At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults with mental health needs through therapy and community outreach.
- Company: Join St Mungo's, a leading charity dedicated to helping those facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent development opportunities, great pay, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your therapeutic skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Masters level training in psychology and registration with relevant professional bodies required.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours; applications from all backgrounds encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to use your experience as a Psychological Therapist to support vulnerable adults in Bristol? We have an exciting opportunity to join the team in Bristol as a Psychological Therapist. This post is offered as a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 with possibility of extension, or as a secondment for internal applicants.
St Mungo’s Assertive Contact and Engagement (ACE) Service works with people with mental health needs who face barriers to support, and are not actively engaged with other mental health services. We operate across Bristol, running a variety of services including therapeutic groups and drop-ins as well as community outreach. The project reflects the diversity of Bristol and reaches people and communities that may have had difficulty accessing services that fully meet their needs in the past.
As a Psychological Therapist, you will join the North Star team, providing dual diagnosis support for people experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges. Your role involves offering therapeutic interventions to those who struggle to access mainstream psychological services, focusing on relationship building, psychoeducation, individual therapy, and trauma-informed care. North Star also supports clients in forming connections and making referrals to specialist services for long-term care when they’re ready.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Manage a complex client caseload, offering weekly 1-1 therapeutic sessions, group therapy, and drop-in clinics at partner hostels.
- Collaborate with clients to identify goals for recovery and create person centred plans to support self-management, clinical progress, and social inclusion.
- Provide trauma-informed mental health care with a creative and flexible approach, fostering community connections and working alongside multiple agencies for holistic support.
- Work part-time for 30 hours per week across 3-4 days, including required Tuesday and Friday availability with flexibility for additional days.
About you
This could be an interesting role for someone looking to develop their practice, and provide help to people who face barriers to support, if this interests you we encourage you to apply. You will:
- Demonstrate a flexible and creative approach to engage with marginalised clients who may have multiple needs.
- Have experience of delivering therapy to people with multiple disadvantage, complex trauma and, substance use.
- Have a sound understanding of the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness along with an understanding of the difficulties they can experience in accessing services that are fully responsive to their needs. This may include personal lived experience of homelessness or accessing mental health services yourself.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide psychological guidance to colleagues, provide formulations and facilitate group supervisions and reflective practice sessions.
- Hold high level of specialist theory and practice knowledge of psychological therapy and an understanding of the psychological impact of social exclusion.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills of at least one core therapeutic model (e.g. CBT, psychodynamic).
For this role it is a requirement that you have Masters level training, or equivalent, in clinical or counselling psychology, accredited by the BPS. You will also need training in models of developmental lifespan psychology, psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology and two or more distinct psychological therapies. You will also be HCPC Registered, or a BACP / UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, or BABCP registered CBT Therapist.
How to apply
To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website. To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.
Closing date: 10am on 22 April 2025 Interview and assessments on: 6-7 May 2025
St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.
What we offer
- Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
- A Diverse and Inclusive Work Place
- Great Pay and Other Benefits
Psychological Therapist employer: St Mungo's
Contact Detail:
St Mungo's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychological Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by vulnerable adults in Bristol, particularly those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Understanding these barriers will help you demonstrate your empathy and commitment during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of psychological therapy and mental health services in Bristol. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who work in similar roles, as this can provide valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with various therapeutic models, especially those relevant to trauma-informed care. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these models in practice, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research St Mungo's and their ACE Service thoroughly. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to align your responses during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychological Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Psychological Therapist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in delivering therapy to individuals with multiple disadvantages, complex trauma, and substance use. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Showcase Your Therapeutic Approach: Clearly articulate your understanding of at least one core therapeutic model (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic) in your application. Discuss how you have applied this model in practice, especially in working with marginalised clients.
Personal Connection: If applicable, share any personal experiences that relate to homelessness or accessing mental health services. This can provide a unique perspective and demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by potential clients.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Mungo's
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in delivering therapy, especially to those with multiple disadvantages. Highlight specific cases where you've successfully engaged clients facing barriers to support.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
Since the role requires a flexible approach, think of examples where you've adapted your therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of clients. This will show your ability to think on your feet and tailor your approach.
✨Understand the Client's Perspective
Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Being able to empathise and articulate these challenges during the interview will demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex cases, manage a caseload, and collaborate with other agencies to provide holistic support.