[ref. a57008016] Chertsey - Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Development Opportunity)
Would you like to work in an organisation that sits in the top 10 best NHS Mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Services Trust to work for. This ranking is based on staff feedback in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
Job overview
Are you passionate about mental health and being part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference to peoples' lives?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Practitioner Psychologist to work in our Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Wards in Chertsey. This is a rare opportunity to work in a brand new setting built with current understandings of therapeutic environments and trauma-informed care.
The post is suitable for candidates seeking either a Band 8a role, or a Band 7 to Band 8a Development post, including those who are currently completing the final year of their doctorate. Please see attached Job Profiles for further details.
Our acute inpatient mental health wards are dedicated to the support of people of working age in mental health crisis. The post offers a diverse range of experience working with people with acute and complex mental health difficulties and the postholder will provide assessment and treatment of complex cases, and consultation and support to MDT colleagues.This includes structured assessments, individual therapy, groups, team formulation, indirect interventions, supervision, mentoring, and teaching and training.
You will join a friendly and supportive acute therapies team, as well as group of Psychologists in the locality. The trust has an enviable care pathways system which values Psychology. There are opportunities to train in DBT, CBT for psychosis, family interventions, CBT for personality disorders and structured clinical management.
Main duties of the job
Variety: You will have the chance to work with a wide range of complex presentations including affective disorders, psychosis, and personality, and using a variety of methods and approaches. With assessments, individual therapies, group therapies, family interventions, MDT working, complex case meetings, indirect interventions using a Positive Behaviour Support framework, and supervision all part of the role, it’s safe to say that no two days will feel the same!Many of our Psychologists in acute services find that the switching really helps to stay energised.
Fast-paced: You will get to be reflexive; formulating problems, identifying with teams when attempted solutions create a new or different problem, and supporting teams to remove barriers to discharge and supporting people to have an independent and personally meaningful life outside of hospital.Expect your day to fly by!
Autonomy: Acute Inpatient Psychologists can very much personalise and tailor the role of Psychology for the wards they are working on.
Leadership: You will be able to develop the role of Psychology and influence the direction of the wider team in an environment designed for recovery and safety. Psychology’s expertise are really valued for differential formulations, reducing restrictive practices, and delivering trauma-informed and Psychologically-informed care.You will also work with external agencies and community teams to enable the best steps forward for people's recovery journeys.
Working for our organisation
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.
We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support.We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.
Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach.For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a full breakdown of the Job Role and Responsibilities please find the Job Profile attached to this job listing.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology qualification or equivalent (including pending 2025 qualification).
- HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist or current trainee with eligibility in 2025
- Completion of an appropriate clinical supervision course to enable supervision of trainees (or completion within 12 months of commencement in post)
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working with people from across the life span with a range of mental health issues and cognitive profiles.
- Experience across a range of psychological models including systemic, behavioural and individual therapeutic
- Candidates should demonstrate experience of working with the relevant care group.
- Experience of supervising assistant and trainee clinical psychologists (Band 8a)
- Demonstrable post registration/clinical experience and competency relevant to this care group (Band 8a)
- Experience of contributing to clinical practice/service development/project work (Band 8a)
- Demonstrable interest/skill in a relevant specialist area (Band 8a)
Please note that you are not restricted from applying for this role if you do not identify with these characteristics and all applicants will be considered fairly against the job description.
As a flexible working and friendly organisation, we want to ensure that you can work in a way that is best for us, our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that’s job share, part time or any other flexible working patterns.
Gender Pay Gap Action
Women in our Trust are under-represented in some senior grades. We are therefore encouraging women to apply for posts at 8A and above.