# NHSCT Specialist Psychological Trauma Therapist – Regional Trauma Network Local Team Lead Band 8A > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Northern Health and Social Care Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/nhsct-specialist-psychological-trauma-therapist-regional-trauma-network-local-team-lead-band-8a/04e866ab-2976-4e3d-b3fe-ba43d9a69dcc - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/nhsct-specialist-psychological-trauma-therapist-regional-trauma-network-local-team-lead-band-8a/04e866ab-2976-4e3d-b3fe-ba43d9a69dcc.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Northern Health and Social Care Trust - **Location:** Whiteabbey Hospital - **Workplace type:** onsite - **Profession:** Social worker, Mental health nurse, Counsellor, Cognitive behavioural therapist, Psychological therapist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist - **Grade:** Band 8 - **Salary:** £55,690 - £62,682 - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Closing date:** 2026-10-22T16:00:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-10-08T20:03:08.280Z - **Source information URL:** https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/49558/nhsct-specialist-psychological-trauma-therapist--regional-trauma-network-local-team-lead-band-8a - **Application URL:** https://jobs-app.hscni.net/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2OTNGMzJDMUZFMUIwRTZBNTkwQUJGMDI3QTgmY2FuZF90eXBlPWU%3d - **Employer website:** https://www.northerntrust.hscni.net ## Job Content ### Job details - Branch: Northern HSC Trust Area - Location: Whiteabbey Hosp Site - Directorate: Mental Health, Learning Disability & CWB Division - Functional Area: Clinical Psychology Service - Salary: Band 8a (£55,690 - £62,682 ) - Contract Type: Permanent - Opening Date: 08/10/26 - Closes: Thu, 22 October 2026 @ 5:00 PM - Interview Dates: To be confirmed. ### Notes Online and Manual applications accepted. If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website. ### Job Description Specialist Psychological Trauma Therapist – Regional Trauma Network Local Team Lead The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland. We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service. The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community. The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times; HSC Value What does this mean? What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours Working Together We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all. I work with others and value everyone’s contribution I treat people with respect and dignity I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams I actively engage people on issues that affect them I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible Compassion We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves. I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness I learn from others by listening carefully to them I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others Excellence We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support. I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference I take responsibility for my decisions and actions I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’ Openness & Honesty We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour. I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships I ask someone for help when needed I speak up if I have concerns I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice ### JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Specialist Psychological Trauma Therapist – Regional Trauma Network Local Team Lead BAND: 8a DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Community Wellbeing INITIAL LOCATION: Whiteabbey Hospital REPORTS TO: Regional Trauma Network Consultant Clinical/Counselling Psychologist ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Community Wellbeing ### JOB SUMMARY To fulfil the role of lead clinician in a therapy team for individuals with trauma-related mental health difficulties within the Northern HSC Trust. To provide psychological therapy to adults (18 and over) with trauma-related mental health difficulties (e.g., PTSD). To conduct rigorous mental health assessments of individuals who have experienced traumatic events and develop case formulations. To provide evidence-based therapies, (e.g., TF-CBT, EMDR), group therapy, and consultation on clients’ mental health care to professional colleagues, non-professional carers and relevant agencies/ organisations. To supervise, manage, and support the assessments, formulations and therapies provided by trauma therapists and other multi-disciplinary staff. To take the lead in local service projects and clinical initiatives under the direction of the Regional Trauma Network Implementation Team. To be the main Trust liaison with the local Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) case manager. To collaborate with relevant internal Trust services (e.g., child services, older adults) in order to develop the Regional Trauma Network effectively. To work autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise responsibility for the systematic governance of psychological practice within the service. To utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development and research. To propose and implement policy changes within the area served by the Regional Trauma Network. ### KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES ### Clinical Develop and administer assessments, formulations, and interventions to meet the identified needs of clients with trauma-related psychological difficulties across a wide spectrum of complexity (i.e., Steps 3 – 5 as per Stepped Care Model), including individuals with chronic, complex post-traumatic stress reactions. Undertake Risk Assessment and formulate risk management plans in accordance with Promoting Quality Care (DHSSPS, 2009) and regional care pathway guidelines (e.g., You in Mind), as well as liaise with other professionals (Trust and non-Trust staff) as necessary. Plan, implement, and deliver effective psychological treatment plans that address the mental health needs of clients who have experienced traumatic events. Interventions will be based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of individual client problems, and in accordance with best practice guidance (e.g., NICE guidelines, ISTSS guidelines) as well as person-centred principles. Review and evaluate treatment plans and risk management plans for clients on an ongoing basis, taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models. Provide clinical expertise to other teams on the theory, research, assessment, and interventions relevant to trauma-related psychological difficulties (e.g., PTSD). To be the main Trust liaison with the local VSS case manager, as well as collaborate with other professionals in statutory and voluntary sectors as necessary. To ensure that all members of the local team of the Regional Trauma Network have access to a psychologically-based framework for understanding and care of clients of the service, through the provision of advice and consultation and the dissemination of psychological research and theory. To provide general advice to other professionals on risk assessment and management. To provide expertise, advice and support to facilitate the effective and appropriate provision of care to individuals with trauma-related psychological difficulties by members of the treatment team. ### Teaching, Training and Supervision To provide clinical placements for trainee therapists ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills, competencies and experience to contribute effectively to good mental health care and to contribute to the assessment and evaluation of such competencies. To provide post-qualification training (CPD) and clinical professional supervision to prequalification