Band 8a Highly Specialist Psychologist

West London NHS Trust; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London is seeking a passionate clinical or counselling psychologist for the Mental Health Integrated Network Team. The role involves working with clients facing complex mental health challenges, supporting the DBT Programme, and providing psychological guidance. Ideal candidates will have post-qualification experience in trauma-informed care and a strong interest in DBT. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to mental health services in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in trauma-informed care and working with complex mental health presentations.
• Interest in DBT and working with clients experiencing emotional, behavioural and relational difficulties.
• Ability to work within an MDT and provide supervision and training.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients with complex mental health needs related to emotional dysregulation.
• Support the running of the DBT Programme collaboratively.
• Provide therapy to clients struggling with self-harm and suicidal behaviours.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

DBT knowledge

Emotional regulation

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and committed clinical or counselling psychologist to join our Mental Health Integrated Network Team (MINT) in Hammersmith & Fulham. MINT is a multidisciplinary service providing holistic support and treatment to adults presenting with a range of mental health difficulties within a stepped-care framework. We have an established psychology team which is well integrated.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients with complex mental health needs and difficulties related to underlying emotional dysregulation and a diagnosis of Borderline/Emotionally-Unstable Personality Disorder.
• Embed trauma-informed principles and thinking within the work of the whole MDT team; contribute to consultation and leadership within the service.
• Support the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead. Deliver a comprehensive DBT programme comprising individual therapy, skills training groups, weekly consultation team meetings, and phone coaching.
• Provide therapy to clients who struggle with self-harm and suicidal behaviours; deliver highly specialist assessments and treatment for individuals with complex mental health conditions who have experienced trauma and struggle with emotional regulation (1-1 and group work).
• Provide psychological consultation and guidance to the whole MDT and offer supervision and training for Band 7 psychologists, trainee psychologists and assistant psychologists.
• Contribute to the provision of a specialist DBT service to individuals with Borderline/Emotionally-Unstable Personality Disorder and have an interest in DBT and working with emotionally dysregulated individuals.
• Work collaboratively with service users and colleagues to create a psychologically safe environment that enables effective treatment.
• Work with people from varied cultural backgrounds, including those seeking asylum, using interpreters when necessary; promote equality of access to services.

Qualifications and requirements

• Post-qualification experience in trauma-informed care and working with emotional dysregulation and complex mental health presentations is essential.
• Interest and passion for DBT and for working with clients who experience emotional, behavioural and relational difficulties.
• Ability to work within an MDT, provide psychological supervision and training, and develop leadership skills.
• Commitment to collaborative practice with service users and colleagues to create a psychologically safe environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including asylum seekers, and with interpreters where necessary.

About the Trust

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, and provides low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, with 59% from BME backgrounds. The Trust is rated as Good overall by the Care Quality Commission, with Forensic services rated Outstanding. The Trust is a partner in the North West London Integrated Care System and supports the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.