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- Tasks: Provide expert training and consultation on personality disorders to staff and teams.
- Company: Join Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a top mental health provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free parking, and excellent health and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing care for those with complex emotional needs.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or Psychotherapist.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until May 2026, not patient-facing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We currently have an exciting secondment/fixed term opportunity till end of May 2026 for an existing Band 8a senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist or Psychotherapist, with the right skills to cover maternity leave within the Psychologically Informed Consultation and Training Team (PICT).
PICT is a coproduced service providing consultation and training to clinicians and agencies across the primary care network, social care and VCSE sector to enhance their understanding of personality disorder and to equip the workforce with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with this client group.
This is not a patient facing role. The post holder will bring their knowledge and experience of working with people with a diagnosis or difficulties associated with personality disorder to provide expert training and consultation to staff and teams supporting those with complex emotional needs.
You will develop and co-deliver consultation and training alongside colleagues with lived experience of personality disorder, upskilling staff and teams to work more effectively with people with traits, or a formal diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’.
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 Trusts 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. If you apply for a role that we cannot offer sponsorship for, unfortunately, your application form will be rejected from the process.
We look forward to receiving your application!
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Dr Olivia Southwell Job title: Transformation Lead Email address: Olivia.Southwell@sabp.nhs.uk
8a Principal Psychologist/Psychotherapist-fixed term/secondment employer: Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 8a Principal Psychologist/Psychotherapist-fixed term/secondment
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the Psychologically Informed Consultation and Training Team (PICT). Understanding their approach to personality disorders will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in training and consultation. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully upskilled teams or individuals, particularly in relation to personality disorders, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest developments in personality disorder treatment and training methodologies. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to professional development in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace 8a Principal Psychologist/Psychotherapist-fixed term/secondment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in clinical or counselling psychology, particularly with personality disorders. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Emphasise your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with their mission to provide outstanding quality care.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you list all relevant qualifications, certifications, and training that pertain to the role of Principal Psychologist/Psychotherapist. This includes any specific training related to personality disorders or consultation and training experience.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common interview questions for psychologists and psychotherapists. Be ready to discuss your approach to training and consultation, as well as your experience working with complex emotional needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the 8a Principal Psychologist/Psychotherapist role. Familiarise yourself with the Psychologically Informed Consultation and Training Team's objectives, especially regarding personality disorders.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with individuals with personality disorders. Highlight specific examples where you've provided training or consultation, and how your expertise can benefit the team and the clients they serve.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves co-delivering training alongside colleagues with lived experience, be ready to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others in past roles to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the team's current challenges, the types of training programmes in place, or how success is measured within the role. It shows your genuine interest and engagement.
