Principal Psychologist - Adult Inpatient Services | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Principal Psychologist to join their Adult Inpatient Services in Luton. This role entails providing strategic clinical input, supervising psychology staff, and fostering a trauma-informed culture. Ideal candidates will possess strong assessment skills and substantial experience in mental health settings. Opportunities for professional development alongside dedicated colleagues are available. Closing date for applications is July 15, 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in working with adults with complex mental health difficulties.
• Clinical confidence to work independently.
• Experience in supervision and training of psychology staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior clinical and strategic input for inpatient wards.
• Contribute to staff training and reflective practice.
• Supervise qualified and trainee psychology staff.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Assessment and formulation skills

Team collaboration in MDT settings

Education

Experience in mental health settings

Trauma-informed therapeutic practices

Job description

We are looking for an experienced psychologist to join us as a 0.6wte Principal Psychologist in our Adult Inpatient Services in the Luton area.

This is an exciting opportunity for career development alongside other dedicated psychologists and mental health professionals. The role provides senior clinical and strategic input for our Inpatient wards, providing services for adults with complex and severe mental health difficulties. The successful applicant will be experienced in working in this context and with this client group, and have a track record of developing trauma-informed therapeutic environments for both clients and workforce.

You will have the clinical confidence and sufficient experience to work independently and to make rapid and well-informed clinical judgments, using excellent assessment and formulation skills. You should be committed and comfortable working in an MDT setting and offering advice and consultation to other professional colleagues. The post-holder will contribute to staff training and staff support including reflective practice spaces. Part of the role will involve the supervision of qualified, trainee and pre-qualified psychology staff, and training and supervision of MDT colleagues in the provision of psychosocial interventions. You will also be expected to bring strategic ideas to support the development of the acute psychology service.

As a member of the ELFT-wide Psychology workforce the post holder would join the regular psychology meetings which focus on Clinical Governance and peer-led Continual Professional Development (CPD), as well as get involved in wider initiatives around issues of workforce and developing trauma-informed cultures across the whole Trust. The Psychologists in ELFT are trained in a variety of therapy models so there is opportunity to share knowledge and access consultation across models.

Please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advertisement .


This advert closes on Tuesday 15 Jul 2025