- Advise other MDT members on EMDR and trauma‑focused counselling.
- Advise MPS managers on clinical issues related to EMDR.
- Provide short‑term counselling to MPS clients.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of Level 3 EMDR training (accredited as required by the UK EMDR Association) and hold accreditation with the UK EMDR Association.
- Minimum of 2 years experience delivering EMDR within an organisation.
- Holder of at least one of: HCPC Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist, BACP Accreditation, UKCP Registration, BABCP Accreditation, NCS‑Accredited Professional Registrant (or equivalent).
- Experience working with trauma.
- Previous experience in large public‑sector organisations.
- Experience in short‑term therapy within an organisational setting.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme
- Health cash plan
- Volunteer days
- YuLife employee benefits platform
- Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
- Eye test vouchers
- Flu vaccination scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Clinical training academy
- Paid CPD days
- Professional registration fees paid
- RAVE awards
- Employee assistance programme
- Right to request flexible working from day 1
Equal Opportunity Statement
Optima Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the role will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, gender expression, disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief or sexual orientation.