Psychological Therapist in Maternal Mental Health Service

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a Psychological Therapist to join the Essex Maternal Mental Health Service. This position involves providing psychological assessments and therapy for women experiencing mental health issues after perinatal loss. The role requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and offers flexible working opportunities across locations in Colchester and the coastal towns.

Benefits

Season Ticket Loans

NHS staff discounts

Training opportunities

Annual leave schemes

Opportunities to work bank shifts

Salary Sacrifice schemes

Flexible working from day one

Qualifications

• Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or CBT Therapist qualifications required.
• Experience working with trauma and loss is desirable.
• Ability to provide evidence-based therapy.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological assessments to women after perinatal loss.
• Deliver evidence-based therapy for moderate to severe mental health issues.
• Collaborate with maternal mental health midwives.

Skills

Experience working with trauma and loss

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Flexibility

Positive teamwork

Education

Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or CBT Therapist

Job description

The Essex Maternal Mental Health Service (MMHS), By Your Side, launched in October 2023, aims to integrate maternity, reproductive health, and psychological therapy for women and birthing parents experiencing mental health difficulties related to the maternity experience.

This fully therapeutic service has been operational since June 2024 across five maternity units in Essex. It provides targeted care for women and birthing parents whose needs are not met by other services, including those who have experienced trauma and loss in the perinatal period and are not eligible for specialist perinatal mental health services.

By Your Side offers therapeutic support for women and birthing parents experiencing moderate to severe mental health responses after perinatal loss, including miscarriage (recurrent/multiple), stillbirth, termination, and neonatal death (within 28 days of birth).

The clinical team comprises psychologists, psychological therapists, and maternal mental health midwives. Flexibility and positive teamwork are essential qualities for staff.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a Psychological Therapist (Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or CBT Therapist) at 0.6 WTE on a permanent basis. The bases are in Colchester and Coastal Towns (Tendering, Clacton-on-Sea, Manningtree, Frinton-on-Sea), but you may be required to work across the Trust’s geographical area. Hybrid working, including face-to-face, online, and home visits, is encouraged.

You will provide psychological assessments and evidence-based therapy to women experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues following birth trauma or perinatal loss. Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team of maternal mental health midwives will be vital to deliver trauma-informed care.

Experience working with trauma and loss is desirable. Regular clinical supervision will be provided by the Clinical Lead or Principal Practitioner Psychologist.

Working for our organization

We value Care, Learn, and Empower. Benefits include:

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS staff discounts
• Training opportunities
• Annual leave schemes
• Opportunities to work bank shifts and gain diverse experience
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (lease cars, Cycle to Work)
• Flexible working from day one

Flexible working options are supported, and applicants are encouraged to discuss possibilities with the hiring manager. New employees can request flexible working from the start.

Join our Staff Bank

The NHS staff bank hires clinical and non-clinical staff for shifts across trust hospitals and community settings. All permanent staff are enrolled automatically, with the option to work additional shifts if desired. If joining in a fixed-term role, indicate your interest in the staff bank on your application.

Priority is given to staff at risk within the organization. If a vacancy is deemed suitable as an alternative employment option, the post may be withdrawn.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applications should be written by applicants. Use of AI tools in applications may lead to rejection, although support is available for disabled applicants.

Professional References

Applicants must provide references covering the last three years of employment, excluding personal or character references. The initial DBS check cost will be deducted from the first salary.

Equal Opportunities Employer

We welcome applications from individuals with experience of using mental health services and support diversity, including employment of people with learning disabilities. Contact us for alternative formats of the application form.

The Trust reserves the right to close vacancies early. Due to high application volumes, if you haven't heard within three weeks of the closing date, your application is likely unsuccessful.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff undergo safeguarding procedures.

Covid Vaccination

While not mandatory, vaccination is encouraged. For vaccination information or booking, contact [e-mail].