Applied Psychologist

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Holly Hall; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an Applied Psychologist to join their inpatient service. This role involves conducting psychological assessments, developing care plans, and supporting multidisciplinary teams in providing care for patients with complex mental health issues. The position offers professional development opportunities and is based in Dudley with potential for flexibility in work location. Ideal candidates will possess a Doctorate in Psychology and have experience in mental health services.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Supportive teams and supervision

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in working with complex mental health difficulties.
• Willingness to engage empathetically with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments for inpatient clients.
• Develop care plans and provide brief psychological interventions.
• Support the Principal Psychologist in service development.

Skills

Experience with mental health services

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Psychology

Job description

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Applied Psychologist to join the Black Country Adult Inpatient Service at Bushey Fields Hospital.

As an Applied Psychologist you will join a team of inpatient psychologists lead by the Consultant Psychologist. You will be part of a wider Urgent Care Psychology Team.

You will be expected to carry out and have opportunities to develop your skills in an inpatient environment in psychological risk assessments, formulation, care planning and brief psychological interventions. You will also have opportunities to work with the Consultant Psychologist on service development and research in the urgent care areas.

The successful candidate will be part of a group of urgent care Psychologists who are based across acute settings including CRHTT, acute in‑patients, mental health liaison services and PICU. The successful candidate will be supported with clinical supervision.

The post will be in the Dudley locality and could involve working in other areas as the clinical need arises.

We have strong links with local universities across the clinical and forensic courses. To support the Consultant Psychologist, Principal Psychologist and the MDT in the delivery of specialist psychological assessments, formulations and interventions to clients with acute mental health conditions which may include challenging behaviours. To support the Principal Psychologist and Consultant Psychologist in the provision of psychological advice, guidance and consultation to other staff in the MDT.

There will also be opportunities for development of leadership skills through training and development of staff, reflective practice, service developments and clinical supervision of Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Psychologists and non‑psychology staff.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply soon. We shortlist after the closing date and will contact shortlisted candidates usually within two weeks. If you haven't heard by then, you haven't been shortlisted. Please check your email for updates and contact Recruitment for feedback.

Pay and Contracts

Most NHS roles are paid under NHS Agenda for Change. With us – your starting point is set against the advertised band and your relevant NHS service, with progression through annual increments.

Medical and Very Senior Manager roles follow separate national pay frameworks, not Agenda for Change. Details are provided in each advert and during recruitment.

Standards and Checks

• Clinical posts up to and including Band 4 are expected to hold the Care Certificate. If you don't have it yet, we'll support you to complete it in post.
• Some roles require a Standard or Enhanced DBS check under part V of the Police Act 1997. Having a criminal record won't automatically prevent employment. We consider the role and individual circumstances.
• We are an equal opportunities employer, offer flexible working, and are a smoke free Trust.

Inclusion, Equality and Adjustments

• We are an equal opportunities employer and offer flexible working.
• We are an anti‑racist, disability‑inclusive and LGBTQ+-inclusive Trust.
• We welcome applications from under‑represented groups and people with lived experience relevant to our services, including Black and Asian colleagues, Disabled people (including non‑visible disabilities such as neurodiversity and mental health) and LGBTQ+ people.
• Disabled applicants can request consideration under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme where essential criteria are met. You can ask for reasonable adjustments at every stage of the process.

Our Culture and Values

Best for the Black Country is our improvement journey. We share a clear vision and values, lead with compassion and visibility, listen to every voice, keep improving what we do and take ownership for delivery. You'll feel it in how teams support each other and in the impact your work has on local people. If you want to contribute, learn and progress, this is a great time to join us.

Key Requirements

• You will have experience of working in mental health services with people with complex mental health difficulties.
• You will demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage empathically with clients, colleagues, families and carers.
• The post holder will work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team in acute adult mental health inpatient services.
• The post holder will support service users in their care and their recovery.
• Applications from newly qualified psychologists will be considered for Band 7 to Band 8a developmental opportunities.

About Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is growing and changing. We provide specialist mental health, learning disability and community services across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, and we're hiring people who want to shape what comes next.

Formed on 1 April 2020 through the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, we're now focused on the future with a new Trust Strategy and our Best for the Black Country programme.

What We Do

• Adult and older adult mental health
• Children and young people's mental health
• Specialist learning disability services
• Community healthcare for children, young people and families in Dudley

Why Join Now

• We've got real momentum right now. New strategy, clear priorities and our Best for the Black Country work mean things are moving in the right way, fast.
• Our values aren't just posters. People are genuinely compassionate, take responsibility, treat you with respect and help you feel confident and empowered.
• You'll be looked after. Flexible working, family‑friendly policies, supportive teams, proper wellbeing support and chances to learn with coaching and development.
• There's room to grow. Loads of services to explore and real space to try ideas and be heard.
• It's a good place to live. Friendly diverse communities, easy transport, good schools and colleges, shopping, food, lots to do, plenty of green space and a lower cost of living than many other city regions.

What It's Like to Work Here

You'll join friendly, skilled teams who look out for each other. We plan together, share caseload pressures, and celebrate wins. New starters get a warm welcome and clear induction; early‑careers colleagues have preceptorship and buddying; experienced staff can lead, teach and innovate. You'll have space to do good work, speak up, and see the difference you make.

Who We Are

We're 4,000+ colleagues from many backgrounds, committed to improving health and wellbeing for our communities and for each other. If you're excited about the role but don't tick every box, please apply. We value potential and transferable experience.

Additional Information

We currently employ over 3,500 people and just like the population we serve, we are made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Whatever your role, working in a NHS Foundation Trust, like ours, is a demanding and extremely rewarding experience. Our vision is to improve health and wellbeing for everyone, especially our colleagues to achieve the best possible work/life balance.