Consultant Psychologist

Location: North Benfleet

Low Secure Mental Health & PICU / Acute Services

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

Role will be suitable for an established Consultant Clinical / Forensic Psychologist or a Principal Psychologist who is looking for that next step up. 

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.

Take on a new leadership challenge at the forefront of Mental Health Care

St Andrew’s is the UK’s largest mental health charity and a unique provider of specialist care in mental health and learning disability. We aspire to deliver truly world class, holistic services within our outstanding facilities. Our independence means we can always put patients’ interests at the heart of decision making, while re-investing surpluses in frontline services.

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

The Role & Person

We are currently seeking an HCPC registered Consultant Clinical or Forensic Psychologist to lead our experienced and specialist team in the Mental Health Service at St Andrew’s, Essex and play a key senior role in managing, shaping and developing the service. 

The successful candidate will contribute to professional initiatives across different aspects of the organisation and play a significant part in developing quality of life and service user involvement strategies. Interests in acute presentations, risk management and assessment and in developing skills by working on complex cases including severe mental illness, sexual offending and substance abuse are all particularly relevant.

You will be joining an expert multi-disciplinary staff group and be responsible for a team of psychologists who are focussed on delivering a range of psychological interventions for a diverse patient group.

This is a post for an enthusiastic and experienced Psychologist with demonstrated leadership abilities and experience of working clinically with service users who have challenging behaviour and complex mental health problems within inpatient/secure settings.

We would consider someone with a minimum of 6 years relevant post qualification experience.  There will be good opportunities to develop a special interest and conduct applied research relevant to the field and continuing professional development opportunities are actively encouraged and supported. 

We have a range of provisions including PICU services for those in crisis, as well as residences with varying levels of rehabilitation intensity and anticipated length of recovery, for people experiencing serious mental illnesses. Many of our patients have a range of comorbid mental and physical health conditions and disorders. 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.

You can achieve more at 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 environment. 

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.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Excellent professional and career development and training opportunities
• ‘Transform’ our Leadership development program
• Pension and life assurance
• Sickness policy on par with the NHS
• 38 days annual leave, increasing to 41 further after 10 years' service
• Cycle to work scheme and salary sacrifice electric car scheme
•        Healthcare cash plan
• Free parking
• Paid DBS application

If you have any questions regarding the post, please contact James Farrelly on 07827856634 or jcfarrelly@stah.org