Principal Psychologist

NHS; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job description

Job summary

There is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Practitioner Psychologist (must be HCPC registered) to join a dynamic Psychology department, working across the adult Acute and Psychiatric Intensive Care Services (PICU). This is a part-time vacancy.

This is an exciting and interesting role due to the variety and breadth of experience it offers. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the psychological model across the wards. They will work closely with a skilled team including Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, and a wider multi-disciplinary team of professionals. The role is extremely diverse and involves assessment, formulation, a range of brief and impactful interventions, risk assessment, indirect working, consultation and training to the wider staffing team, and supporting psychological approaches to care. There will also be opportunity to provide clinical supervision to other members of the psychological therapies team.

Main duties of the job

Suitable candidates will have interest in, knowledge of and experience of working psychologically with complex client groups and risk. Some post-qualification experience is desirable although newly qualified psychologists will be considered (and banding and salary adjusted accordingly). Applicants will enjoy working in dynamic and fast-paced environments and will be able to provide containing support to the wider teams working in a pressured and challenging service. The post holder will need to be able to form positive relationships with colleagues and be interested in working in teams. Suitable candidates will also have the drive to develop innovative approaches to intervening psychologically with this client group and be interested in contributing to service development in conjunction with the lead clinician.

Job responsibilities

1. Undertake the role of Principal Psychologist for designated ward(s) and/or group of patients as agreed with the Head of Psychology. This includes assessment, formulation, intervention (group and/or one to one) and evaluation in line with the patients' presentation and care pathway.
2. Assess patients using appropriate assessments and psychometric measures and interpret and report results accurately.
3. Work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the services' policies and procedures.
4. Co-ordinate delivery of psychological assessment and intervention from other psychology staff including qualified psychologists, trainee psychologists, assistant psychologists, and students.
5. Provide consultation and advice to professional staff from other disciplines on psychological assessment, therapy, and techniques for working effectively with particular service users.
6. Work alongside senior clinical and managerial staff to improve and maintain the quality of the patient experience.
7. Provide Reflective Practice for Staff (as directed by the Head of Psychology).
8. Hold management, clinical, and professional supervision responsibilities for junior psychology staff as directed by the Head of Psychology.
9. Undertake assessment reports (including risk assessment reports if required by the service) as specified in the psychological provision.
10. Attend and contribute to CPA reviews and provide a psychological perspective regarding patient treatment, management, and risk assessment.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• Must be HCPC registered.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name: Priory Healthcare

Address: Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal, 100 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 3DG

Employer's website: https://jobs.priorygroup.com/why-join-us/ (Opens in a new tab)