Clinical/Counselling Psychologist Band 8a or 7/8a (dev.role)

Sabp; Guildford; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Clinical/Counselling Psychologist at Band 8a or a development post (Band 7–8a) for Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Wards in Guildford. The role involves psychological assessment, treatment, and active MDT involvement, with opportunities to train in DBT, CBT for psychosis, and trauma-informed care.

The post offers variation across complex presentations, supervision roles, and the chance to shape psychology within acute

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology (or equivalent).
• HCPC registered or eligible by 2026.
• Supervision of trainees preferred/required where applicable.
• Experience with inpatient acute mental health settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological assessment and treatment in adult acute inpatient wards and PICU.
• Lead or contribute to MDT discussions and care planning.
• Offer supervision, training, and teaching to junior staff and trainees.
• Develop and implement evidence-based psychological interventions in a fast-paced setting.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Psychological assessment & therapy

Knowledge of psychological models

Education

Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology

HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist or eligible in 2026

Clinical supervision course

Job description

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical/Counselling Psychologist Band 8a or 7/8a (dev.role)

The closing date is 09 November 2026

Are you passionate about mental health and being part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference to peoples' lives?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Practitioner Psychologist to work in our Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Wards in Guildford. The postholder will provide Psychological assessment, treatment, and be a valued member of the MDTs within the acute wards and a PICU.

The post is suitable for candidates seeking either a Band 8a role, or a Band 7 to Band 8a Development post, including those who are currently completing the final year of their doctorate. Please see attached Job Profiles for further details.

Our acute inpatient mental health wards are dedicated to the support of people of working age in mental health crisis. The post offers a diverse range of experience working with people with acute and complex mental health difficulties and the postholder will provide assessment and treatment of complex cases, and consultation and support to MDT colleagues. This includes structured assessments, individual therapy, groups, team formulation, indirect interventions, supervision, mentoring, and teaching and training.

You will join a friendly and supportive acute therapies team, as well as group of Psychologists in the locality. The trust has an enviable care pathways system which values Psychology. There are opportunities to train in DBT, CBT for psychosis, family interventions, CBT for personality disorders and structured clinical management.

Main duties of the job

Variety: You will have the chance to work with a wide range of complex presentations including affective disorders, psychosis, and personality, and using a variety of methods and approaches. With assessments, individual therapies, group therapies, family interventions, MDT working, complex case meetings, indirect interventions using a Positive Behaviour Support framework, and supervision all part of the role, it's safe to say that no two days will feel the same! Many of our Psychologists in acute services find that the switching really helps to stay energised.

Fast-paced: You will get to be reflexive; formulating problems, identifying with teams when attempted solutions create a new or different problem, and supporting teams to remove barriers to discharge and supporting people to have an independent and personally meaningful life outside of hospital. Expect your day to fly by!

Autonomy: Acute Inpatient Psychologists can very much personalise and tailor the role of Psychology for the wards they are working on.

Leadership: You will be able to develop the role of Psychology and influence the direction of the wider team in an environment designed for recovery and safety. Psychology's expertise are really valued for differential formulations, reducing restrictive practices, and delivering trauma-informed and Psychologically-informed care. You will also work with external agencies and community teams to enable the best steps forward for people's recovery journeys.

About us

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received and that interviews will be required to take place face-to-face at Farnham Road Hospital.

Job responsibilities

For a full breakdown of the Job Role and Responsibilities please find the Job Profile attached to this job listing.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology qualification or equivalent (including pending 2026 qualification).
• HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist or current trainee with eligibility in 2026
• Completion of an appropriate clinical supervision course to enable supervision of trainees (or completion within 12 months of commencement in post)

Experience

• Experience of working with people from across the life span with a range of mental health issues and cognitive profiles.
• Experience across a range of psychological models including systemic, behavioural and individual therapeutic
• Candidates should demonstrate experience of working with the relevant care group.
• Experience of supervising assistant and trainee clinical psychologists (Band 8a)
• Demonstrable post registration/clinical experience and competency relevant to this care group (Band 8a)
• Experience of contributing to clinical practice/service development/project work (Band 8a)
• Demonstrable interest/skill in a relevant specialist area (Band 8a)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

£51,657 to £67,020 a yearIncl. 5% Fringe HCAS, pa, pro rata.