Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist

NHS; Northampton; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 73,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading organization in mental health services is seeking a Principal Psychologist for a fixed-term role in Community Adult Mental Health Teams. The position involves supervising psychology staff, undertaking clinical responsibilities, and contributing to service development while fostering high care standards within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Must have 4+ years of experience working with adults post-qualification.
• Supervisor training/experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and line-manage psychology staff in CMHTs.
• Carry out clinical work related to severe mental health issues.
• Lead service development initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Clinical expertise in mental health

Ability to innovate

Education

Clinical psychology doctorate

Other therapy training

Job description

Job summary

This is a fixed-term post for 12 months to cover maternity leave. The role is based in Community Adult Mental Health Teams in the South of the county.

CMHTs are multidisciplinary teams providing specialist support and clinical interventions to individuals with various mental health challenges.

The post-holder will be part of the leadership team within the CMHTs and will supervise and support other practitioner psychologists and team members. Psychologists are integral members of the MDT and are encouraged to play a key role in MDT working. You will collaborate with other Principal Psychologists working in both South and North CMHTs, supported by the Adult Mental Health Psychology Lead.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will supervise and line-manage psychology staff working within the CMHTs. They will also carry out clinical work and ideally have experience, specialist knowledge, and skills in working with severe and enduring mental health issues such as complex trauma, psychosis, and personality difficulties.

The postholder will also assume a leadership role, requiring leadership skills and the ability to develop innovative practices and lead service development initiatives. We seek someone who can contribute at a senior level to the service's vision, working closely with various stakeholders.

About us

NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust providing physical, mental health, and specialist services in hospital and community settings. We focus on delivering accessible care, often provided at home, work, or in schools. We also serve various prisons and detention centers in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

NHFT fosters a culture of learning aimed at improving care and safety, supporting staff development, innovation, and growth to achieve 'outstanding' standards.

Details

Date posted: 06 June 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8b

Salary: £62,215 to £72,293 per year (pro rata)

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 270-TF781-MH-F

Job location: Campbell House, Campbell Square, Northampton, NN5 6AN

Job responsibilities

For detailed information, please refer to the job description under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification is available in the About You section of the document.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: Clinical psychology doctorate or equivalent
• Desirable: Other therapy training after qualifying

Experience

• Essential: Experience working with adults, 4+ years post-qualification
• Desirable: Experience in AMH/CMHT

Supervision Experience

• Essential: Supervisor training/experience
• Desirable: Supervision of qualified psychologists, management, and leadership experience

Additional requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For more information, see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address: Campbell House, Campbell Square, Northampton, NN5 6AN

Website: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/