Are you a values-driven, innovative psychologist, passionate about improving the lived experience of people using services and staff, aspiring to promote positive system change? If so, taking your next career step at Second Step, could be the right move for you.
Second Step is a leading mental health charity in the South-West offering housing, support and hope to thousands of people with mental health and other needs. We promote wellbeing by supporting people and communities to build brighter futures. We value relationships and making sense of what has happened to those accessing our services, rather than labelling what is wrong with them.
Second Step have been delivering the HWYNI service across Bristol since 2024. After a successful recommissioning process, from 1st October 2026, Second Step joined in partnership with Rethink to deliver the Help When You Need It service with additional components to support inclusion and psychological, adversity and trauma (PAT) informed practice to enhance both client and staff experience and outcomes. This new senior psychologist role within the service is fundamental to achieve our ambitions. Together, we will provide practical goal-focused support for adults with mental health needs and their carers, helping people access the right support at the right time, building on their strengths, allowing them to achieve goals and more sustainable recovery journeys.
Senior Psychologist
Salary: £57,008 pro-rata per annum
Job Type: Permanent. Part time 0.4 FTE -0.6FTE (2-3 days) to be agreed at interview
Location: Office base Bristol – working from home/travel to offices across Second Step.
This is a unique opportunity for a self-motivated, forward-thinking psychologist to be responsible for introducing a PAT approach to HWYNI to shape the culture of the team and support clients and staff to thrive.
What we’re looking for:
- Clinical of Counselling Psychologist with applied doctorate or equivalent post-graduate qualification enabling registration with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist.
- A passionate advocate for system change, with a deep understanding and interest in trauma-informed principles and organisational transformation.
- Someone able to work autonomously, with experience working in various NHS or VCSE mental health settings with clients with a range of adult mental health presentations, histories of trauma and multiple disadvantage .
- Comprehensive formulation skills, commitment to community psychology and using psychology innovatively.
- Developing and delivering psychologically informed staff support and development initiatives (reflective practice, formulation, training, supervision) to enhance quality practice.
- Experience of evaluation and audit
What we offer:
- Investment in your professional development, including training and robust supervision.
- A flexible, supportive, and innovative environment where your ideas and leadership will be valued to drive cultural change
If you thrive in a new, developmental role, are adaptable, and have the tenacity to influence system-wide change, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: 1st November 2026
Interview dates(s): 13th November 2026
Second Step is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community and from people who have personal experience of using mental health services. Unfortunately, Second Step is unable to sponsor applicants from outside the UK.
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Senior Psychologist (Help When You Need It) employer: Second Step
Second Step is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about mental health. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training, flexible working options, and a collaborative team culture that prioritises personal growth and well-being. Located in Swindon, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while being part of a diverse organisation that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Psychologist (Help When You Need It)
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Second Step often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Second Step
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Second Step. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Second Step.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Second Step.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Second Step.
