Job summary We are delighted to invite applications for a Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist to join North ward, our female adult acute inpatient ward in Bury. This is a full-time Band 8a role for a skilled and compassionate psychologist (Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic) who is motivated by multidisciplinary working and committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based psychological care within a dynamic and supportive team. A Band 7-8a preceptorship opportunity is also available. This post forms a key part of substantial new investment in our female acute wards and will contribute to the continued development and strengthening of our female model of care. As part of our improvement journey, our female acute wards are committed to creating a safe, respectful and gender- and trauma- informed environment where women - and the staff supporting them - feel valued, heard and supported. Our approach emphasises dignity, choice and collaboration, with a clear focus on purposeful and therapeutic admissions. You will work alongside an 8b Practitioner Psychologist, assistant psychologists and MDT team focused on delivering the best possible care.This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence psychological practice within acute care and to contribute to an evolving model of high-quality, compassionate support for women in crisis. Main duties of the job As outlined in the job description, the main duties include: To hold a clinical caseload undertaking evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention (individual and/or group). This may include a range of mental health difficulties at the point of crisis including experiences of psychosis, depression and/or Complex Emotional and Relational Needs (CERN) To work as part of the MDT and provide specialist psychological support, consultation and guidance and contribute to care-planning contributing directly to the assessment, formulation and intervention plan. To provide reflective practice, team formulation and training to develop a psychological understanding and context for patients and carers, that is formulation driven, recovery focussed and trauma and gender informed. To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual service users and to provide general advice to other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management. To undertake project management, including audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within and across the service to help develop and improve services to clients and their families. About us Our acute pathway provides an evidence-based, high quality service across adult acute wards, Home Treatment Teams and Mental Health Liaison Teams covering half of Greater Manchester. The Trustwide acutepsychology team meets regularly for team meetings, CPD and facilitated reflective group and has leadership from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Lead. We are passionate about staff well-being and compassionate leadership. Our staff survey results support this. In the latest national NHS Staff Survey (2024) Pennine Care was ranked as the best mental health and learning disability trust in the North. We support staff to work flexibly and recognise and respect the roles our colleagues hold outside of working hours. This focus helps us to retain staff and ensure people are happy in their place of work. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the top of our agenda. We know a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture is vital; that everyone's value should be recognised and respected. There are also opportunities to link with local higher education providers and the research & innovation (R&I) team to engage with related research projects. Job description Job responsibilities For a more detailed overview of the roles job description and main responsibilities, please see the attached job description and personal specification. A Band 78a preceptorship pathway is available for suitable candidates, offering structured support and progression to Band 8a following successful completion of agreed competencies. Job description Job responsibilities For a more detailed overview of the roles job description and main responsibilities, please see the attached job description and personal specification. A Band 78a preceptorship pathway is available for suitable candidates, offering structured support and progression to Band 8a following successful completion of agreed competencies. Person Specification Education / Qualifications Essential Doctoral level training in clinical psychology, including specific models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychological assessments, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan development psychology as accredited by the BPS or postgraduate training in Forensic Psychology or Counselling Psychology). Current registration as a Clinical, Forensic or Counselling Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. Desirable Pre-qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and / or other fields of applied psychology Experience Essential Experience of specialist psychology assessment and treatment across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community, primary care and in-patient settings Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups, across the whole life course presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical abuse. MDT working Desirable Experience of teaching training and / or supervision Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts. Knowledge Essential Doctoral level knowledge of research methodology, research design and complex, multivariate data analysis as practiced within the clinical fields of psychology. Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS. Knowledge of the practice implications of National guidance and policy, e.g. Nice Guidance, MHA, etc. Desirable Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in specific difficult to treat groups (e.g. personality disorder, dual diagnosis, people with additional disabilities etc.). High-level knowledge of the theory and practice of at least two specialised psychological therapies. Knowledge of legislation in relation to working age adults and mental health. Formal training in supervision of other psychologists. Skills and Abilities Essential Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to service users, their families and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS. Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups. Ability to teach and train others using a variety of complex and multi-media materials suitable for presentations within public, professional and academic settings. Ability to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate, to support and maintain clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material and challenging behaviour. Desirable Experience of working within a multicultural framework. Strong interest and experience of working with service users with severe / complex needs. Work Related Circumstances Essential Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure Person Specification Education / Qualifications Essential Doctoral level training in clinical psychology, including specific models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychological assessments, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan development psychology as accredited by the BPS or postgraduate training in Forensic Psychology or Counselling Psychology). Current registration as a Clinical, Forensic or Counselling Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council. Desirable Pre-qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and / or other fields of applied psychology Experience Essential Experience of specialist psychology assessment and treatment across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community, primary care and in-patient settings Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups, across the whole life course presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical abuse. MDT working Desirable Experience of teaching training and / or supervision Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts. Knowledge Essential Doctoral level knowledge of research methodology, research design and complex, multivariate data analysis as practiced within the clinical fields of psychology. Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS. Knowledge of the practice implications of National guidance and policy, e.g. Nice Guidance, MHA, etc. Desirable Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in specific difficult to treat groups (e.g. personality disorder, dual diagnosis, people with additional disabilities etc.). High-level knowledge of the theory and practice of at least two specialised psychological therapies. Knowledge of legislation in relation to working age adults and mental health. Formal training in supervision of other psychologists. Skills and Abilities Essential Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to service users, their families and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS. Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups. Ability to teach and train others using a variety of complex and multi-media materials suitable for presentations within public, professional and academic settings. Ability to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate, to support and maintain clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material and challenging behaviour. Desirable Experience of working within a multicultural framework. Strong interest and experience of working with service users with severe / complex needs. Work Related Circumstances Essential Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see Employer details Employer name Pennine Care NHS FT Address Irwell Unit, Fairfield Hospital Rochdale Old Road Bury BL9 7TD United Kingdom Employer's website