Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist (Perinatal)
Company:
Company: South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
Salary: £66,274 - £73,496 per annum inclusive of Inner London HCAs
A Vacancy at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We are seeking an experienced Practitioner Psychologist with a passion for perinatal care to join our specialist community perinatal mental health service in a part time (0.5 WTE) capacity.
We are dedicated to high quality, evidence-based practice. The post holder will have a proven interest in working with parents and their infants and knowledge of infant and adult mental health. Appropriate specialist clinical and professional supervision and opportunities for training and development will be made available.
They will join an experienced and friendly team of psychological therapists who provide a range of highly specialist psychological interventions for service users under the care of the Perinatal Mental Health Team. A key aspect of this role is to provide highly specialist psychological care to parents (and their infants) experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. An ability to assess and manage risk in this context is crucial and a sound understanding of working with clients presenting with complex emotional needs, the challenges presented during the perinatal period and the interventions available for that.
This post offers an opportunity to join the Perinatal Mental Health Service and be involved in service developments in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. The opening is for a Band 8a (0.5 WTE) Highly Specialist Team Clinical or Counselling Psychologist.
If appointed, you will join a passionate and experienced MDT and support the provision of our community based specialist psychology and psychotherapy services for women who are pregnant, or postnatal and are presenting with a wide range of complex and severe mental health problems, as well as systemic support for their partners/significant others. The role involves providing specialist psychological assessment and treatment as well as attending ward and community MDT meetings, triaging referrals, assessing and signposting to other services, and liaising with midwifes, obstetricians, and primary, secondary and third sector care providers.
There will be opportunities for attending specialist training and forums, providing supervision and consultation as well as developing an area of specialist interest and one's own style of working.
There will be a strong focus on supporting the continued development of a psychologically informed trauma focus of care within the service including working alongside our lead psychologist for complex needs to develop a care pathway for this client group within the perinatal service, as well as utilising research skills for audits, service evaluation, and service development.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
To provide specialist psychological assessments of clients referred to the service based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care.
To formulate and implement plans for the formal psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s mental health problems, based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the client’s problems, and employing methods based upon evidence of efficacy in the treatment of mental health conditions as recommended by NICE guidelines.
To be responsible for implementing a range of psychological interventions for individuals, carers, families and groups, within and across teams employed individually and in synthesis, adjusting and refining psychological formulations drawing upon different explanatory models and maintaining several provisional hypotheses.
To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options considering both theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the individual, family or group.
To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of clients whose problems are managed by psychologically based care plans.
To provide specialist psychological advice, guidance and consultation to other professionals, as appropriate, to assist in the formulation, diagnosis and treatment of clients presenting with mental health needs related to the perinatal period.
To contribute directly and indirectly to a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings and agencies.
To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual clients and to provide advice to other professions on psychological aspects of risk assessment and risk management.
To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner, information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under their care and to monitor progress during both uni- and multi-disciplinary care, integrating the contribution of other professionals on the basis of client need.
To work jointly with psychological therapists based in community teams, to plan and hand over the psychological assessment and treatment of patients that may continue after discharge from the Maternal Mental Health Service.
This advert closes on Tuesday 3 Nov 2026
£58,133 - £65,261 per annum Inclusive of Inner London HCAs
South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
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Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist (Perinatal) employer: South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
As a Consultant Psychiatrist at our Twickenham Integrated Recovery Hub, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to providing innovative mental health care in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our Trust is renowned for its commitment to employee development, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning, all while maintaining a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Located in the vibrant borough of Richmond, you will benefit from a dynamic work culture that values your expertise and encourages creative approaches to patient care.
Contact Details:
South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist (Perinatal)
✨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
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✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
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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!
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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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust. 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust.
✨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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust.
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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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust.
