Principal Clinical Psychologist

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated leader for its innovative paediatric service. This role involves leading the development and delivery of psychological health services for children and young people, ensuring high standards of care and effective interventions. The successful candidate will oversee patient involvement initiatives and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, where your expertise will drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in clinical psychology or equivalent required.
• Experience in service development and consultation in health settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee patient involvement work and clinical interventions.
• Coordinate psychological research and service evaluation activities.

Skills

Psychological assessments

Advanced communication skills

Time management

IT skills

Teaching and training

Education

Doctorate in clinical psychology

Current registration with HCPC

Management/leadership training

Job description

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Please apply for this role if you are seeking a leadership position in a challenging paediatric service and have a genuine enthusiasm for developing evidence of outcomes and effectiveness.

We are a new interdisciplinary team working to implement the Cass Review (2024) for Children and Young People. This role will be a leader in Psychological Health Services and the Children and Young People's Gender Service (South West). The required specialism involves leading the development and delivery of interventions, in liaison with the Clinical Lead, Clinical Director, and service Consultants. There is also additional responsibility for overseeing patient and public involvement (PPI).

Main duties of the job

To contribute to development, coordination, clinical care, and leadership, ensuring the systematic provision of a psychology service to the NHS Children and Young People's Gender Service (South West). To provide highly specialist clinical leadership and input regarding clinical interventions. To lead and oversee patient, parent, and ex-patient (public) involvement work. To provide training, clinical supervision, and consultation as appropriate, functioning as a lead specialist in the CYP Gender Service and PHS. To undertake joint working, consultation, training, and service development activities with other clinicians and in partnership with health and social care organizations across the South West region and nationally as required. To coordinate and supervise psychological research, service evaluation, and audit activities, both within the profession and in collaboration with other professional groups. To provide leadership, management, and professional supervision of staff within Psychological Health Services across multiple clinical areas.

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, with over 13,000 staff and more than 100 clinical services across 10 sites, serving a population of over 500,000 in South West England. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent care. As a multi-award-winning, digital exemplar Trust committed to innovation and research, our work has a positive impact locally and globally. Our hospitals in Bristol and Weston offer city living close to countryside and seaside, with easy access to the South West's attractions. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We actively promote diversity and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the community we serve, designing services around individual needs.

Job responsibilities

For detailed responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description document.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Doctorate in clinical psychology/counselling psychology or equivalent
• Current registration as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Training in supervision of qualified and trainee clinical psychologists and other staff
• Management/leadership training (D)

Knowledge and Experience

• Post-qualification experience as a specialist practitioner clinical psychologist providing direct clinical work, consultation, case management supervision, and training across multi-professional teams in psychological interventions
• Experience in service development and undertaking consultation within health and social care settings
• Experience with supervision, reflective practice, or team development in health and social care contexts
• Proven track record in proposing and implementing transformational projects in healthcare
• Experience delivering formal teaching and presentations to health and professional audiences
• Knowledge of legislation and guidance related to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, consent, confidentiality, and psychological care standards
• Theoretical knowledge of psychological presentations and evidence-based treatments for CYP with gender distress
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed, academic, or professional journals or books (D)

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to formulate systemic and individual psychological assessments and deliver brief interventions based on psychological theories and models
• Advanced communication skills for delivering complex and sensitive information to patients, families, and staff in a culturally appropriate manner, especially in emotive situations
• Competence in managing and recording information accurately in notes, databases, and electronic records
• Effective time management skills for clinical, managerial, and professional activities
• Willingness and ability to travel as required
• Proficiency in IT skills, including data entry and analysis for research purposes
• Skills in teaching and training other professionals
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to team functioning and leadership roles
• Ability to handle personal and professional challenges, including media scrutiny

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 ensure suitability for the role.