Clinical or Counselling Psychologist

EAST LONDON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local NHS foundation trust in Dunstable is looking for a Principal Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to lead and supervise clinical services. This role requires extensive experience working with mental health difficulties, strong clinical skills, and a commitment to trauma-informed care. The position offers full-time or flexible part-time options, with relocation support available. Candidates should align with the core values of co-production and quality improvement.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation support up to £10,000

Qualifications

• Experience working with the target client group and familiarity with NHS services.
• Track record of developing and supporting multidisciplinary approaches.
• Experience in supervision, consultation, leadership, and service development.
• Highly developed clinical skills in assessment, formulation, and evidence-based interventions.
• Core values that align with trauma-informed care, co-production, and quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality psychological services to Community Mental Health Team users.
• Work closely with team managers and senior clinicians in leadership capacities.
• Supervise and lead a group of psychologists and therapists.
• Contribute to a multidisciplinary network including Peer Support Workers and VCSE partners.
• Deliver trauma-informed care to enhance access for diverse communities.

Skills

Experience with target client group

Familiarity with NHS services

Leadership and supervision experience

Clinical skills in assessment and intervention

Values aligned with trauma-informed care

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to work within the South Bedfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services network. The role combines leadership duties with clinical and supervisory responsibilities, providing senior input into two local services that support people with serious mental health difficulties such as psychosis and complex emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide systematic, high‑quality specialist psychological services to Community Mental Health Team users.
• Work closely with team managers and senior clinicians in leadership capacities.
• Supervise and lead a dedicated group of psychologists, assistant psychologists and Clinical Associates in Psychology, as well as therapists.
• Contribute to a thriving multidisciplinary network including Peer Support Workers, VCSE partners and administrators.
• Deliver trauma‑informed care, co‑production, quality improvement and innovation, enhancing access for people in diverse and rural communities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with the target client group and familiarity with NHS services.
• Track record of developing and supporting multidisciplinary approaches and pathways, and managing demand and flow through services.
• Experience in supervision, consultation, leadership, and service development.
• Highly developed clinical skills in assessment, formulation and evidence‑based interventions for people in secondary care mental health services.
• Core values that align with trauma‑informed care, co‑production and quality improvement.

Flexible Working & Relocation

• Full‑time hours are required, but part‑time roles (0.8 WTE or more) or job‑share arrangements (1.0 WTE) are considered.
• Accepting flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual preferences.
• The Trust can provide relocation support up to £10,000 for removal and associated expenses (subject to change, terms and conditions apply).