Lead Clinical Psychologist

Job Overview

Are you dedicated to enhancing the mental health and wellness of individuals within the NHS framework?

Are you an innovative and driven leader focused on advancing service quality and development?

Do you possess extensive experience in clinical practice with individuals, as well as in team-based consultations and interventions?

As our service expands, we are thrilled to invite applications for the role of Lead Clinical Psychologist to collaborate with our Occupational Health and Workforce Wellbeing team. This position offers the chance to build strong partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts within the Workforce and Organisational Development division, alongside the Trust's Psychological Services department. You will work closely with the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, the Head of Occupational Health, and other psychological professionals within our cohesive and high-performing team, united by shared values and a commitment to excellence. We encourage you to explore whether our mission aligns with your professional aspirations.

This is a part-time position requiring a commitment of hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities, expertise in service enhancement, clinical supervision, and the delivery of psychological therapies, as well as experience in teaching, training, and group facilitation. The successful applicant will oversee the psychological therapy aspect of our service, ensuring adherence to governance and quality standards while providing clinical leadership to fellow psychological practitioners. Responsibilities will include delivering individual psychological therapy, as well as conducting consultations, assessments, and team-level interventions. Opportunities for teaching, training, and workshop facilitation across the Trust will also be available.

You will become a valued member of the Psychological Services department, a growing health psychology service that offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and support. We prioritize supervision, continuing professional development, and service-related research. Our department actively engages with trainees from various local training programs for psychological professionals and maintains strong academic connections. We are also focused on diversifying the clinical placements we offer. Clinical and professional supervision will be provided by seasoned Clinical Psychologists or Counsellors/Psychotherapists within the Clinical Health Psychology Department.

About Our Organization

We deliver care and support to a diverse population in various settings, including community locations and multiple hospital sites.

Committed to excellence, we lead in innovation and research, investing in the education and development of our workforce.

Our core values emphasize compassion, improvement, respect, and high standards. We prioritize listening and learning to make our organization an exemplary place for both employees and patients.

We celebrate diversity and welcome talent from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, neurodivergence, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Our policies ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently.

Our staff networks provide valuable insights and feedback from individuals with lived experiences.

If you share our values and aspire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families, we would be eager to hear from you.

Job Duties

- Conduct highly specialized psychological assessments for clients referred to the team, utilizing a variety of data sources including clinical interviews, psychometric evaluations, and observational methods.

- Develop and implement psychological interventions based on a thorough understanding of clients' presentations, employing evidence-based methods.

- Provide a range of specialized psychological interventions for individuals and teams, continuously refining formulations and maintaining provisional hypotheses.

- Contribute to a psychologically informed framework of care benefiting all clients across the Trust.

- Evaluate treatment options considering theoretical and therapeutic models, alongside complex historical and developmental factors.

- Offer expert psychological advice and consultation to leaders and professionals within Workforce and Organisational Development, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.

- Perform risk assessments and provide guidance on psychological aspects of risk management.

- Communicate sensitively and effectively regarding assessments, formulations, and interventions, monitoring client progress throughout.

Qualifications

Essential

• Doctoral-level training in clinical psychology accredited by the BPS.
• Formal training in supervising Trainee Clinical Psychologists.
• Significant post-qualification training in specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, ACT).

Desirable

• Formal qualification in a specific therapeutic modality (e.g., postgraduate diploma in CBT).
• Training in trauma-focused therapeutic modalities (e.g., EMDR practitioner).

Experience

Essential

• Experience in psychological assessment and treatment across various care settings.
• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience, including at least 1 year in an NHS environment.
• Experience working with health and social care staff regarding mental health and wellbeing.
• Experience in teaching, training, and providing clinical supervision.
• Leadership experience within specialist Clinical Psychology services.
• Ability to adapt psychological interventions to meet diverse client needs.

Desirable

• Experience in an NHS Acute Trust.
• Experience working within a multicultural framework.
• Experience producing publications for scientific journals in psychology.
• Experience managing qualified staff in a healthcare setting.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Proficient in complex psychological assessment and intervention methods.
• Strong communication skills for conveying complex information to clients and colleagues.
• Ability to provide consultation to various professional groups.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage a diverse caseload effectively.
• Capability to deliver effective teaching, training, and clinical supervision.

Desirable

• Skills in building relationships with partner organizations and developing integrated care pathways.

Knowledge and Awareness

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of specialized psychological interventions for complex difficulties.
• Doctoral-level understanding of research methodology and data analysis in clinical psychology.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development as recommended by the BPS.
• Training and experience in supervising Clinical Psychologists.

Desirable

• In-depth knowledge of multiple specialized psychological therapies.
• Awareness of relevant legislation concerning client care.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Ability to align with the values and behaviors of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Capacity to engage with diverse staff groups in challenging situations.
• Flexibility and cooperation as part of a team.
• Initiative and independence in decision-making.