Clinical or Forensic Psychologist

PICU and Recovery / Rehabilitation

Career Level C / Expert / Manager (NHS 8a)

Location: North Benfleet

Salary: £50,798 - £57,383 dependent on experience

             £44,342 - £50,798 (Newly qualified or soon to qualify)

Full Time 37.5 hours a week although part time / flexible working may be considered

Role will be suitable for an experienced Clinical / Forensic Psychologist or a Clinical / Forensic Psychologist due to gain HCPC Registration in next 6 months

You can achieve more at St Andrew’s Healthcare

St Andrew’s Healthcare is a charity providing specialist mental healthcare services. We work in partnership with a number of NHS, voluntary, educational and research organisations to deliver a range of specialist inpatient and community mental healthcare services, education and research that helps to improve the lives of people with complex mental health needs.

You will join a team of over 20 Consultant Psychologists, and 50 registered Psychologists based across our 3 sites (Northampton, Birmingham and Essex) and our Community Partnerships division.  As such, there will be lots of support but also great opportunities for people to progress in their future too.

The role and person

We need someone ready and keen to expand, and apply, their clinical skills. We are seeking an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical or Forensic Psychologist to join our established, forward thinking, multi-disciplinary team within our Essex Hospital Service. We have a range of provisions including a low secure unit, PICU services for those in crisis, as well as residences with varying levels of rehabilitation intensity and anticipated length of recovery.  All our units are for people experiencing serious mental illnesses. Many of our patients have a range of comorbid mental and physical health conditions and disorders.

You will need to be an HCPC registered Clinical /Forensic Psychologist with demonstrated experience of working with this client group. This role would be perfect for someone at the start of their career as a Practitioner Psychologist looking to gain a variety of clinical skills. Comprehensive developmental support is available throughout the charity, including opportunities such as specialist therapy training in DBT/EMDR, clinical leadership training, individual coaching and specialist clinical/research secondments.

We are approaching a period of change and expansion, and need someone who is enthusiastic about continuous quality improvement and service development; who inspires change in others and who enjoys working innovatively and flexibly. We’d be excited to see applications from people who put patients first and have an ambitious vision for high quality care, but who are also commercially and managerially aware.

You will be able to access excellent opportunities for continuing professional development including engagement with our academic centre and research teams; attendance at our weekly CPD events that are delivered by a range of internal and external experts in their field; and will join a large network of experienced clinicians working across our inpatient and community services. 

You will have line management responsibility for an Assistant Psychologists to support you in your role and as a clinician you will be supported to develop specialist skills in clinical areas of your interest.  We would be keen for you to contribute to the development and training within the Psychology team and greater service. St Andrew’s Healthcare has an excellent record of providing opportunities for research, training and continuing professional development.

St Andrew’s Healthcare Essex

At our site in North Benfleet, Essex, we aim to develop a clear set of transitional steps through our Division to enable our patients to be supported in their progress. We believe all patients should be treated with dignity and respect and cared for in the most suitable and least restrictive environment to address their clinical needs and risks.  We care for men and women aged 18 years and over with complex mental health needs in a low-security and locked inpatient environments. 

We want to encourage mental health self-management and prepare each individual to live safely and confidently on their own. Our excellent local links enable involvement in community-based activities, including voluntary placements, as part of their recovery.

Service users are encouraged to take part in adult education programs or vocational opportunities, including work experience. Their overall health is important, and among a range of occupational therapy we offer yoga and relaxation, art and drama, sports and exercise in our on-site facilities, including gardens and a cafe.

“Our patients and your colleagues will expect you to live the St Andrew’s CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence every single day.”

Rewards and Benefits

We offer an excellent benefits package including: Pension; Sickness policy on par with the NHS; Free parking, Access to the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts schemes; 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing to 41 after 10 years' service; Life cover; Car lease scheme, Cycle to work scheme; Healthcare cash plan; Paid DBS application; Access to free vocational qualifications.

If you have any questions regarding the post, please contact James Farrelly on 01604 616624 or jcfarrelly@stah.org or Dr Emily Fox (Director of Psychological Therapies) efox@stah.org