Highly Specialised Psychological Therapist - Northumberland

Mental Health Matters; Morpeth; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay

Workplace pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing resources

Life Assurance

Discounts

Training and development

Job summary

Mental Health Matters in Northumberland’s Talking Therapies service invites applications for a Highly Specialist Psychological Therapist to work with adults with moderate to complex mental health needs. You will deliver specialist assessment, formulation and evidence‑based interventions, manage your own caseload and conduct risk assessments, with some evening work.

The role also includes supervision, teaching, audit and service development to maintain high clinical standards and to support

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised professional qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology (HCPC registered) with a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT.
• Be BABCP accredited (or accreditable) and trained in at least one additional therapy model.
• Experience in NHS Talking Therapies and understanding of stepped care.
• Experience with complex mental health needs, trauma and co-morbidity.
• Skilled in psychological assessments, risk assessments and risk management planning.
• Experience providing NICE‑compliant clinical supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and interventions for moderate to complex cases.
• Manage a clinical caseload and undertake comprehensive risk assessments.
• Develop effective risk management plans where required.
• Contribute to supervision, teaching, audit and service evaluation.
• Promote evidence‑based practice and support colleagues within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

HCPC registered

Clinical Psychology

BABCP accredited

Postgraduate CBT

NHS Talking Therapies experience

Risk assessment

Autonomous MDT work

Communication skills

Clinical supervision ability

Education

HCPC registration

Clinical Psychology training

BABCP accreditation

Postgraduate Diploma in CBT

Core mental health qualification (RMN/SW/OT)

Job description

Job summary

Talking Therapies provides high-quality, evidence-based psychological therapies to adults experiencing common mental health difficulties. As part of our wider Talking Therapies service, you will work with people whose needs are more complex and who require specialist psychological interventions beyond those typically delivered within NHS Talking Therapies, but who do not require care coordination within secondary mental health services.

Main duties of the job

We have an exciting opportunity for a Highly Specialist Psychological Therapist to join our established Northumberland Talking Therapies service. Working closely with the Clinical Lead, Service Manager and multidisciplinary colleagues, you will provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and evidence-based interventions for individuals with moderate to complex mental health presentations. You will manage your own clinical caseload, undertake comprehensive risk assessments and develop effective risk management plans where required.

Alongside your clinical work, you will play an important role in supporting the ongoing development of the service through clinical supervision, consultation, audit, service evaluation and the promotion of evidence-based practice. You will also contribute to teaching, training and the development of colleagues, helping to maintain high clinical standards across the service.

About us

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK. Through our diverse range of services, we help people improve their mental wellbeing, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives. Everything we do is people focused. Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference.

Details

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £57,528 per annum (NHS Band 8a)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Reference number: R000616

Location: Unit 4, Telford Court, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2DB

Job responsibilities

This role requires flexibility, as the service includes some evening and occasional Saturday working to meet the needs of the people we support. We particularly welcome applications from women, as we are committed to ensuring that people accessing our services have choice wherever possible. Many of the individuals we support request a female therapist, and increasing the diversity of our clinical workforce will help us better meet the needs and preferences of those using our services. Selection will always be based on skills, experience and suitability for the role.

About you

We're looking for an experienced, compassionate and highly motivated psychological therapist who is committed to delivering outstanding care and improving outcomes for people experiencing mental health difficulties. To be successful in this role, you will:

• Hold a recognised professional qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology (HCPC registered) or a core mental health qualification (such as RMN, Social Work or Occupational Therapy) together with a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
• Be BABCP accredited (or accreditable) as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and trained in at least one additional psychological therapy model.
• Have substantial experience working within NHS Talking Therapies services and a thorough understanding of the stepped care model.
• Have experience working with individuals presenting with complex mental health needs, including trauma and co-morbidity.
• Be confident undertaking psychological assessments, risk assessments and developing risk management plans.
• Have experience providing NICE-compliant clinical supervision to qualified or trainee therapists.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective therapeutic relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations.
• Be able to work autonomously while contributing positively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Have strong organisational skills and be confident using electronic clinical record systems and outcome measures.
• Be committed to continuous professional development, clinical governance and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

Experience of teaching, delivering training, participating in clinical audit or service evaluation, and delivering additional NHS Talking Therapies interventions would be advantageous.

What we offer you

• 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay.
• Access to our workplace pension scheme.
• Family-friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to our Wellbeing Offer, including an Employee Assistance Programme, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources.
• Life Assurance and Free Will writing service.
• Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts.
• Access to Tickets for Good.
• Employee recognition and celebration schemes.
• A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support your career development.

Interested in Finding Out More?

We welcome informal conversations about the role. If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact: Jill Mitchell.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.