At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist psychological assessments and interventions for older adults with complex mental health needs.
- Company: Join Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, a leading integrated health service in the UK.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, supportive team environment, and diverse career paths.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older adults while advancing your psychology career.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical or counselling psychology; eager to work with diverse populations.
The predicted salary is between 56276 - 63585 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Practitioner Psychologist to join the Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) Inpatient Service. The successful candidate will be joining a well‑established and highly motivated Older Adult Psychology Specialty, working alongside a supportive group of Practitioner Psychologists. The specialty sits within a large and progressive Directorate of Psychology and Psychological Therapies, offering excellent access to supervision, consultation and continuing professional development.
We welcome staff from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, holding principles of equity, diversity and inclusion central in our approach. This inpatient setting offers a context for a curious and creative psychologist to develop and extend their psychological therapy skills, including CBT, CAT and third wave approaches. There is a desire for the candidate to offer specialist cognitive assessments and to be able to work with complexity including trauma, risk and neurodiversity. This service supports individuals with dementia presenting with complex behaviours and psychologists keen to develop indirect approaches such as positive behaviour support are welcomed.
We value MDT practice, compassionate cultures and teamworking. Applications for this position are invited from psychologists with experience who meet the essential criteria for the Band 8a role, or from psychologists who meet the Band 7 criteria as a development opportunity. We can offer a 7/8a developmental post, or an 8a post. The 8a is an excellent opportunity for those looking to progress their career, and we can support you with making the move from band 7. It is also a great opportunity for established 8as who want to gain experience in working in a new speciality. We are also keen to hear from applicants who are completing training this year: we have a well-established pathway for our 7/8a developmental posts within the UHB.
We offer a professional development programme giving you the opportunity to consolidate your training, and to further develop skills and competencies to transition to 8a through successful completion of the programme.
- Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for older adults with complex mental health needs (mental health and dementia)
- Undertake cognitive and neuropsychological assessments where appropriate
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support psychologically informed care
- Provide consultation, advice and supervision to staff and teams in line with level of experience and banding
- Contribute to team formulation, care planning and risk management
- Support service development, innovation and systems improvement work
- Deliver training and skills development to staff as appropriate
- Participate in audit, research, service evaluation and quality improvement activities
- Maintain professional standards in line with HCPC, BPS and Health Board policies
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support. Our mission is “Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together”, and our vision is that every person’s chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10‑year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
For further details / informal visits contact Name: Dr Becci Dow Job title: Consultant Psychologist Email address: Becci.dow@wales.nhs.uk Telephone number: 029 2182 5789
Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical or Counselling) - MHSOP in Penarth employer: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for aspiring nephrologists. With a focus on professional development, extensive training, and opportunities for research and teaching, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community. The work culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical or Counselling) - MHSOP in Penarth
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical or Counselling) - MHSOP at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical or Counselling) - MHSOP in Penarth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Cardiff and Vale University Health Board that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
