Highly Specialist Applied Psychologist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced and motivated psychologist to join an adult learning disability inpatient service. The role is based at Bankfields Court and focuses on supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, autism, and behaviours that challenge, particularly during periods of acute distress.

While your primary base will be inpatient care, you will also contribute across the urgent care pathway, including collaboration with the Intensive Support Team. This role offers a balance of direct clinical work, leadership, and service development.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Highly Specialist Applied Psychologist, your work will centre around delivering high-quality, person-focused psychological care. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting detailed psychological assessments and developing formulations
  Delivering evidence-based interventions for individuals with complex needs
  Working closely with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)
  Providing consultation and guidance to staff to support psychologically informed care
  Facilitating reflective practice and delivering training sessions
  Offering clinical supervision to colleagues and trainees
  Supporting safe and effective discharge planning back into the community

You will also contribute to continuous service improvement and innovation within the inpatient and urgent care pathways.

Leadership & Team Contribution

This is a senior role within the service, requiring strong leadership and collaboration skills. You will:

• Promote trauma-informed and person-centred approaches
  Support MDT colleagues in integrating psychological thinking into care
  Actively contribute to a shared leadership model within the service
  Engage with wider psychology networks across the Trust

There are also opportunities to work alongside doctoral training programmes, offering teaching and placement supervision.

About the Organisation

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across multiple regions in the North of England. The Trust is committed to compassionate, inclusive, and innovative care, working in partnership with patients, families, and communities.

Their approach focuses on listening, collaboration, and continuous improvement to ensure individuals receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Doctoral-level qualification in Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic Psychology (BPS accredited)
  Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  Evidence of ongoing professional development
  Training in clinical supervision and care coordination

Desirable Qualifications

Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Essential Experience

• Experience working as a qualified psychologist across a range of settings and client groups
  Managing complex clinical cases within a multidisciplinary framework
  Providing clinical supervision, teaching, and training
  Involvement in research, audit, and service development
  Acting as a care coordinator with full clinical responsibility

Desirable Experience

Partnership working across public, private, or voluntary sectors

Key Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of evidence-based psychological practice
  Competence in risk assessment and risk management
  Knowledge of clinical governance and service quality improvement
  Familiarity with relevant mental health legislation
  Experience in research methods and audit processes
  Awareness of social inclusion and equality in healthcare

Professional Development & Opportunities

• Access to a strong psychology network within the Trust
  Opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision of trainees
  Involvement in service innovation and leadership initiatives
  Continued professional development support

Important Information

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Applicants may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to criteria
International applicants must meet UK regulatory and immigration requirements

Useful government resources:

• Skilled Worker visa guidance
  UK Visas and Immigration
  Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
  Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Why Consider This Role?

This position offers a unique chance to work at a senior level within a specialist service supporting individuals with highly complex needs. You’ll have the opportunity to influence care delivery, support colleagues, and help shape future service developments—all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.