Principal Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Clinical Psychologist to apply for the role of Principal Clinical Psychologist in the West Complex Needs Service. The Complex Needs Service plays a key role in delivering mental health care for adults with personality-based difficulties and complex trauma. The post-holder will be part of a leadership team that helps co-ordinate and implement direct and indirect psychological care to our client group, whilst also helping to support the wider system that works with our clients.

CNS West offer a range of psychological therapies including Structured Clinical Management, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Mentalisation Based Therapy. We have recently commenced implementing a Cognitive Analytic Therapy pathway, with the support from senior operational management, and have access to METIP Health Education England funded training. We would welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in evidence based psychological models for the treatment of complex emotional needs and experience of working with high levels of relational trauma. Accredited supervisor status is considered highly desirable as a significant part of the role involves supervision, consultation and leadership.

Main duties of the job

Psychological approaches are highly valued within our team and Clinical Psychologists are integral in this process, providing specialist assessment and interventions, as well as contributing to the clinical thinking and decision making of the team. The post-holder will join a supportive and friendly senior leadership team which includes other clinical psychologists and other professionals. Alongside their leadership roles, they will also carry a clinical caseload, working directly and indirectly with service users. They will also provide supervision, consultation and training to the wider service. We are keen to recruit someone with experience, specialist knowledge and skills of working with personality based difficulties and complex trauma. We also value leadership skills and the ability to develop innovative practice and play a role in service development. We are looking for someone who can contribute at a senior level to the vision for the service, working closely with colleagues in different parts of the system, including primary care and third sector.

We prioritise investment in staff training but would particularly welcome applications from people who are trained in the following therapeutic modalities: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mentalisation Based Therapy, Structured Clinical Management, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing, Cognitive Analytic Therapy.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please download a copy of the job description (see ‘documents to download’ section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.

At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.

CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust’s Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.

Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust’s Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trust’s Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.

An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling 01244 393100.

If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the ‘essential’ criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer ‘YES’ to the question: ‘Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’

Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.

The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!

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.