Highly Specialised Practitioner Psychologist

NHS; Hampstead; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

The Royal Free Hospital is seeking a Counselling Psychologist to join their severe asthma service team. The role involves leading psychological care and assessment for patients, providing consultations, and supporting a multidisciplinary approach in a dynamic healthcare environment. With a focus on professional development and patient care, this position offers a fulfilling opportunity in a leading NHS trust.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate training in Counselling/Clinical Psychology; HCPC registration required.
• Experience in psychological assessment and treatment across various settings.
• Ability to work with complex health problems and provide a consultation service.

Responsibilities

• Lead psychological care for patients within the severe asthma specialist service.
• Provide highly specialist psychological assessments and referrals.
• Support the multi-disciplinary team in delivering integrated psychological care.

Skills

Continuing Professional Development

Forming good working relationships

Working independently and as part of a team

Articulation of psychology role

Research methodology knowledge

Education

Post-graduate doctoral level training in Counselling or Clinical Psychology

HCPC registration as Practitioner Psychologist

Job description

Job summary

The severe asthma service at the Royal Free Hospital is responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with severe or difficult asthma, who remain symptomatic despite high levels of treatment initiated in primary care or other hospital clinics. Severe asthma services are centrally commissioned by NHSE and we are a 'satellite spoke' within the North Central & North East London Severe Asthma Network (NCELSAN), with the Hub located at St Barts' Hospital. We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team including physicians, specialist nurses, respiratory physiotherapists, pharmacist, voice therapist and psychologist (this post). The service is delivered in clinics at both Barnet Hospital and Royal Free Hospital. The inclusion of psychology in the MDT ensures compliance with commissioning guidance and working towards psychologically informed care. Within North Central London ICS we are the only centre to administer high-cost injectable biologic therapies locally to our patients, with approvals sought via the Network Hub.You will join a group of clinical, counselling, health and neuro-psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists based in a variety of specialties.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:o Lead on the psychological care of patients, consistent with the WorldClass Care values and objectives of the Trust, within the severeasthma specialist service.o Provide highly specialist psychological assessment service, ensuringonward referrals for patients within the severe asthma service asappropriate.o Provide formulation, advice and a consultation service on thepsychological aspects of patients' care within the multidisciplinaryteam. To support the MDT team in providing psychologically andtrauma-informed care. To ensure patients information that allows themto understand the interplay between their disease and their distress.To work autonomously within professional guidelines and within theoverall framework of the service's policies and procedures.o Work with the Network Hub to align care across the severe asthmanetwork and enhance working relationships and education betweenthe sites.o Support the multi-disciplinary clinical and operational team to deliverintegrated care, including consultation and training concerningpsychological aspects of patient care and management along thesevere asthma patient pathway, and ensure that psychologicalaspects are addressed (where appropriate) in research, audit, policyand service development.o Utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development andresearch within the area served by the team/service as possible withinthe role.

About us

Embarking on a professional journey with the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust promises an enriching career experience. As a pioneering institution at the forefront of healthcare excellence, we offer a dynamic environment characterised by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to patient wellbeing.

You will become part of a team dedicated to pushing boundaries, embracing cutting-edge technology, and continuously enhancing the delivery of world-class healthcare services. With a focus on professional development, work-life balance, and a culture of inclusivity, the trust provides a platform for you to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare.

Details Date posted

06 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£61,927 to £68,676 a year per annum (pro-rata) inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

391-RFL-7208465

Job locations

Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

Hampsted

NW3 2QG

Job description Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

Job description Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Post-graduate doctoral level training in Counselling or Clinical Psychology (as accredited by BPS) and registration with the Health Professions Council with entitlement to use the title Counselling Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist.
• HCPC registration as Practitioner Psychologist
• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of patients across the full range of care settings
• Experience of working with a wide variety of patient groups across the whole life course and presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity
• Experience in the assessment and formulation of mental health in the context of complex physical health problems and old age
• Experience of referral and signposting to primary and secondary care mental health services

Desirable

• Post-doctoral additional training with achieved outcomes in relevant psychological/clinical practice
• Training in supervision of other psychologists
• Evidence of post-qualification supervised clinical experience in assessment and intervention with patients with long-term health conditions, including techniques at a specialist level
• Experience in providing a consultation service

Skills and apptitudes Essential

• Evidence of continuing professional development as required by the British Psychological Society/HCPC.
• Ability to form good working relationships with others in a multidisciplinary setting
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to articulate clearly the role of psychology in multi-professional services, based on a good understanding of NHS and national professional policies.
• Doctoral level knowledge of research methodology, research design and data analysis as practiced within the clinical fields of psychology.

Desirable

• Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups.
• Experience of working with other agencies including voluntary sector

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Post-graduate doctoral level training in Counselling or Clinical Psychology (as accredited by BPS) and registration with the Health Professions Council with entitlement to use the title Counselling Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist.
• HCPC registration as Practitioner Psychologist
• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of patients across the full range of care settings
• Experience of working with a wide variety of patient groups across the whole life course and presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity
• Experience in the assessment and formulation of mental health in the context of complex physical health problems and old age
• Experience of referral and signposting to primary and secondary care mental health services

Desirable

• Post-doctoral additional training with achieved outcomes in relevant psychological/clinical practice
• Training in supervision of other psychologists
• Evidence of post-qualification supervised clinical experience in assessment and intervention with patients with long-term health conditions, including techniques at a specialist level
• Experience in providing a consultation service

Skills and apptitudes Essential

• Evidence of continuing professional development as required by the British Psychological Society/HCPC.
• Ability to form good working relationships with others in a multidisciplinary setting
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to articulate clearly the role of psychology in multi-professional services, based on a good understanding of NHS and national professional policies.
• Doctoral level knowledge of research methodology, research design and data analysis as practiced within the clinical fields of psychology.

Desirable

• Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups.
• Experience of working with other agencies including voluntary sector

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.

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 further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information 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.

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 further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

Hampsted

NW3 2QG

Employer's website

https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

Hampsted

NW3 2QG

Employer's website

https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)