Principal Psychologist

Priory; Royston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits (gym, tech, health)

IPD sponsorship

Leadership development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Job summary

Priory Kneesworth House in Royston, Hertfordshire, is seeking a Principal Psychologist to lead psychological care across designated wards, ensuring high standards of treatment and governance.

The role offers flexibility with full-time and part-time options, and requires HCPC registration, a completed postgraduate qualification, and experience in multiple therapeutic modalities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a completed and recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration.
• Formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities.
• Post-qualification experience and competencies appropriate to a Principal Psychologist role.

Responsibilities

• Lead psychological care for designated wards and patients, including assessment, intervention, evaluation, risk management and care planning.
• Work autonomously within professional and service guidelines, maintaining high standards of clinical governance, record keeping and compliance.
• Supervise and support psychology staff, trainees and students, providing consultation, reflective practice, training and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support effective, person-centred care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and evidence-based practice, including oversight of referrals, waiting lists, KPIs and psychological practice governance.

Skills

Autonomous practice

Leadership

Education

HCPC registration

Postgraduate qualification in psychology

Job description

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Location: Kneesworth House

Compensation: £61,492 / year

Full-time and part-time hours available

Up to £61,492 FTE depending on experience

HCPC registration is required

Description

Kneesworth House

This role offers flexibility and can be part-time or full-time. Preferred working arrangements can be discussed at interview, although they will need to align with the needs of the service.

Located in Royston, Hertfordshire, within a purpose-built facility and spacious grounds, Priory Hospital Kneesworth House is a level 2 rehabilitation service, which provides a range of specialist recovery pathways, all at one site.

What you'll be doing

As a Principal Psychologist, you will play a pivotal role in patient recovery, leading psychological care and ensuring high standards of treatment. Your work will directly contribute to the well-being of individuals seeking support in a purpose-built facility.

You will:

• Lead psychological care for designated wards and patients, including assessment, intervention, evaluation, risk management and care planning.
• Work autonomously within professional and service guidelines, maintaining high standards of clinical governance, record keeping and compliance.
• Supervise and support psychology staff, trainees and students, providing consultation, reflective practice, training and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support effective, person-centred care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and evidence-based practice, including oversight of referrals, waiting lists, KPIs and psychological practice governance.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Essential

Applicants must hold a completed and recognised postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration and must be currently registered with the HCPC as a Psychologist. Applicants must also have formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities and have demonstrated relevant post-qualification experience and competencies appropriate to a Principal Psychologist role. Newly qualified psychologists or those not yet HCPC registered would not be eligible for this position.

Desirable

Experience of working in a forensic setting and/or with a forensic adult population who present with offending risk would be desirable.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.