At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality psychological care services for fire service personnel and their families.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to supporting those who keep our communities safe.
- Benefits: Make a national impact while enjoying a supportive work environment and professional growth.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with passionate professionals in a dynamic and impactful role.
- Why this job: Shape vital mental health services and support individuals in crisis with your leadership.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in psychological services and a commitment to person-centred care.
The predicted salary is between 62086 - 75882 £ per year.
Location: One of charity workbases or homebased with occasional travel
Closing Date: September 7, 2026
Reference: FFC-HOPC-0826
Make a national impact on psychological care and crisis support. We are searching for an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Psychological Care Services. This is a pivotal role leading the delivery and ongoing development of high-quality, compassionate psychological care services within a national charity. This is a unique opportunity to lead and develop psychological care services within an organisation supporting those who serve, or have served, in the UK’s fire and rescue services, and their families.
Our work sits at the intersection of personal wellness, mental health, trauma and suicide prevention, including the delivery of a 24/7 crisis support service. As Head of Psychological Care Services, you will provide clinical and operational leadership across our psychological care provision, leading therapeutic services, multidisciplinary practitioner teams and crisis support services – ensuring services are safe, effective, evidence-based and person-centred.
Working closely with the Director of Services and colleagues across the organisation, you will play a key role in service development, quality improvement and workforce leadership, helping to ensure our services continue to meet the needs of our beneficiaries across the UK. This is a senior leadership role operating within a complex service environment, supporting individuals experiencing psychological distress, trauma and crisis. Your leadership will directly influence service quality, staff development and the experience and outcomes of those accessing our support.
This is more than a leadership role – it is an opportunity to help shape and develop services within a supportive, ambitious and growing charity that makes a meaningful difference to people who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. We are committed to compassionate, person-centred service delivery and you’ll be working alongside passionate professionals to improve psychological health and wellbeing across the UK.
Generally, you will:
- Lead high-quality, safe and person-centred psychological care services, providing clinical and operational leadership
- Lead service-level clinical governance, safeguarding and risk management arrangements, ensuring quality, safety and continuous learning
- Drive service-level innovation and improvement, using evidence, outcomes and feedback to enhance impact and experience
- Provide professional leadership, supervision, consultation and development to psychological care teams, promoting excellence in practice
- Oversee delivery of a 24/7 crisis support service, ensuring effective assessment, intervention and escalation pathways
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with NHS, emergency service, statutory and voluntary sector organisations to improve access, integration and outcomes
- Champion psychologically- and trauma-informed approaches across services supporting the fire services community
- Use performance, quality and outcomes data to drive improvement, assurance and decision-making
- Support workforce planning, staff wellbeing and the development of an inclusive, compassionate and high-performing culture
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Senior experience in psychological or mental health services
- A track record of service improvement and operational development
- Strong understanding of clinical governance, safeguarding, and risk management in complex environments
- Experience of working within multi-agency systems and partnerships
- A commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive, and person-centred care
- The ability to support, lead, and develop a diverse clinical workforce
- Confidence operating across operational and service priorities
Head of Psychological Care Services – Fire Fighters Charity employer: Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited
North London NHS Foundation Trust is an outstanding employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a leader in the healthcare sector, you will have access to unique growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community mental health services in Camden and across North London.
Contact Details:
Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Psychological Care Services – Fire Fighters Charity
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Psychological Care Services – Fire Fighters Charity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited:Take some time to research Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited's values and approach.
