An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Systemic Psychotherapist to join the Adult Specialist Eating Disorder Service. The post is also available under Annex 21, offering a structured development plan and incremental pay progression while required competencies are achieved.
The post is advertised as a Band 8a, however, applicants who do not currently meet all the skills and competencies for the band 8a role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will be appointed under Agenda for Change Arrangement for Pay and Banding of Trainees (Annex 21) supported by a development plan for up to 3 years.
The successful candidate will join a committed, values-driven multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality care for individuals with Eating Disorders and their families. You will help embed a systemic approach within the service and contribute to a strong MDT culture.
The role includes specialist assessment, systemic formulation, evidence-based interventions, and consultation across the Hywel Dda UHB area. As a senior clinician, you will work with the Clinical Lead and Service Manager to provide supervision, support operational delivery, and drive innovation aligned with Welsh Government and Health Board priorities.
You will also have access to Hywel Ddas wider systemic community, including CPD opportunities, reading groups, peer networks and communities of practice.
As a senior Systemic Family Therapist, the postholder provides specialist systemic therapy to individuals, families and groups within Eating Disorder services, delivering comprehensive assessment, formulation and treatment for clients with complex and high-risk mental health needs.
The role involves autonomous clinical decision-making while working closely within a multidisciplinary team. The postholder offers consultation, advice and training to colleagues, manages a clinical caseload, and provides supervision, CPD support and performance review to appropriate staff. This role also contributes to service development through audit, evaluation, project work and the implementation of agreed service improvements to support high-quality care across the service.
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our Services Are Provided In
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
During the first year payment will be 65% of the top rate of band pay, and the second year 70%, and third year 75%.
The application of Annex 21 with pay protection at band 7 may be considered for newly qualified psychologists until competencies are met for 8a, which will be expected to be met within 3 years. Following successful completion and successful attainment of skills and competences for the role, the post holder will then be paid at band 8a (minimum point on the scale).
Continued support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the practitioner to the band 8a role. This will be an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified psychologist looking for career development.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
Failure to achieve the competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 09/03/2026
LNKD1_UKTJ