Principal Psychologist

Priory Group; Watford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Priory Hospital Kneesworth House in Royston, Hertfordshire, is seeking a Principal Psychologist to lead psychological care across designated wards within a level 2 rehabilitation service. The role requires HCPC registration, a postgraduate psychology qualification, and formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities.

You will work autonomously within clinical governance guidelines, supervise staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, person-centred care.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification leading to HCPC registration.
• Current HCPC registered Psychologist required.
• Formal training in at least two therapeutic modalities.

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 clinical governance and record keeping.
• Supervise psychology staff, trainees and students, providing consultation and professional development.
• Collaborate with patients, carers, multidisciplinary teams and external agencies for person-centred care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and psychological governance, including referrals and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical governance

Record keeping

Staff supervision

Risk management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in psychology

HCPC registration as 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.

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.

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.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.