Overview
We are creating Kent and Medway's first, and only, NHS Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for women, and are seeking a talented Principal Psychologist to help us deliver this vital service. The start date for this post will be January 2026, to allow for onboarding, induction, and training before the anticipated arrival of the first patient in April 2026.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical/Forensic/Counselling Psychologist with clinical and managerial leadership experience to provide specialist clinical input to the Female PICU. You will have an important strategic and liaison function to support the transition of patients between services. You will offer clinical supervision and have managerial responsibility for a number of Psychological Therapists and Applied Psychologists.
If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for, join our diverse and compassionate team committed to delivering excellent care and support for service users and their loved ones. This role offers a High Cost Area Supplement: 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum of £1303 per year and a maximum of £2198 per year (divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly). The salary listed is inclusive of the High-Cost Area Allowance.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Responsibilities
* The systematic provision of Specialist Psychological Therapy to the patients in PICU.
* Conduct high quality direct (assessment and therapeutic) and indirect (consultative, advisory and evaluative) specialist psychology interventions.
* Ensure clinical effectiveness of the service by taking on a leadership and service development role within the PICU.
* Provide training to the multidisciplinary team and offer professional supervision and guidance to psychological therapists in the service.
* Contribute to direct clinical work (assessments, formulations, brief therapies, groups, family and individual work) and supervise/advise on positive behaviour support plans.
* Engage in indirect work including staff systemic work, reflective case discussions and Serious Incident debriefs.
Qualifications
Essential
* HCPC registered Clinical/Counselling/Forensic psychologist
Desirable
* Additional training in DBT, Autism, ASD & PBS
Experience
* Experience of working as a qualified specialist clinical psychologist for a minimum of four years.
* Desirable: experience of working with females in acute distress and/or in a PICU.
Details
* Employer: Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust
* Location: Littlebrook Hospital, Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford DA2 6PB
* Contract: Permanent, Part-time
* Pay: Band 8b, £66,653 to £77,094 per annum (inclusive of High Cost Area allowance, pro rata)
* References: 380-AC0743
Requirements
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. See NHS Careers for details.
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