Band 8b Principal Practitioner Psychologist

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider in the UK is seeking a Highly Specialist Clinical/Counselling Psychologist to provide clinical leadership in the Core Team, focusing on delivering evidence-based psychological services to children and young people. The ideal candidate will have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and significant experience in a clinical setting. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in young people's lives and contribute to innovative service development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in a clinical setting.
• Experience in assessing and treating children and young people.
• Knowledge of NICE guidelines and evidence-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct specialist assessments and provide evidence-based interventions.
• Manage a caseload including treatment and discharge planning.
• Lead service development and governance within the Core Team.
• Provide training and supervision to psychology staff and trainees.

Skills

Evidence-based interventions

Clinical leadership

Psychological assessments

Supervision and training

Culturally responsive care

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent

Job description

A Vacancy at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Are you looking for a senior role supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties. We are seeking a Highly Specialist Clinical/Counselling Psychologist, or Equivalent Applied Psychological Practitioner, to provide clinical leadership in The Core Team, part of Solar, Solihull’s emotional wellbeing and mental health services for 0–19 year olds.

Solar is a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Barnardo’s and Autism West Midlands. Based at Bishop Wilson Clinic, you will work with the team manager to oversee the development, provision, evaluation and governance of psychological services in the Core Team.

The role involves delivering effective, evidence-based care that is high quality, cost-effective and culturally responsive, aligned with Trust priorities, commissioner requirements and the needs of young people and families.

You will provide line management for clinical psychologists, trainees, assistants and psychological practitioners, and support delivery of a NICE-concordant service. This includes highly specialist assessments, individual therapy and group work, alongside supervision, consultation, service development, research and training.

There is also the opportunity to develop a specialism in trauma work within this post.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

• Conducts specialist assessments of complex presentations using psychometrics, interviews and observations; integrates data into formulations.
• Provides evidence-based interventions for individuals, families and groups.
• Maintains caseload with responsibility for assessment, treatment, discharge and risk.
• Supports families with systemic/behavioural approaches.
• Undertakes specialist risk assessments and contributes to MDT reviews and CPA.
• Promotes psychologically informed practice.

Teaching, Training, Supervision

• Provides training, consultation and supervision to staff, trainees and volunteers. Contributes to shared formulations and professional training.

Policy, Service Development, Leadership

• Leads service development and governance, ensuring NICE-aligned practice. Provides line management and supervision of psychology staff, with input into recruitment and resource oversight.

Research and Evaluation

• Undertakes audit, evaluation and research to inform best practice and quality systems.

Professional Practice

• Works within BPS, HCPC and Trust standards, maintains CPD, supervision, records and reports.

Other

• Keeps up to date with policy.

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.

This advert closes on Monday 15 Dec 2025