Overview
We are advertising for a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist or Senior CBT Therapist to work on a NIHR funded research trial of a therapy for young people with paranoia. The project, titled “Treating Unhelpful Suspicious Thoughts in Teenagers”, is an NIHR - Research for Patient Benefit Programme feasibility randomised controlled trial, led by Dr Christopher Taylor and Dr Jessica Kingston with a experienced co-applicant team. The trial will test a new imagery and values based therapy for young people experiencing paranoia in a school-based setting.
The role is to work as a clinical psychologist/trial therapist delivering therapy on a schools-based paranoia research trial.
If you are due to qualify or newly qualified from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, we welcome an enquiry and/or application to join us as a Band 7. The Band 7 role is paid under NHS AfC Band 7 (£47,1810 per annum, pro rata). We support your development and future career progression.
Main duties
The main duties involve delivering therapy to young people identified in schools. The therapy being delivered on the trial is TRUST therapy. The post also involves training and supervision of research assistants and supporting recruitment. Experience of delivering cognitive behavioural therapy and/or working with young people is essential.
About us
We provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and community-based across five Greater Manchester boroughs. Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities. We value our staff and are committed to being a great place to work.
We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership. We also encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental illness, either personally or as a carer.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff
* Flexible working opportunities
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and staff wellbeing service
* Staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Details
Date posted: 29 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change | Band: Band 8a | Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per year (pro rata) | Contract: Fixed term | Duration: 14 months | Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference: 311-M243-25 | Job locations: Research and Innovation, Trust HQ, PCFT, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 7SR
Job responsibilities
The main purpose of this post is to provide psychological therapy to young people in schools who are experiencing elevated paranoia. A weekly course of therapy will be delivered. The therapy is based on a detailed manual; training is provided prior to offering therapy, with close supervision during the trial. The post holder will be expected to treat participants to a high standard and contribute to intervention development to adapt the manual for the contextual and clinical presentations of young people with paranoia in schools. The role involves working in both education and healthcare settings to support young people, parents/carers and the education community with mental health and wellbeing related to paranoia. Some travel between sites within the Trust and to other locations may be required.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
* Essential: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and registration with the HCPC OR relevant professional qualification (e.g. RMN, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker) plus CBT Diploma and BABCP accreditation as a CBT Therapist
* Desirable: Specialist CBT Training; Specialist Training in CBT for Psychosis; Further qualifications/training in other therapy models (e.g., EMDR); Training in clinical supervision
Experience
* Essential: Demonstrable experience delivering highly specialist psychological assessments and interventions; experience in multidisciplinary mental health services; experience of clinical supervision; conducted a clinical research study; knowledge of clinical trials methodology; experience in multicultural settings
* Desirable: Experience delivering psychological interventions in schools; experience with complex needs in youth; experience of CBT for severe mental health problems; experience on a clinical trial; specialist knowledge about adolescent paranoia; experience with children with complex needs
Knowledge
* Essential: Excellent cognitive therapy skills and ability to deliver protocol-adherent interventions; knowledge of the education system in England; knowledge of clinical governance, risk management, and relevant legislation
* Desirable: Experience of research; expertise in psychological assessment tools; knowledge of capacity and consent issues
Skills and Abilities
* Essential: Strong communication skills; ability to convey paranoia-related concepts clearly to young people and professionals; high-level clinical skills; excellent time management; ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team; competence in complex psychological assessments and interventions; ability to provide consultation; ability to manage workload and deadlines
* Desirable: Group facilitation; delivering therapy in group formats (e.g., DBT, CBT, Schema Therapy, CFT)
* Mobility: Use of a car or access to transport to travel across the Trust footprint; commitment to equality and diversity; DBS disclosure required; ability to move equipment between settings
Disclosure and Sponsorship
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required. Applications from those requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. UK registration with a current professional body is required.
Employer details
Pennine Care NHS FT
Address: Research and Innovation, Trust HQ, PCFT, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 7SR
Employer website: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk
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