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Job requirements
Essential
13 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Experience in professional leadership of psychologists and/or psychotherapists such as in a directorate type structure
- Experience
Experience of leading and managing a psychology and/or psychotherapy staff in equivalent services
- Experience
Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for the psychological care and treatment with clients with complex needs
- Experience
Experience of providing consultation, teaching and training to psychological professions and/or other professional groups.
- Qualifications
Doctoral level qualification in clinical or counselling psychology or equivalent professional qualification in psychotherapy or psychological therapy (eg systemic psychotherapy, arts psychotherapy)
- Qualifications
Post doctoral training in an additional specialised area of psychological or psychotherapy practice directly relevant to MHOA services in field of secondary care (serious) mental health care
- Qualifications
Appropriate professional and/or statutory registration eg with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, or with UKCP as a Psychotherapist
- Qualifications
Evidence of continuing training in a specialised area of psychological practice through formal post-doctoral training (diploma or equivalent), OR a combination of specialist short courses, OR an evidenced portfolio of supervised practice-based learning in a specialist area of clinical practice, assessed by an experienced clinical supervisor to be of equal level to a postgraduate diploma
- Knowledge/skills
Skills in negotiating with management on strategic policies and implementing these
- Knowledge/skills
Highly developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, highly technical and sensitive information to colleagues, clients and families
- Knowledge/skills
Ability to establish and communicate courses of action and targets to ensure achievement of objectives
- Knowledge/skills
Advanced knowledge of psychological assessment and, where relevant, clinical psychometrics
- Knowledge/skills
Advanced level knowledge of legislation and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management in relation to the client group, mental health issues and child protection
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
A rare fixed term one year Consultant post is available for a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychological therapist with strong leadership skills.
The successful applicant will lead the Psychology and Psychotherapy (P&P) mental health pathway for adults within the Psychological Medicine, Older Adults and Neurodevelopmental Services Directorate (PMOANDS) in the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust. The post would particularly suit someone with adult or older adult mental health experience who wishes to embed a stepped care model within community services, but all those meeting the person specification are welcome and encouraged to apply.
The successful applicant will act as professional lead for the range of psychological professions in the mental health pathway and will play a key role in supporting P&P staff in these services to maintain excellent standards of care and evidence-based service delivery. As a highly valued senior member of the older adult services the post holder will work closely with other clinical, professional and operational colleagues to meet the needs of services users and their carers.
Main duties of the job
The person appointed to this post will provide professional leadership in relation to workforce development, professional development, implementation and development of local and national guidance and protocols, and professional regulation (including HCPC) for the service that they post oversees and will be well supported by the Head of P&P for Older Adults in these tasks.
In 0.5wte this post will professionally lead and oversee the P&P provision within the mental health for older adults CMHTs, two mental health inpatient wards (AL1 and Hayworth wards) and the Older Adult Home Treatment Teams. Alongside this there would be 0.5wte clinical input within the community. Applicants will be able to demonstrate appropriate consultant level clinical expertise. They would be well supported by the Head of P&P for Older Adults as well as an 8b lead for the CMHTs.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are looking for excellent emerging or consolidating leadership and communication skills. You will have experience inspiring and supporting psychologists and psychotherapists (including trainees and pre-qualified staff) to work effectively, compassionately and collaboratively. You will be able to deal with multiple competing demands and you will be able to maintain your governance role whilst simultaneously having the drive and enthusiasm to support a range of colleagues undertaking older adult service and Directorate-wide projects, service delivery and performance responsibilities.
This post also offers opportunities for research and continuing professional development.
This role will have responsibilities within the MHOA service which is within the PMOA Directorate. There are opportunities for liaison with the Kings Health Partners Older Adult Clinical Academic Group (CAG) and the Trusts Corporate Professional Leadership. The Consultant Lead postholder will support the Deputy Director for MHOA and work alongside other professional leads including the two MHOA Medical Directors and the Head of P&P for Older Adults to:
- Implement and develop strategy for the services that they oversee as well as ensure operational targets and activities appropriately reflect clinical priorities and are in line with best practice within the resources available.
- provide visible clinical leadership to P&P staff amongst others working within the mental health pathway services for older people, ensuring that there are appropriate managerial structures in place to address the professional and developmental needs of staff.
- Ensure appropriate robust clinical governance structures for P&P provision within the services that the postholder oversees to support a safe and effective service which provides access and good experience to all in the local community.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Consultant Lead Psychologist/Psychotherapist/Psychological Therapist with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in London, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £88,250 - £100,355 per annum incl. of HCAs pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (N/A). The application deadline is 02 Nov 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (19 Oct 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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