Clinical/Counselling Psychologist Band 8a or 7/8a (dev.role)

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.

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.