Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist / Health Psychologist

Job overview

Two exciting opportunities have arisen to join the Medical Psychology team within CSU 1 Family Health in the maternal mental health team, hours open to discussion across both roles with full time and part time available.

The paediatric team provide psychological input to a number of MDTs within paediatric services and the women and children's services, which provides the opportunity to gain experience in a number of different pathways. This role has primary focus on maternal mental health

We actively encourage trainee psychologists to apply. Successful candidates would be appointed at band 7 with a progression plan in place to support the post holder’s development to the full competencies of the 8a role.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be joining an experienced and supportive team lead by the Principle Clinical Psychologist, Consultant Psychologist and Senior Psychologist.

Applicants do not have to have worked in an acute paediatric psychology service or in neurosciences previously, but will have demonstrated an interest in working with children and young people and/or in neuropsychological practice.

The role will be based at James Cook University Hospital but is part of the Group Hospitals of Tees structure, and the appointee will be part of the Medical Psychology Service.

There are up to two roles available, covering 1.5 WTE, it may be possible to negotiate hours as part of the recruitment process.

Please note this post may close at sufficient applicants.

Working for our organisation

Medical Psychology

We also carry out clinical audit, research and service evaluation.

We have strong links with the Doctoral Training Programmes at the University of Teesside, and we provide teaching, placements and research projects for Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology and Health Psychology trainees.

We provide mentoring and support to deliver this.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) for main responsibilities of the role.

This programme aims to

Explore leadership within the NHS

Promote Trust Values and Behaviours

Develop your Leadership effectiveness and skills

Practitioner level in quality improvement, equipping you with the skills to champion, lead and complete quality improvement within your role

After you complete this four and a half days of training you will be able to explore further leadership and improvement training opportunities, we offer further in-house courses dependent upon your role and bitesize programmes and leadership apprenticeships at level 3,5 and 7.

Person specification

Qualifications Ban 8a

• For Psychologists: Post-graduate doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology, or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996, Counselling or Health Psychology as accredited by the BPS &/or HCPC. For Psychological Therapists: A recorded/registered qualification in a core health or social care profession at graduate level (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy) or have passed the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) pre-requisite criteria as recognised by the BABCP prior to undertaking post-graduate training. Completed BABCP Level 2 postgraduate training at a level required for BABCP accreditation. Current registration with the BABCP as a Psychological Therapist or HCPC Registration as a Clinical, Counselling or Health Psychologist.
• Completed training in clinical supervision and/or accredited to supervise qualified psychological practitioners in relevant discipline.
• Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the British Psychological Society and Health and Care Professionals Council or British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.
• Additional training beyond entry level qualification in a specialised area of psychological practice or therapeutic approach relevant to the psychological needs of medical patients OR a combination of specialist short courses and/an evidenced portfolio of supervised practice-based learning in a specialist area of clinical practice, assessed by a registered body.

• Attendance at a leadership and development and improvement programme
• Qualification in an evidenced based approach to treating complex trauma

Experience

• Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups, including people with physical health conditions across the whole life course and presenting with the full range of clinical severity Band 7/8
• Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for clients’ psychological care and treatment, both as an individual practitioner and also within the context of multidisciplinary care, Band 8
• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatments of clients across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community and inpatient settings Band 7/8
• Experience of delivering and utilising teaching, training and professional and clinical supervision Band 8
• Have demonstrated an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post, Band 7/8

• Experience of working in a maternal mental health setting or related clinical area.
• Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care.

Knowledge and Skills Band 8a

• Well-developed knowledge of research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis as practiced within the field of psychology.
• Well-developed knowledge of psychological principles relevant to the clinical specialism through both direct clinical contribution and as a resource to the whole of the multidisciplinary team in terms of patient management.
• Well-developed knowledge of the guidance and legislation in relation to relevant patient groups and the healthcare system.
• Well-developed knowledge of and skills in the theory and practice of specialised psychological assessment, intervention and management across the lifespan and relevant to the complex needs of the patient group and frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration.
• Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, highly technical, and clinically sensitive information to patients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS.
• Well- developed skills in providing consultation and supervision to psychological professionals and to other professional and non-professional groups

• Ability to develop and use complex multi-media materials for presentations in public, professional and academic settings.

Qualifications Band 7

• For Psychologists: Post-graduate doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology, or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996, Counselling or Health Psychology as accredited by the BPS &/or HCPC. For Psychological Therapists: A recorded/registered qualification in a core health or social care profession at graduate level (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy) or have passed the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) pre-requisite criteria as recognised by the BABCP prior to undertaking post-graduate training. Completed BABCP Level 2 postgraduate training at a level required for BABCP accreditation. Current registration with the BABCP as a Psychological Therapist or HCPC Registration as a Clinical, Counselling or Health Psychologist.
• Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the British Psychological Society and Health and Care Professionals Council or British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

• Additional training beyond entry level qualification in a specialised area of psychological practice or therapeutic approach relevant to the psychological needs of maternal mental health patients OR a combination of specialist short courses and/an evidenced portfolio of supervised practice-based learning in a specialist area of clinical practice, assessed by a registered body.

Knowledge and Skills band 7

• Knowledge of and skills in research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis as practiced within the field of psychology.
• Knowledge of psychological principles relevant to the clinical specialism through both direct clinical contribution and as a resource to the whole of the multidisciplinary team in terms of patient management.
• Knowledge of the guidance and legislation in relation to relevant patient groups and the healthcare system.
• Knowledge of and skills in the theory and practice of specialised psychological assessment, intervention and management across the lifespan and relevant to the complex needs of the patient group, frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration.
• Skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, highly technical, and clinically sensitive information to patients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems and verbal and physical abuse.
• Ability to identify, provide and promote appropriate means of support to carers and staff exposed to highly distressing situations and challenging behaviours.
• Ability to meet the requirements of clinical governance in the maintenance of high standards of clinical practice in the context of regular exposure to distressing experiences and situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Enthusiasm and commitment for working in maternity or related disciplines.

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)

It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.

At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.

We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.

We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Supporting disabled people and people with long‑term conditions

We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.

This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.

If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [email protected] or call us on 01642 854610

Right to Work in the UK

Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.

Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.

Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.

Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.

IMPORTANT - Please ensure you read the 'Guidance Notes for Applicants' document attached to this advert before you start to complete your application form.

This document provides detailed advice regarding the completion of your application form.

The guidance document also provides in detail what identification and certificates you must provide at interview should you be shortlisted.

Personal references and references from colleagues are not acceptable.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.