At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform lives through specialist psychological interventions and support individuals with complex emotional needs.
- Company: Join Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a leading mental health provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and excellent health support.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving service with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team dedicated to innovation and clinical excellence.
- Qualifications: Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and experience with diverse mental health issues.
The predicted salary is between 59798 - 67020 £ per year.
Are you passionate about transforming lives and delivering specialist psychological interventions to people with complex emotional needs? Our specialist Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) team has been established for over 10 years. Recognising the significant benefits to people who access DBT, we are significantly increasing the team's resources, so that it can have a greater impact across the Surrey and North-East Hampshire area. Due to expansion and service growth, we are expanding our team and are looking for 2 full time and one part time Clinical/Counselling Psychologists to join us.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a specialist service with over 10 years of DBT expertise.
- Help shape and develop an expanding service with ambitious plans for the future.
- Work alongside skilled, experienced and supportive multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Access regular supervision, consultation and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives and opportunities of people with complex emotional needs.
Main duties of the job
- To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychological needs of people using our services.
- To mentor, supervise and teach qualified and unqualified staff including students.
- Promoting a psychological perspective both within teams and sharing with other colleagues.
- Work collaboratively with team managers/Clinical leads in the development and delivering of effective services.
- The postholder will be expected to work flexibly within the service.
- To lead on complex and challenging cases and develop expertise within area of specialism.
- Participating in the recruitment and selection of staff.
We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements. Part-time working and job-share applications will be considered for this role, subject to service needs and the successful delivery of the post's responsibilities.
About us
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well. We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.
Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received. Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.
Details
- Date posted: 01 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £59,798 to £67,020 a year Incl. 5% Fringe HCAS, pa, pro rata.
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 325-8100093-COMM
- Job locations: 18 Mole Business Park, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7AD, United Kingdom
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology qualification or equivalent.
- Completion of an appropriate clinical supervision course to enable supervision of trainees (or completion within 6 months of commencement in post).
Experience
- Essential: Experience of working with people from across the life span with a range of mental health issues and cognitive profiles.
- Experience across a range of psychological models including systemic, behavioural and individual therapeutic.
- Demonstrable post registration clinical experience, competencies and an interest in working with people with complex emotional needs.
- Experience of contributing to clinical practice/service development/project work.
- Experience of supervising assistant psychologists.
- Evidence of leadership experience.
- Training and/or experience of trauma interventions.
- Training and/or experience of family interventions.
- Experience of risk formulation and management.
Desirable
- Prior training in DBT (desirable). You will be supported to attend the NHSE funded PG Dip training in DBT.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Employer name: Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address: 18 Mole Business Park, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7AD, United Kingdom
Senior Clinical or Counselling Psychologist (Band 8a) in Leatherhead employer: National health service
Join Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a leading provider of mental health services, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex emotional needs. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through regular supervision and development opportunities, while our beautiful location in Surrey offers easy access to both the countryside and Central London. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Clinical or Counselling Psychologist (Band 8a) in Leatherhead
✨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.
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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 National health service.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Clinical or Counselling Psychologist (Band 8a) in Leatherhead
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 National health service:Take some time to research National health service 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 National health service
✨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 National health service's values and approach.
