At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide specialist psychological care for individuals in acute mental health crises.
- Company: EPUT, a supportive and innovative mental health service in Essex.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, excellent pension, staff discounts, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate training in clinical or counselling psychology and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 46134 - 56386 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 1.0 WTE Band 7/8a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join our Adult Inpatient Psychological Services Team in Colchester. This newly created role offers an excellent opportunity to help shape and enhance psychological provision within our two male and female acute wards. The successful candidate will provide specialist assessment, formulation, therapy, interventions and consultation for people experiencing acute mental health crises.
You will join a supportive, compassionate and forward-thinking psychological team committed to improving outcomes for people experiencing acute mental health difficulties, while also prioritising staff wellbeing, professional development and opportunities for innovation. We value staff wellbeing and offer a range of flexible working options, including compressed hours. Part-time and job-share applications are warmly welcomed.
If you are passionate about trauma-informed care, enjoy working in dynamic multidisciplinary teams, and want to help shape the future of inpatient mental health services in Essex, we would love to hear from you! Applications from newly qualified clinical/counselling psychologists or those about to complete training are welcomed under a development post arrangement. Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is essential as well as eligibility for registration with a professional body (BPS).
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will have a strong interest in inpatient mental health care and working with people experiencing acute mental health crises. They will be skilled in undertaking specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention with individuals presenting with a wide range of severe and complex mental health difficulties. The post holder will work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to develop psychologically informed understandings of crisis presentations, helping teams make sense of complexity and identify pathways towards recovery.
The ability to formulate risk, make professional recommendations and contribute confidently to clinical decision-making alongside ward team is central to this role. A key aspect of the role will be supporting and developing staff and will include supervision of junior staff. The post holder will also contribute to teaching, training, reflective practice groups, post-incident debriefs and psychologically informed consultations, helping to build the confidence and psychological skills of ward teams.
The successful candidate will represent psychology within a range of clinical, operational and strategic forums, offering psychological perspectives to case discussions, formulations, care planning and service developments. They will work in partnership with colleagues across inpatient services to promote best practice and enhance the quality of care for our patients.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you. Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential. Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks. If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
- Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
- Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
- £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
- Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Job responsibilities
The Adult Inpatient Psychological Services Team is committed to delivering high-quality psychological care to people experiencing acute mental health difficulties during their inpatient admission. We work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and Care Unit colleagues to support recovery-focused care, helping service users make the most of their admission and achieve timely, meaningful discharges.
Our service spans six inpatient sites across Essex, with each site led by a Principal Psychologist. We are a large, supportive and innovative team comprising Principal and Senior Psychologists, Arts Psychotherapists, Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs), Assistant Psychologists and Trainees. We are proud of both the dedication of our staff and our commitment to service development, with innovations including nationally recognised staff training programmes and significant investment in inpatient psychological services.
This is an exciting time to join the team. We actively encourage creativity, service improvement, leadership development, teaching and research. Strong links with the University of East Anglia and University of Essex provide excellent opportunities to contribute to the training and supervision of future psychologists. Staff are supported to pursue specialist interests, research, formal training and wider learning opportunities across the Trust.
We are committed to supporting our staff to thrive in their roles. As part of a large and supportive psychological service, the successful candidate will have access to regular clinical and managerial supervision, specialist therapy supervision, reflective practice spaces, case discussion forums, and opportunities to connect with and learn from the wider psychological services team. We place a strong emphasis on professional development, peer support and creating a culture where staff feel valued, connected and supported in managing the complexities of inpatient work.
We offer flexible approaches to working wherever possible. Part-time, job-share and flexible working requests are welcome and will be considered. We are able to offer this post as a band 7 development post (to an 8a) for the right candidate. We currently have several opportunities available across Adult Inpatient Psychological Services. If you would like to be considered for more than one role, please indicate this in your application and outline any preferences.
Please contact Dr Sophie Bellringer, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, for further discussion.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
- Post graduate doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996), including specifically models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology as accredited by the BPS.
- Training in supervision of other psychologists/psychological therapists.
- HCPC Registration and eligibility for BPS accreditation.
Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration.
Desirable
- Post accreditation training in additional specialised areas of psychological practice e.g. CBT, CBTp, EMDR, DBT, CAT or other.
Knowledge/Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of mental health legislation, NHS Constitution, CPA and risk assessment and management.
- Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration.
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS for Clinical/Counselling Psychologist.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Clinical/Counselling Psychologist in Colchester employer: meeveem
ProPharma is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a vibrant workplace where employees can thrive as their authentic selves. With a commitment to employee growth and a collaborative culture, ProPharma offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, ensuring that team members can benefit from both remote and in-person collaboration. The company values innovation and provides a supportive environment for GXP Auditors to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical/Counselling Psychologist in Colchester
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
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 Clinical/Counselling Psychologist at meeveem, 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 Clinical/Counselling Psychologist in Colchester
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 meeveem 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 meeveem
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with meeveem, 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 meeveem 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 meeveem that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