therapists, qualified clinicians, and/or other professionals attached to the team. To provide advice, consultation and training and clinical supervision to trauma therapists in the team for their provision of psychologically-based interventions to help improve client functioning. To provide pre and post-qualification teaching of clinical and/or other professionals as appropriate, particularly in trauma-informed practice. To maintain and develop skills in the area of professional pre and post-graduate training and clinical supervision. To provide advice, consultation and training to staff working with the client groups across a range of agencies and setting, where appropriate. ### Management, Recruitment, Policy and Service Development To participate as a senior clinician in the development of high quality, responsive and accessible trauma service including advising both service and professional management on those aspects of the services where therapy-related and/or organisational matters need addressing. To exercise delegated responsibility for managing the resources available to a team, whether in the form of additional qualified and unqualified graduate staff, or in the form of materials employed in the assessment and treatment of patients. To assist in managing a clinical waiting list, ensuring access targets are met in a timely manner while maintaining standards of high quality, clinically effective care. To manage the workloads of more junior staff within the framework of the Regional Trauma Network and Trust policies/procedures. To have operational management responsibility for junior clinical staff within the team. To participate as appropriate in staff recruitment, both in the short-listing process and as a member of interview panels for Regional Trauma Network posts and host Trust positions. To conduct, supervise, monitor, and implement specialist clinical projects that contribute to service development and improved service delivery across the Regional Trauma Network. ### IT Responsibilities To utilise information technology for the purpose of compiling reports, storing information and enabling effective communication within and without the Trust IT network. To monitor, manage and use effectively Trust computer and data systems (e.g., Epex, Qlikview) to a good standard as well as use these systems to improve service delivery. ### Research and Service Evaluation To contribute to the evaluation monitoring and development of the Regional Trauma Network operational policies, through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit and ensuring incorporation of psychological frameworks for understanding and provision of high quality care. To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence based practice in individual work and work with other multi-disciplinary staff and professional colleagues. To undertake appropriate research and provide research advice to other staff undertaking research. To contribute to the Regional Trauma Network research programme as appropriate. To initiate project management, including complex audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within and across the service to help develop and improve services to clients and their families. To ensure the development, maintenance and dissemination of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes. ### Professional Responsibilities To ensure the development and articulation of best practice in trauma therapy within the team and contribute across the Regional Trauma Network by exercising the skills of a reflexive and reflective clinician; taking part in regular professional supervision and appraisal and maintaining an active engagement with current developments in the field of clinical psychology and related disciplines. To maintain and promulgate the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording report writing and the responsible exercising of professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice and Trust policies and procedures. To maintain up to date knowledge of research literature, therapeutic models, legislation, national policies, local policies, and issues in relation to trauma-related mental health difficulties. ### GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure the appropriate governance and risk management arrangements are in place for the services you are responsible for and take appropriate action to identify and manage risk and to maintain safety of users, staff and others in accordance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures; It is essential to ensure that the highest standards of infection prevention and control are maintained to ensure patient and client safety and maintain confidence in the Trust. As a Manager, you must ensure that you implement all instructions/ policy in this area and that all staff are made aware of and fully comply with these; Where the post-holder has responsibility for managing a budget, ensure that services are managed and developed both in accordance with agreed and funded priorities as set out on a yearly basis and in accordance with Standing Financial Instructions, particularly ensuring your compliance with payroll documentation procedures and timescales; Ensure the necessary arrangements are in place in regard to the ‘Knowledge and Skills Framework’ outlines, where this applies, for the posts for which you have management responsibility and ensure that each member of staff has an annual development and performance review, a personal development plan and that arrangements are in place to ensure that staff have maximum opportunity to progress through gateways in their pay bands and to contribute effectively towards our objectives; Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst your staff, encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and modernising current services and in service development; Make sure you are trained and competent in the relevant policies and procedures which apply to the management of staff and other resources and abide by these policies; seeking advice as necessary from senior management or specialist staff as necessary; Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships amongst your staff and with others; Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff in order to ensure optimum and effective service delivery and decision-making, whilst retaining overall accountability and responsibility for outcomes; Promote a culture of learning and development and facilitate arrangements for and participate in training and development of staff as agreed for the performance of their duties. Where training is in accordance with relevant standards make sure you have the relevant competences in order to carry out this responsibility; Promote equality of opportunity for all by personal action, both in the management of your staff and in the provision of care to service users in accordance with the Trust’s Equality of Opportunity Policy and Equality Scheme; Take responsibility for ensuring appropriate standards of environmental cleanliness and for encouraging staff to maintain standards in their work area. Have an awareness of environmental issues and take appropriate action, for example to ensure the efficient use of energy and other resources, recycling etc.; Make sure that staff are aware of Trust policies regarding the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Records Management and that they must not disclose, withhold, retain or dispose of any information unless legally authorised. