Band 8b Principal Practitioner Psychologist

Employer information

Please note that this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Job overview

The service supports individual's aged between 14-65 experiencing their first episode of psychosis, and their families. The At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) pathway was launched in November 2022, which also allows us to support people who are more likely to develop psychosis in the future.

You will be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses and support workers, in addition to an occupational therapist, senior health instructor and employment specialist. Psychology in embedded throughout the team and we have a qualified psychologist, assistant psychologist, in addition to trainees and honorary students from local universities.

The post will be based at Trust base (Maple Leaf Centre) but will require flexibility to travel around the Birmingham and Solihull area. The post is full-time and the duties covered would require full time hours. However, applicants who may wish to discuss part-time roles are encouraged to enquire and seek further advice.

Main duties of the job

As an experienced clinical/counselling psychologist holding doctoral level professional qualifications, ensures the systematic provision of a highly specialist, multilevel clinical/counselling psychology service that is cost-effective, culturally appropriate and based on best clinical and professional practice and that meets Trust and Directorate objectives, national strategic, and policy guidelines, commissioner requirements and user and carer needs and expectations.

To thereby help understand, prevent and ameliorate psychological distress and disorder and improve the mental health and well being of local service users.

The role will also include responsibility for leadership of psychological therapies and delivery of NICE concordant service to individuals and families within the EIS/ARMS service. This will include highly specialist psychological assessments, individual therapy (including CBTp), family interventions and group work.

In addition the role will include line management of qualified psychologists and supervision of psychological therapists and assistant psychologists as well as providing consultation, service development, research and teaching/training as required.

Working for our organisation

Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

Person specification

Essential and desirable

Essential criteria

• HCPC registered
• Some experience at 8a

Desirable criteria

• CBTp qualification
• Community experience

Additional employer information

Our Trust is committed to treating individuals fairly and ensuring they have the same opportunities to fulfil their potential, even if this means doing things differently for different people sometimes. We are working hard to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity within Birmingham and Solihull and that our services meet the needs of all diverse service users and carers.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safe recruitment practice pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. As part of the selection process you may be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, however all cases of criminal record history are dealt with on a case by case basis.

Please note, if applicable for your role you will be required to cover the cost of your DBS certificate. This will be deducted from your salary over 3 months.

All successful applicants will be required to complete the Trust's induction programme. The Fundamental (Statutory and Mandatory) training will be in an e-learning format. You will be required to complete training modules online (approx. 9-14 hours depending on post) by the end of your second week with us.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage of the recruitment process we may contact you via email to advise you of the interview details. Please ensure you access your email account from which you applied regularly once the position has closed. Our selection process may involve more than one interview or assessment.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, please ensure that you check if this role meets the eligibility criteria for sponsorship. Non UK /Republic of Ireland candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Browse: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). The minimum salary threshold for a Health and Social Care is £25,000 and for the Skilled Worker route is £38,700. If the starting salary for this role is below this, we will not be able to provide sponsorship.

Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Relocation expenses may be reimbursed subject to eligibility. The policy provides for reimbursement up to £8,000.

Please note - if you are applying for a role within Police custody, due to Police Vetting requirements you must have been a UK resident for the last years.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Job Description (PDF, 291.4KB)
• Person Specification (PDF, 111.7KB)
• Everyday Behaviours Guide (PDF, 159.9KB)
• Recruitment Fraud and Fees Notice (PDF, 280.6KB)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statement (PDF, 272.6KB)
• Recruitment Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement (PDF, 288.6KB)