Principal Clinical Psychologist

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Hastings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

Job summary

Principal Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist (HCPC) or CBT therapist (BABCP accredited) Adult Mental Health, Hastings Assessment & Treatment Service

We are delighted to be advertising for Principal Psychology professional- Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist or CBT therapist. Are you a passionate and experienced HCPC-registered practitioner psychologist or BABCP accredited CBT therapist ready to take on a leadership role? This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse group of professionals committed to providing exceptional care to those with severe and enduring mental health needs.

At Hastings and Rother ATS, you'll be part of an innovative team that embraces transformation and strives to deliver high-quality treatments. You'll collaborate with a multi-professional team and have the chance to lead and inspire a group of practitioner psychologists, psychological therapists including CBT and systemic psychotherapists, Mental Health Wellbeing practitioners and trainees. Our service values compassionate care and supports a psychologically safe work environment, ensuring that you feel valued and supported.

Main duties of the job

What You'll Do:

1. Provide operational leadership alongside the Consultant Lead Psychologist.
2. Oversee MDT referrals and manage service capacity.
3. Supervise and support a team of psychology professionals.
4. Maintain and enhance our established Psychology meeting structures.
5. Conduct direct clinical work, delivering NICE-recommended evidence-based care.
6. Contribute to training, supervision, and the development of psychological practice within the team.

There will be opportunities to lead on pathway developments as part of the transformation developing the psychological offer and supporting the MDT in psychological thinking. As such we would welcome applicants from anyone with specific interest in psychosis, trauma, emotional intensity or particular therapy approach such as CBT, Family work, CAT or EMDR.

Your skills and experience

We seek confident, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with significant experience in handling severe and complex mental health presentations, such as Complex Emotional Needs, Psychosis, trauma, and mood disorders. Experience in consultation, team formulation, and supervising psychology colleagues is essential.

About us

Join Us in Making a Difference:

Be a part of our mission to champion the rights of people with mental health difficulties and contribute to sustainable healthcare. If you are ready to take on a leadership role in a supportive and innovative environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your career with Hastings and Rother ATS. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be someone who can contribute at a senior level to the vision for the ATS as it undertakes transformation towards an improved service model. This post is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner seeking to advance their career and take up leadership responsibilities.

About us

Psychologists are valued members of the ATS and are encouraged to play a key role in multidisciplinary team working. You would be joining a supportive and cohesive network of Psychologists, clinical trainees and psychology volunteers. You will work closely with Psychology colleagues and the Psychology leads. You will receive high standards of supervision and will be supported by the Principal Clinical Psychologist. We have a valued programme of CPD, peer supervision and reflective practice for Psychology staff.

Flexible Working: We support a healthy work/life balance with options for home-working, part-time hours, and flexible start/finish times.
Career Development: Engage in professional supervision, ongoing training, and opportunities for career growth within our Trust.
Benefits: Enjoy an excellent NHS pension, generous holiday entitlement, access to NHS discount schemes, free on-site parking, and full psychological support from our wellbeing team.
Inclusive Environment: We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that everyone can belong and thrive in their career with us.

Living and Working in Sussex:

Sussex offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and city convenience. With easy access to London, major airports, and beautiful countryside, it's an ideal place to call home. Whether you're relocating or already live locally, we'll support you every step of the way.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Post-graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology [or its equivalent for those trained before 1996 or outside the UK*] as approved by the HPC, including specifically models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental Psychology.
• Or recognised accredited post graduate level training in cognitive behavioural therapy accredited by the BABCP.
• Professionally registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) or with the British Association of Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy.

Desirable

• Pre-qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other fields of applied psychology.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community, primary care and in patient settings.
• Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups, across the whole life course presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical abuse.
• Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision.
• Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care.
• Experience or demonstrable knowledge of working with the particular client group served by the team/service.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see.