Senior Specialist Systemic Psychotherapist – Eating Disorders

Job overview

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Senior Systemic Psychotherapist to join our Adult Specialist Eating Disorder Service within Hywel Dda University Health Board.

This is a key senior clinical role within a well-established, compassionate and multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, reflective practice and continuous learning. You will play an important role in shaping and embedding a systemic, relational approach to care for adults with eating disorders and their families across the Health Board area, contributing both clinically and strategically to service delivery.

The post is advertised at Band 8a. Applications are welcomed from clinicians who demonstrate strong potential but may not yet meet all Band 8a competencies. In line with Agenda for Change Annex 21, successful candidates may be appointed with aclearly defined development pathway, supported by structured supervision, CPD

• pportunities and incremental pay progression for up to three years.

You will work closely with the Clinical Lead and Service Manager, contributing senior clinical leadership, supervision and consultation, while supporting service development aligned with Welsh Government priorities and Hywel Dda values.

This role combines specialist clinical practice, supervision and leadership within a supportive organisation, offering the benefits of a rural and coastal setting with strong community ties

Main duties of the job

As a Senior Systemic Family Therapist, you will provide high-quality specialist systemic therapy to individuals, families and groups within Eating Disorder Services, supporting clients with complex, high-risk and enduring mental health needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering comprehensive systemic assessment, formulation and evidence-based interventions
• Exercising a high level of autonomous clinical decision-making within a supportive multidisciplinary framework
• Providing consultation, advice and training to MDT colleagues and partner services
• Managing a specialist clinical caseload alongside senior clinical leadership duties
• Offering clinical supervision, CPD support and performance review to relevant staff
• Contributing to service development, audit, evaluation and quality improvement projects, helping to shape future service delivery

You will also be part of Hywel Dda’s wider systemic community, with access to: CPD events and training opportunities, Systemic reading groups and Peer supervision networks, and communities of practice.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

During the first year payment will be 65% of the top rate of band pay, and the second year 70%, and third year 75%.

Following successful completion and successful attainment of skills and competences for the role, the post holder will then be paid at band 8a (minimum point on the scale). Continued support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the practitioner to the band 8a role. This will be an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified psychologist looking for career development.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

Failure to achieve the competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.

Hywel Dda University Health Board recognises that joining our organisation may involve relocation and offers a relocation support package, subject to eligibility and terms and conditions. This may include financial assistance towards relocation expenses and support with settling into the local area. Further details are available on request and can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

The Health Board promotes flexible working, staff wellbeing and a values-based culture, enabling clinicians to balance high-quality practice with sustainable ways of working.

Hywel Dda is committed to supporting career development and offers access to a wider systemic community, including peer networks, communities of practice and ongoing professional learning.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences.  In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on  04/06/2026