Principal Applied Psychologist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Applied Psychologist to join the Crisis Resolution and Intensive Home Treatment Team covering Hambleton and Richmondshire. This senior role involves providing specialist psychological expertise within a multidisciplinary crisis service that supports individuals experiencing severe mental health difficulties.

The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering direct clinical care, guiding psychological practice within the team, and contributing to leadership and service development. The post holder will work alongside senior colleagues including the Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Team Manager to ensure patients receive compassionate, evidence-based mental health support during periods of acute distress.

About the Service

The Hambleton and Richmondshire Crisis Resolution and Intensive Home Treatment Team provides rapid assessment and short-term intensive support for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. The service aims to reduce hospital admissions by offering treatment and support within patients’ homes whenever possible.

The team works closely with other community mental health services, inpatient wards, and emergency care providers to ensure continuity of care. The service also maintains strong partnerships with academic institutions and contributes to clinical training for psychology students and trainees.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Provide specialist psychological assessments and develop comprehensive clinical formulations.
• Deliver evidence-based psychological therapies for individuals experiencing severe mental health problems, including psychosis and personality disorders.
• Maintain full clinical responsibility for psychological care within a multidisciplinary setting.

Leadership and Team Support

• Contribute to the clinical leadership of the crisis service.
• Support team members through supervision, consultation, and joint case work.
• Promote psychological thinking across the service by assisting colleagues in developing psychological formulations.

Staff Development and Training

• Provide clinical supervision to psychologists and trainees.
• Deliver teaching sessions and training on psychological models and interventions.
• Support staff wellbeing through reflective practice and professional guidance.

Service Improvement

• Participate in service development initiatives and quality improvement projects.
• Contribute to research, audit, and evaluation activities aligned with the Trust’s strategic objectives.

About the Employer

This position is offered by Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, a leading provider of specialist mental health and learning disability services in Northern England.

The Trust delivers services to approximately two million people across:

• County Durham
• Teesside
• North Yorkshire
• York and Selby

With thousands of staff working across numerous sites, the organisation is committed to delivering high-quality care while supporting staff development through research opportunities, professional training, and leadership programmes.

The Trust also works closely with regional universities, including clinical psychology programmes in Hull and Teesside, providing opportunities for teaching and professional collaboration.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must hold:

• Doctoral-level postgraduate training in Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society
• Registration as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Post-doctoral training in specialised areas of psychological practice
• Formal training in clinical supervision and supervision of doctoral trainees
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (CPD)
• Training in care coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration

Essential Experience

Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in:

• Delivering psychological assessment and treatment for severe mental health problems
• Working as a qualified applied psychologist within multidisciplinary services
• Providing professional supervision and leadership to colleagues
• Collaborating with healthcare organisations and external agencies across public and voluntary sectors

Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should possess:

• Doctoral-level knowledge of evidence-based psychological practice
• Strong clinical skills in risk assessment and risk management
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to mental health services
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to manage complex clinical situations within a crisis environment

Professional Development Opportunities

The Trust supports professional growth through:

• Peer supervision and mentoring
• Continuing professional development programmes
• Teaching and training opportunities
• Participation in clinical research and audit projects
• Leadership development is also encouraged through engagement with frameworks developed by the NHS Leadership Academy.

Background Checks and Safeguarding

This role requires a criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration Guidance

Applications from candidates who require UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and will be assessed alongside all other applicants.

These resources provide guidance on visa eligibility, required documentation, and employment regulations for professionals seeking work in the United Kingdom.