Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or Adult Psychotherapist
Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Job Summary
In the Transitions Intensive Psychology Service, North Essex (Colchester & Tendring), we have an exciting post aimed at supporting patients through the often difficult transition from in-patient wards to community-based services.
We are looking for a professional with a doctorate in clinical/counselling psychology, or equivalent qualifications in psychotherapy, who is highly experienced working with people with complex presentations. The role is primarily clinical, focused on working with teams and service users to aid transition out of and help prevent admission to acute psychiatric wards.
You will be involved in shaping and providing a way of managing transitions, offering extended treatments such as specialist trauma therapies and groups, and conducting complex risk assessments for high-frequency service users. Your work may sometimes be long-term, following patients to reduce risk and admissions, and promote independence and recovery. Part of your role will include supervision and line-management of junior staff working in inpatient and community settings.
Main duties of the job
Our team and this role are part of the Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Pathway, contributing to community services transformation and NHS Urgent and Emergency Care changes. Your role may evolve to include managerial and strategic responsibilities, but the core focus remains clinical work.
We support continuous professional development and flexible working, including part-time and job-share applications.
NB: Applications from very experienced Band 8a clinicians are also considered.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate must be skilled in NHS working environments, multidisciplinary teamwork, and possess strong psychological treatment skills applicable to complex cases. Knowledge of team and organizational dynamics, assessment tools, and risk management is essential. Skills in training, supervision, and maintaining a calm disposition are also required.
About Us
EPUT values Care, Learn, and Empower. We offer benefits such as:
* Season Ticket Loans
* NHS staff discounts
* Training opportunities
* Annual leave schemes
* Flexible working and bank shifts
* Salary Sacrifice schemes
We encourage flexible working and support staff in applying for flexible work arrangements from day one.
Join our Staff bank to work shifts across trust hospitals and community settings. All permanent staff are enrolled, with options to work additional shifts if desired.
Details
* Date posted: 12 June 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: 8b
* Salary: £62,215 - £72,293 per year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Location: Herrick House, Colchester, CO1 1TY
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for detailed responsibilities.
Person Specification
Essential
* Doctorate in Clinical or Forensic/Counselling Psychology and registration with HCPC.
* Experience working with complex adult mental health cases, including inpatient or secondary care settings.
* Knowledge of psychopathology, psychometrics, neuropsychology, and psychological therapies.
Desirable
* Post-doctoral qualifications in evidence-based therapies like DBT, CBT, EMDR.
* CPD in Adult Mental Health.
Skills/Experience
Essential
* At least 2 years post-qualification experience in psychological assessment and treatment of complex cases.
* Experience with diverse client groups with severe and complex difficulties.
Desirable
* Experience working with acute care needs and supervising trainees/junior psychologists.
Additional requirements
This post requires a DBS check, UK professional registration, and, if applicable, sponsorship for overseas applicants.
Employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Herrick House, Colchester, CO1 1TY. https://eput.nhs.uk/
#J-18808-Ljbffr