Lead Psychologist for Tower Hamlets Housing First project

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Psychologist for an innovative housing first project aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations. This role involves providing clinical expertise and fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing severe mental health challenges. You will lead a dedicated team, collaborate with various stakeholders, and implement evidence-based practices to enhance housing stability and access to services. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in need and have the requisite experience, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in acute/severe mental health settings.
• Experience with individuals facing severe and complex mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical input and foster a psychologically informed environment.
• Lead teaching and training programs for the project team.

Skills

Therapeutic interventions

Formulation

Consultation for care planning

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Education

Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology

HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist

Training in clinical supervision

Management/leadership training

Job description

Lead Psychologist for Tower Hamlets Housing First project

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Principal Psychologist to join a new housing first project in Tower Hamlets.

Support will be provided in line with the Housing First principles, an evidence-based model of support shown to have a high rate of tenancy sustainment for the client group. The service is expected to work with a significant number of women and will need to embed gender-informed support approaches. Co-production at individual and service levels is essential. The project aims to significantly impact the lives of its clients by improving housing stability, service access, and overall life quality.

The housing provider has been appointed, and the service is projected to be operational from June 2025.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a member of the project's leadership team, providing clinical input and fostering a psychologically informed environment. They will utilize their skills in direct and indirect work with residents, including therapeutic interventions, formulation, and consultation to inform care planning. The role also involves leading a teaching and training programme for the team.

About us

The post is managed by East London Foundation Trust and integrated within the support provider's multidisciplinary team, which includes a team manager and four project workers. The project involves collaboration with the local authority, voluntary sector, charitable organizations, housing providers, and health services, requiring a good understanding of each system's priorities and practices. Knowledge of the challenges faced by the homeless population, especially women rough sleeping, is essential, along with a passion for improving care for this group.

The post holder will work closely with experts-by-experience, local communities, and voluntary and social organizations to co-produce and develop services.

They will liaise with stakeholders such as London Borough of Tower Hamlets, housing associations, GPs, mental health services, and VCSOs, and connect with initiatives like RAMPH and Psychology in Hostels teams as needed.

Job responsibilities

Refer to the attached detailed job description and the main responsibilities outlined in the Job profile.

Person Specification

Education

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology or equivalent, with eligibility for BPS CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist)
• HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
• Training in clinical supervision for doctoral clinical psychology trainees
• Management/leadership training

Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience as a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist, including work in acute/severe mental health settings
• Experience working with individuals with severe, complex, and chronic mental health issues
• Experience providing psychologically informed interventions in inpatient settings
• Ability to identify needs and develop appropriate services
• Applied psychologist with experience working with unhoused populations
• Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams around complex care needs

Knowledge

• Knowledge of psychological therapies tailored to specific populations (e.g., complex needs, self-harm, dual diagnosis)
• Understanding of the pressures in hostel work on staff and residents
• Ability to work autonomously within professional and trust guidelines

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to verify any criminal convictions.

Salary: £70,387 to £80,465 per annum, pro-rata, HCAs