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:- At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code. The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure that it is managed correctly under the NHSCT Raising Concerns Policy, and ensure feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level regarding the concerns, and how they were resolved. RECORDS MANAGEMENT All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt. SALARY Band 8A £55,690 - £62,682 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) ### RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK Please note this role may not meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa (including a Heath and Care Worker visa) and the Trust therefore would be unable to employ anyone that requires Sponsorship. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration). ### HOURS Normal full-time hours of duty are 37½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times ### MEDICAL Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment. ### HOLIDAYS 27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years’ service; 33 days after 10 years’ service and 10 statutory and public holidays. ### PENSION The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme. ### NORTHERN TRUST BENEFITS You can explore the benefits on offer to you in the Northern Trust by clicking here ### PROBATIONARY PERIOD You will serve a probationary period of normally six months. ### WAITING LIST A waiting list may be compiled for similar permanent/temporary, part time posts which may arise within the next 6 months. ### PAY PROTECTION Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011. This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion. Completed application forms should be returned to the BSO Recruitment and Selection Shared Services Centre, on or before the closing date as stated in the advertisement. Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification. We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works. July 2026 ### PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION Title of Post: Specialist Psychological Trauma Therapist – Regional Trauma Network Local Team Lead Band of Post: 8a ### Notes to applicants You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn. Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care. ### ESSENTIAL CRITERIA SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below. Factor Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Qualifications/ Registration Minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a core mental health professional in the area of adult mental health. Experience (1 year minimum) in providing psychological therapy to adults with chronic mental health problems, including adults with trauma-related psychological difficulties. Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for clients’ psychological care and treatment, and also within the context of a multidisciplinary care plan. Experience of delivering teaching and training. Experience in providing line management, professional supervision, or clinical supervision. Received formal training in providing clinical supervision An undergraduate degree in a relevant area or core mental health profession (e.g., nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, psychology, psychotherapy). Professional qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology. Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) by time of appointment. OR Accreditable qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (i.e., BSc. Hons, Postgraduate Diploma, MSc). Accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) by time of appointment. Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in at least one mode of evidence-based psychological therapy (e.g. counselling, systemic therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy). Accredited with relevant, recognised organisation (e.g., BACP). Shortlisting by Application Form Other Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post. SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage: Skills / Abilities A warm and empathic manner with the enthusiasm and ability to contribute to a team approach. Skills in the use of complex methods of assessment, intervention and management of trauma-related mental health difficulties. Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, at both a written and oral level, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional persons, both within and outside the Health and Social Services. Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups. Ability to initiate, implement and evaluation service developments. Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals particularly within the context of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to identify and employ, as appropriate, clinical governance mechanisms for the support and maintenance of clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material. Ability to develop and use complex multi-media materials for presentations in public, professional and academic settings. Ability to manage and hold responsibility for a specialist trauma service. Ability to provide high quality individual line management and clinical supervision to a team of trauma therapists. Interview / Test Knowledge Knowledge of contemporary clinical and service delivery issues relevant to individuals who have trauma-related mental health difficulties. Knowledge of trauma-related clinical presentations (e.g., PTSD) as well as the theoretical mechanisms, assessment methods, and therapy modalities relevant to these mental health difficulties. Knowledge of working with trauma-related psychological difficulties across the full range of clinical severity/complexity and a range of care settings. Knowledge of legislation in relation to mental health. Knowledge of current issues in trauma care. Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. Knowledge of research design and methodology. Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by professional bodies (e.g., BABCP, BPS). Well-developed knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised therapies in specific difficult to treat groups (e.g. Complex PTSD, personality disorder, dual diagnoses, people with additional disabilities) Knowledge of the theory and practice of highly specialised, integrative trauma therapies and assessment methodologies. Special Circumstances Successful applicants who do not have formal training in specific trauma treatment modalities (e.g., CBT, EMDR) will be required to 1) undertake the relevant training courses upon appointment and make satisfactory progress within the first year of their post; and 2) complete and qualify in the courses within a reasonable timeframe and subsequently achieve relevant accreditation. Value Based Recruitment Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust. It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do. Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role. In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust. Criminal Offences, Investigations and Charges Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate. Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice). If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department. Essential Leadership Capabilities The successful candidate will need to provide evidence and demonstrate their Leadership capabilities against the required dimension on the NHS Leadership framework. A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified. An assessment centre may also be used as part of the short-listing process. Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The dimensions concerned are given in the Healthcare Leadership Model details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. ### Particular attention will be given to the following Inspiring shared purpose Leading with care Evaluating information Connecting our service Sharing the vision Engaging the team Holding to account Developing capability As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed. ### THE NHSCT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER ### Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply. have the right to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.