Band 8a Highly Specialist Psychologist

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Hammersmith & Fulham seeks a clinical or counselling psychologist to join their team. The role involves providing assessments and treatment for complex mental health conditions, offering consultation to multi-disciplinary teams, and running a DBT Programme. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate in psychology and HCPC registration. A salary range of £64,156 to £71,148 is offered, with a full-time permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in clinical or counselling psychology required.
• Registration with the HCPC is mandatory.
• Experience in psychological therapy techniques like EMDR and CBT for psychosis.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessments and treatment for complex mental health conditions.
• Offer psychological consultation to the MDT and supervise junior psychologists.
• Support the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead.

Skills

Advanced specialist knowledge of psychology

Consultation skills

Communication of complex information

Planning and prioritising caseloads

Education

Doctorate in clinical or counselling psychology

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Training in clinical supervision

Evidence of training in DBT

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.

We are looking for an experienced psychologist, with a special interest in working with clients with complex mental health needs and those with difficulties related to underlying emotional dysregulation and a diagnosis of Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. A significant part of this post involves embedding trauma-informed principles and thinking within the work of the whole MDT team, therefore we require a candidate who thrives in a team environment and is enthusiastic about consultation and leadership.

This post also involves supporting the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead. The service delivers a comprehensive DBT programme, consisting of individual therapy, skills training groups, weekly consultation team meetings, and phone coaching. The post holder will be delivering therapy to a client group who struggle with self-harm and suicidal behaviours, so the work can be challenging but also deeply rewarding. The successful applicant will be joining our supportive psychology team and DBT consult team.

Responsibilities

• Provide highly specialist assessments and treatment for individuals with complex mental health conditions who have experienced trauma and struggle with emotional regulation, both 1-1 and in groups.
• Provide psychological consultation and guidance to the whole MDT and offer supervision and training for Band 7 psychologists, trainee and assistant psychologists.
• Contribute to the provision of a specialist DBT service to individuals with difficulties related to Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder diagnosis.
• Support the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead and participate in weekly DBT activities and supervision.
• Promote psychological and trauma-informed ways of working within the MDT and develop leadership skills.
• Work collaboratively with service users and colleagues to create a psychologically safe environment that enables effective treatment delivery.
• Engage with service users from varied cultural backgrounds and use interpreters when necessary; contribute to equality of access to services.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Doctorate in clinical or counselling psychology (or equivalent for those trained prior to 1996 or through lateral transfer) as accredited by the BPS.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Training in clinical supervision for doctoral and equivalent trainees.
• Evidence of training in DBT.
• Evidence of post-doctoral training in psychological therapy techniques (e.g., EMDR, CBT for psychosis).

Desirable

• Other related academic and post-graduate qualifications.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Advanced specialist knowledge of psychology in clinical practice for people with complex mental health difficulties.
• Specialist knowledge related to Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and DBT theory and application.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for work in the setting.

Skills

• Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive information effectively in challenging situations.
• Ability to make complex clinical judgements and evaluate treatment options where opinions may differ.
• Consultation skills to work with the multi-professional team.
• Plan, prioritise and manage a service user caseload and treatment programmes, including group work and potential research activity.
• Ability to function in emotionally distressing circumstances arising from service users with serious mental health issues, self-harm, and other challenging experiences.

Personal Qualities

• Knowledge of the professional code of conduct of the BPS.
• Ability to follow precedent, policies, procedures and codes of conduct; engage in clinical governance.
• Ability to reflect on own professional practice and participate in CPD in line with BPS guidelines.
• Ability to teach and train others using diverse materials for public, professional and academic settings.

Desirable

• Record of publication in peer-reviewed or academic/professional journals and/or books.

Other Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For information, see the NHS Careers website.

Details

Date posted: 17 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £64,156 to £71,148 a year inclusive of 20% HCAS

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 222-H&F-040

Location

Hammersmith & Fulham, London, W6 8NF

Employer

West London NHS Trust