Psychological Therapies Team Leader (Band 7) in Bristol

Provide leadership, co‑ordination, line management of the Psychological Therapies team, to enable the operational delivery of specialist psychological interventions. Deliver specialist interventions to patients and clients presenting with psychological complexity and high risks. Multi‑disciplinary working to ensure that complex psychological needs of patients and clients are effectively and safely managed. Practice as an expert psychological therapist delivering safe and effective interventions, in both one‑to‑one and group settings. Act as an expert resource to other professionals, both internally and externally on specialist psychological care during end of life. Take responsibility for/lead on specific areas related to the role e.g. audit and investigations, governance and KPIs. Work alongside the Head of PFS and Psychology Clinical Lead to enable and deliver the team strategy and support the development of a psychologically informed organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership and line management for the Psychological Therapies service, setting clear standards and fostering collaboration.
• Hold a small clinical caseload, delivering evidence‑based one‑to‑one and group interventions, in person and virtually.
• Ensure the team complies with clinical governance (audit, investigations, KPIs) and safeguarding; contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and with external health, social care and third‑sector organisations.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration and mutual support.
• Lead staff recruitment, probation assessments and team coordination.
• Provide line management and oversee HR processes such as sickness and performance management.
• Attend operational and business meetings representing the hospice.
• Set and communicate performance standards and expectations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to plan and deliver a locality‑based care model.
• Build partnerships with external health, social care and third‑sector organisations.
• Identify and nurture staff potential, delegating tasks effectively.
• Oversee the development and implementation of service‑related policies.
• Direct and administer the work of the PTT for organised service delivery.
• Promote services internally and externally to ensure clear referral pathways.
• Manage team budgets and financial resources effectively in collaboration with Head of PFS.
• Identify and support applications for external funding opportunities.
• Oversee patient referrals, ensuring alignment with service capacity and standards.
• Support the development of efficient clinical processes.
• Participate in the Senior Clinical on‑call rota (currently not active).
• Assess and plan interventions for patients and families, including bereavement support.
• Deliver individual and group-based psychological interventions, both in‑person and virtually.
• Maintain accurate client records and statistical data as required.
• Safeguard therapy materials per professional guidelines.
• Participate in clinical and multi‑disciplinary team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with service users and team members.
• Provide colleague cover as required (e.g., PFS teams management support).
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities in line with legislation and hospice policies.
• Adhere to professional regulatory standards, maintaining registration and CPD.
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive data and comply with hospice procedures and policies.
• Support individuals and families in distress, addressing prognosis and care options sensitively.
• Adapt communication to diverse needs, using clear, jargon‑free language.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date electronic records ensuring safety, privacy and dignity.
• Involve patients and carers in decisions, respecting their views and preferences.
• Maintain high standards of integrity when communicating with patients and the wider public.
• Engage collaboratively with internal and external colleagues to support locality‑based initiatives.
• Act as an ambassador of hospice values and contribute to multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Develop oneself and contribute to the development of others through supervision, mentoring and training.
• Promote resilience and professional standards through active registration and clinical and management supervision.
• Lead the infection prevention and control agenda in the Psychological Therapies team.
• Identify and utilise appropriate outcome and service impact measures.
• Promote service user feedback and respond to informal and formal complaints in accordance with Hospice policy.
• Advocate equality and respect diversity, ensuring inclusive service access.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate professional qualification e.g. Counsellor, Arts Therapist, Psychotherapist, Psychological Practitioner. Practitioner must be qualified to work with adults and children.
• Membership of a relevant professional body e.g. BPS, BACP, BAMT, BAAT, HCPC.

Desirable Qualifications

• Masters Degree.
• Clinical Supervision Qualification.
• Area of specialism relevant to role such as pain management, working with dementia or trauma‑informed therapy.

Essential Experience

• Significant post‑qualification experience in a health care setting.
• Experience of team and individual staff management, leadership, recruitment and performance management.
• Experience and knowledge of implementing service improvement, initiating and managing service change.
• Experience of working in the context of palliative care or a similar health or social care area within a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience of assessing risk.
• Experience of multi‑agency/MDT working.
• Knowledge of clinical governance and evidence‑based practice.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in planning and delivering psychological therapy group interventions.
• Experience of working with local community organisations/groups, culturally diverse and multi‑faith communities.
• Experience of teaching/facilitating training.
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Insight and understanding of the challenges to equity of access to hospice support and care.

Additional Essential Criteria

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and ability to produce written reports.
• Demonstrates professional behaviour and communication.

Essential Personal Attributes

• An understanding and empathy for the work of the Hospice.
• Passionate about end‑of‑life care and improving services for patients and carers.
• A problem solver and ability to keep a level head at times of crisis.
• A role model who can influence/motivate and inspire others to give their best.
• Cooperative and collaborative team member, committed to best practice.
• Approachable and compassionate.
• Flexible and resilient.
• Driving licence and own transport.

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. For further information please see NHS Careers website.