Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist/Psychotherapist
This is a newly configured role, providing clinical input and leadership to the dementia ward, based at Franklyn Hospital in Exeter.
The successful candidate would be joining passionate, dedicated and supportive colleagues. Managed by the Inpatient Psychology Professional Lead, they would also be able to link with other Psychologists across the county based in OPMH as well as Arts Psychotherapists who work on the Exeter wards.
We would consider applications from newly qualified Psychologists or those about to qualify on a band 7-8a preceptorship basis. Join our supportive, friendly Directorate. We are happy to be approached for informal discussions about the role, so do get in touch.
Responsibilities
* Contribute a psychological perspective to the leadership, organisation and operation of in-patient services.
* Ensure the systematic provision of a high-quality psychological service in in-patient wards and community settings, as part of integrated mental health and wellbeing services across the Trust.
* Provide clinical leadership and supervision for less experienced staff, trainees and volunteers within the psychology service.
* Carry a specialist caseload and provide advice and consultancy to patients and professionals.
* Work autonomously within professional guidelines and contribute to governance of psychological practice as lead specialist.
* Receive regular professional and clinical supervision in line with Trust policy and Professional Practice Guidelines.
* Observe and adhere to Professional Codes of Conduct and Practice; be fully registered with the relevant accrediting body as a condition of employment.
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, and a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region and nationally. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.
Our values
We recruit based on qualifications, experience and the behaviours that underpin our core values: quality of care, improving lives, respect, dignity, compassion. We encourage being open to new ideas and to being inclusive in our recruitment. We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Details
Date posted: 06 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change | Band 8a | Salary £55,690 to £62,682 per year pro rata (22.5 hours over 3 days per week)
Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Location: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF
Employer: Devon Partnership NHS Trust | Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/
Job Description and Responsibilities
* The principal purpose of the job is to improve the psychological health and wellbeing of people within the post holder's specialist field of practice. To support inpatient and Adult Community Mental Health Teams and provide leadership to deliver high-quality services in line with national professional guidance and NICE recommendations.
* Develop trauma-informed dementia care and support psychologically informed practice and CPD to ensure a responsive, high-quality clinical service.
* Opportunity to conduct extended assessments, formulation, brief interventions, and work with families and staff teams.
* Contribute to placements for Trainee Practitioner Psychologists and Psychotherapists.
Person Specification
Qualifications - Essential
* Qualified Practitioner Psychologist (D.Clin.Psychol. or equivalent) and eligible for Chartered Status in the British Psychological Society.
* Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with HCPC or equivalent professional qualification to at least Masters Level in a psychotherapy or psychological therapy, including Arts Therapies.
Desirable
* Further training or experience in relevant clinical specialism, neuropsychological assessment, supervision, and/or another psychological therapy.
Experience - Essential
* Experience of working in Older Persons Mental Health Services.
* Experience in Community and In-patient settings for older people with complex mental health needs.
* Experience in teaching, training and/or supervision.
* Experience in leadership roles within NHS psychology services and contributing to strategy and policy in multi-disciplinary contexts.
* Experience working with people who have experienced complex trauma.
Knowledge and Skills - Essential
* Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication; strong leadership and resilience.
* Skills in managing conflict, negotiation and achieving consensus in complex situations.
* Ability to integrate complex data, make evaluations and decisions, with long-term planning.
* Strong organizational, planning and time management skills; ability to work under pressure.
* Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills and risk assessment.
Disclosure and Sponsorship
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and requires Disclosure to the DBS. Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see NHS Careers.
Employer details
Devon Partnership NHS Trust | Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF
Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/
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