Clinical psychologist - band 8a or band 7-8a development post

Clinical Psychologist - Band 8a or Band 7-8a Development Post

The closing date is 23 June 2026

This post is an 8a Clinical Psychologist within the Adult Acute Inpatient Service. It is suitable for new or soon‑to‑be‑qualified Clinical Psychologists as a Development Post; the post holder starts at Band 7 and moves to Band 8a after completing the development period. Offers of employment are conditioned on completing the DClinPsy and gaining HCPC registration.

The role is part of the next phase in creating an established and sustainable psychology workforce within the acute adult mental health pathway, with Consultant Clinical Psychologist posts in inpatient services firmly established.

The post involves working predominantly into two acute inpatient wards and a PICU within Bowmere Hospital. It is 0.9 WTE and part‑time: 33.75 hours per week.

You will provide clinical and professional leadership within the acute services, delivering highly specialist psychological assessment, intervention, and input to care and discharge planning. Staff support including reflective practice, formulation meetings, and debrief following incidents will also be provided.

• Deliver evidence‑based psychological services to patients.
• Provide training, consultancy, supervision, and support to multidisciplinary team staff.
• Maintain strong links with local DClinPsy training programmes and facilitate trainee placements.

All applicants must be HCPC registered Clinical Psychologists with significant, relevant experience as per the job description and person specification. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified and experienced people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Post‑graduate doctoral level training in clinical psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996)
• HCPC registration
• Additional psychotherapy qualification

Knowledge and Expertise

• Conduct complex psychological assessment and intervention requiring sustained concentration.
• Communicate complex and clinically sensitive information orally and in writing.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Consultation to other professionals and non‑professional groups.
• Liaison with other health professionals.
• Teaching and training.
• Contribution to policy and service development.

Experience

• Expertise in neuropsychological assessment.
• Working with adults with complex mental health difficulties.
• Working with clients on the autistic spectrum.
• Experience of working with groups.

Contract and Working Pattern

Contract: Permanent.

Working pattern: Part‑time, flexible working, compressed hours.

Salary & Location

Pay: £49,387 to £64,750 a year pro‑rate.

Location: Chester, Redesmere Building, Countess of Chester site.

Reference Number

373‑SMH2543‑C RR