Principal Psychologist – South Beds CMHT | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Dunstable is seeking a Principal Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to lead clinical and strategic initiatives in their South Bedfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with mental health clients and NHS services, along with strong clinical skills in assessment and evidence-based interventions. This role includes leadership responsibilities and offers the chance to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Qualifications

• Experienced in working with the mental health client group.
• Familiar with NHS services.
• Proven record of developing multidisciplinary approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior clinical and strategic input to Community Mental Health Teams.
• Lead and supervise a group of psychologists and therapists.
• Collaborate with team managers and senior clinicians.

Skills

Experience with the client group and NHS services

Strong clinical skills in assessment

Experience in supervision and leadership

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for the next step in their psychologist career. We are looking for a Principal Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to work in our South Bedfordshire Adult Community Mental Health Services network, in a post which has leadership elements alongside clinical and supervision responsibilities. You will provide senior clinical and strategic input into these two local services which provide care and support for people (and their families) who experience serious mental health difficulties, such as psychosis and complex emotional needs.

Responsibilities

The main duties involve ensuring the systematic provision of a high-quality comprehensive specialist psychological service to the service users of the Community Mental Health Teams. You will work closely with the team managers and senior clinicians in leadership roles, and be part of a thriving multi-disciplinary network of mental health professionals, Peer Support Workers, VCSE partners and administrators. There is a dedicated group of psychologists (including assistant psychologists and Clinical Associates in Psychology) and therapists for whom you would provide supervision and leadership.

• Provide senior clinical and strategic input to two local Community Mental Health Teams.
• Lead and supervise a group of psychologists and therapists; contribute to supervision and leadership across the service.
• Collaborate with team managers, senior clinicians and a multi-disciplinary network, including Peer Support Workers and VCSE partners.

Qualifications and Experience

The candidate will be experienced in working with this client group and be familiar with NHS services, have a track record of developing and supporting multidisciplinary approaches and pathways, and have experience in the management of demand and flow through services. Experience in supervision, consultation, leadership, and service development is essential, along with highly developed clinical skills in assessment, formulation and evidence-based interventions for people presenting in secondary care mental health services.

• Experience with the client group and NHS services.
• Proven record of developing and supporting multidisciplinary approaches and pathways.
• Experience in supervision, consultation, leadership, and service development.
• Strong clinical skills in assessment, formulation and evidence-based interventions in secondary care mental health.

Travel

The post requires people to be able to travel to locations around South Bedfordshire and Luton.

About Us and Values

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people''s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

How to Apply

Please read the attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the vacancy.

This advert closes on Sunday 28 Sep 2025