Principal Psychologist

Medical Update Online; Royston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday Holiday

Enhanced maternity pay

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits (gym, IT devices,健康)

Development opportunities

IPD sponsorship for qualifications

Leadership & management development

Long service award

Refer a friend bonuses

Job summary

Priory Kneesworth House in Royston is seeking a Principal Psychologist to lead psychological care across wards, ensuring high standards of treatment within a level 2 rehabilitation setting. The role requires HCPC registration as a psychologist and postgraduate qualification, with two therapeutic modalities and post-qualification experience.

You will supervise psychology staff, contribute to governance, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver person-centred care and service

Qualifications

• Essential: completed postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration and current HCPC registration as Psychologist.
• Desirable: experience in forensic setting and/or with forensic adult population.

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.
• Collaborate with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to support person-centred care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and evidence-based practice, including oversight of referrals, waiting lists, KPIs and governance.

Skills

HCPC registration (Psychologist)

Therapeutic modalities (2+)

Clinical governance

Risk management

Staff supervision

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration (Psychologist)

Job description

Kneesworth House
Full-time and part-time hours available
Up to £61,492 FTE depending on experience
HCPC registration is required
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.

About Priory

Priory is the UK's leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children's mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here.

All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.