Principal Practitioner Psychologist / Psychotherapist

Job summary

** Although advertised at 8B, the post could be adapted to 8A level and candidates interested in this are encouraged to apply **

The Staff Psychological Wellbeing Service is looking for an experienced psychological therapist to join the team to cover maternity leave. We are a multi-disciplinary group of therapists providing evidence-based treatments to serve the psychological needs of staff within the North Middlesex Hospital. We accept self-referral, referral from managers and from HR / OH. We provide group and individual interventions, training and team input.

The post-holder will contribute to assessment of clients referred to the service, offering team and 1:1 therapy. They will have the opportunity to take a lead in liaising and developing good working relationships with services across the hospital, contributing to team and organisation-level initiatives as well as training, outreach and partnership activities.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will join a team of three other psychologists/therapists and work with partners in HR, OD and other corporate areas. Key duties will include:

• Contributing to the systematic provision of a high-quality specialist Staff Psychological Wellbeing Service.
• Holding an active clinical psychological and psychotherapeutic caseload providing assessment, treatment and consultation, with complexity and demand according to experience level.
• Developing and delivering team and organisation-level initiatives as well as training, outreach and partnership activities.
• Supporting the effective and efficient management of demand, capacity and flow though the service.
• To contribute to the general workings of the team including supporting the work of others, attending team meetings and providing back-up support where needed (e.g. if a supervisor is absent).
• To work autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise responsibility for the systematic governance of clinical practice within the service.
• Participate in CPD and other developmental activities, keeping up to date with relevant psychological research and national guidance.

About us

The Royal Free London is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts with over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year across four hospitals and over 30 community services.

Our mission is to deliver world class care & expertise underpinned by world class teaching & research. We measure our progress against five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers' money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.

Our size, scale and influence offer unrivalled career opportunities. From flexible hours and generous benefits to next-level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top.

Everyone is welcome here. We're proud of our diversity and continue to undertake initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences.

Joining the Group in 2025 North Middlesex University Hospital provides hospital & community care to keep people in the best possible health at every stage in their lives. Its maternity, children and adult services span a range of medical & surgical specialities and its adult and children's emergency departments are among the busiest in London. North Mid is proud to offer one of the largest services in the UK for the diagnosis & treatment of red cell haemoglobin conditions alongside specialist HIV, cardiology, radiotherapy, cancer & diabetes services.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.

** Although advertised at 8B, the post could be adapted to 8A level and candidates interested in this are encouraged to apply **

Person specification

Training Qualification

Essential

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) or BPS statement of Equivalence and able to demonstrate eligibility for BPS CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist) with group training/expertise
• Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and able to demonstrate eligibility for BPS CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist) Status
• Accredited training as a psychotherapist (e.g. Systemic, Psychodynamic) or CBT Therapist, to a Masters Degree level and full registration with either: 1.UKCP (CPC, CFCST, CMP, CPJAC, HIPC) 2.BPC 3.HCPC (Psychologists and Arts Therapists) 4.BACP 5.BABCP
• A demonstrable working knowledge of NHS values, clinical structures in physical health care, referral pathways, how services are funded and the roles of NHS professionals.

Desirable

• A relevant leadership qualification or leadership and service development experience in the NHS
• Qualification or recognised advanced post-qualification training in at least one other modality of therapy.
• Recognized qualification or training in supervision of psychological therapies

Experience

Essential

• Significant post qualification experience working in mental health
• Significant experience of undertaking and leading complex clinical assessment and treatment in a relevant setting, including experience of risk management
• Experience of facilitating groups
• Experience of recruitment, selection and retention
• Experience of developing and delivering training

Desirable

• Experience of professional and clinical supervision
• Experience of representing psychotherapy/psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care
• Experience of continuous improvement in service deliver and development

Knowledge

Essential

• Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment including the use of theoretical models to analyse information and to develop formulations upon which to base choice of treatment
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of group interventions
• Skills in the effective communication of highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to a wide variety of recipients in a range of settings within and outside the NHS, including the ability to produce comprehensive, sensitive and coherent letters, reports and associated documentation

Desirable

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of more than one psychological approach to therapy and assessment
• At least Masters level knowledge of research design and methodology.
• Knowledge of demand and capacity modelling, quality improvement and service development.