Practitioner Clinical or Counselling Psychologist or CBT therapist

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Hastings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS mental health service in Hastings is seeking a Psychological professional to provide high-quality applied psychology services. You will lead a clinical team, supervise Assistant Psychologists, and support service improvements based on evidence-based practices. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of severe mental health issues and the ability to work autonomously in a MDT setting. This role promotes professional development and flexible working options.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible working hours

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Strong background in applied psychology with experience in complex presentations.
• Ability to supervise and lead a team effectively.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality psychological services to clients and families.
• Lead a clinical team and support psychological practices.
• Manage a clinical caseload autonomously.

Skills

Experience with severe mental health difficulties

CBT and attachment-based models

Supervisory experience

Analytical and judgement skills

Research skills

Education

Doctorate in Psychology

Job description

We're looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we're proud to make a difference every day.

At SPFT we put people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development.

We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it's part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we'll explore what works for you and the role.

We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.

We're shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we'd love to hear from you.

Post holder responsibilities and duties

• Provide a high quality, specialist applied psychology service to clients, their families or carers where there are complex and comorbid presentations.
• Use assessment, intervention and formulation skills in a range of psychological models, including CBT and attachment-based models.
• Take a clinical leadership role and have supervisory experience, supervising Assistant Psychologists, Clinical Trainees and Psychology Graduate Volunteers.
• Support psychological practice within the wider team through consultation, supervision, formulation and training.
• Utilise research skills for audit and research within the area and contribute to service improvement and development.
• Lead on pathway developments as part of the transformation developing the psychological offer and supporting the MDT in psychological thinking.
• Provide a qualified, high-quality specialist psychology service to individuals, carers, families and groups, in line with best, evidence-based practice and trust care pathways.
• Hold and manage a clinical caseload and exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the planning and prioritising of own workload and the assessment, treatment and discharge of clients.
• Use analytical and judgement skills and take clinical management decisions in complex clinical issues.
• Supervise assistant psychologists, trainee psychologists and junior psychologists, psychological therapists or counsellors and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide consultation, mentorship, supervision and advice about psychological issues to other members of the team/service and other professionals working with service users, across a range of agencies/ settings.
• Work autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise responsibility for the systematic governance of psychological practice within the service/team.
• Contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the team's operational policies and services.
• Utilise research skills to undertake service evaluation, audit and research as appropriate and disseminate the results in the service and nationally.
• Propose and implement policy changes within the area served by the service.

Working with us

• Applications are welcome from enthusiastic and experienced Psychological professionals with specialist knowledge and skills of working with severe and enduring mental health difficulties such as complex trauma, psychosis and personality difficulties.
• Equally important is experience in MDT teamworking, teaching and supervision.
• Looking for someone who can work autonomously within the context of a busy multi-disciplinary team.
• Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.

Professional Development

• Psychological professionals are valued members of the ATS and are encouraged to play a key role in multidisciplinary team working.
• You will be joining a supportive and cohesive network of Psychologist professionals, clinical trainees and psychology volunteers.
• You will work closely with psychological professions staff colleagues and the Psychology leads.
• High standards of supervision and support by the Principal Clinical Psychologist.
• Valued programme of CPD, peer supervision and reflective practice for Psychology staff.

Safeguarding

SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.

EEO Statement

SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.