Senior Psychologist

Company Description

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides life-saving emergency relief and longer-term medical care to some of the most vulnerable and excluded communities around the world. As an independent medical humanitarian organisation, we deliver care based only on need, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or political affiliation. MSF relies on donations from private individuals and organisations for the majority of its income. This private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond where needs are greatest and to speak out publicly, free from any political interference. MSF has around 63,000 local and international staff working in over 70 countries, in some of the most challenging places in the world.

Position

The Senior Psychologist will lead the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based psychological interventions for service users with complex trauma presentations. As a clinical specialist, you will provide expert assessment, formulation, and intervention, ensuring that psychological care is tailored to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Duration: 12 months FTC, with possibility of 3-year extension (subject to project funding)

Location: Birmingham/Sandwell (5-day in-person role working in the project clinic)

Salary: £52,866.48 - £64,614.57 per annum

Job Purpose:

A key aspect of the role is clinical leadership, including supervision and training for psychologists, assistant psychologists, and caseworkers to ensure psychological principles inform all aspects of service delivery. The postholder will drive the integration of trauma-informed practices, contribute to clinical governance, and support outcome monitoring. They will also play a pivotal role in supporting pathways for stabilisation and trauma-focused therapy. Working closely with the Mental Health Activity Manager (MHAM) to uphold clinical standards, the Senior Psychologist will focus on the direct provision and supervision of psychological interventions, rather than broader operational and service management functions. Additionally, they will engage with external stakeholders to promote best practices in psychological care and facilitate seamless referral pathways.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge: Doctorate in Clinical/ Forensic/ Counselling Psychology with HCPC registration. Further advanced training in relevant specialist treatment delivery (e.g. CBT, EMDR, NET). Advanced expertise in complex trauma, PTSD, and comorbid mental health conditions, particularly in refugee and asylum-seeking populations. In-depth understanding of trauma-informed care models, stabilization techniques, and stepped-care approaches. Extensive knowledge of evidence-based trauma therapies, including TF-CBT, EMDR, NET, and third-wave approaches. Strong working knowledge of safeguarding policies, risk assessment protocols, and ethical guidelines (e.g., HCPC, BPS, NICE guidelines). Understanding of mental health policy, advocacy, and service commissioning within humanitarian and third-sector settings.
• Skills: Highly developed clinical assessment, formulation, and treatment planning skills for complex cases. Strong leadership, mentoring, and clinical supervision abilities to support junior psychologists and multidisciplinary teams. High-level risk assessment and crisis intervention competencies. Strong interdisciplinary teamwork, with the ability to liaise effectively with external agencies and humanitarian stakeholders. Proficiency in research, audit, and data-driven service evaluation to support evidence-based practice. Highly developed skills in effectively communicating complex, ethically sensitive, and clinically relevant information both orally and in writing to clients, their families, carers, and professional colleagues across different healthcare and humanitarian settings.
• Experience: At least three years of post-qualification experience, with significant experience delivering trauma-focused therapy. Experience providing clinical leadership and supervision to Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, or trainees. Demonstrated ability to manage high-risk and complex clinical cases. Strong record of multidisciplinary team collaboration and policy engagement. Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers, or survivors of trafficking and torture. Research, service evaluation, or policy development experience. Prior work in humanitarian, NGO, or third-sector organisations would be an asset to the role. Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.

Other information

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply on our website by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation (please upload as one document) by the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Recruitment timetable: Closing date for applications: Friday 25 July 2025, 11.59pm (BST) First round interviews: TBC

Accessibility

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know by contacting [email protected]

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive organisation. MSF UK thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community.

Safeguarding

MSF UK/IE is dedicated to safeguarding everyone who comes into contact with the organisation, for whatever reason and however brief. All posts are subject to safer recruitment process which include robust reference requests, scrutiny of employment history and where applicable criminal record and barring checks. Our safeguarding commitment is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the organisation. On joining MSF UK/IE you will be required to attend safeguarding training to ensure responsibility for and maintaining safe working practice and to safeguard our teams, beneficiaries, and communities.

Right to work in the UK

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.