Principal Psychologist

Principal Clinical or Forensic Psychologist

PICU and Recovery / Rehabilitation

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

Location: North Benfleet

Salary: £56,500 - £66,950 dependant on experience

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

Role will be suitable for an established Principal Clinical / Forensic Psychologist and maybe someone looking for that step up to Consultant level in the near future.  Also could suit a Clinical / Forensic Psychologist with a few years post registration experience 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.

The role and person

We need someone ready and keen to expand, and apply, their Clinical Leadership skills. We are seeking an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical  or Forensic Psychologist to join our established, forward thinking, Psychology Service within our (bed number) Essex Hospital Service. 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. 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 ready to establish and work towards evidencing their Consultant competencies. 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 the provision of a team of 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 and 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.

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.

“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:

• 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
•        Healthcare cash plan
• Free parking
• Paid DBS application

If you have any questions regarding the post, please contact Dr Eve Hepburn (Lead Consultant Psychologist) eehepburn@stah.org or James Farrelly on 01604 616624 or jcfarrelly@stah.org