Specialist or Highly Specialist Applied Psychologist 7/8a(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

This is a rewarding opportunity for a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join a well-established Community Learning Disability Team serving the Harrogate and surrounding areas.

The post is offered at Band 8a level, with flexibility for candidates at different career stages. If you are currently working at Band 7 or are newly qualified, a structured preceptorship pathway is available to support your progression into a Band 8a role.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about working with individuals with learning disabilities and interested in developing both clinical expertise and leadership skills within a supportive NHS environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will play a central part in delivering high-quality psychological care. Your work will involve both direct clinical interventions and indirect support through collaboration with families, carers, and wider systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting specialist psychological assessments and developing formulations
  Delivering therapeutic interventions tailored to individuals with learning disabilities
  Supporting carers, families, and staff teams using psychologically informed approaches
  Carrying out neuropsychological assessments where appropriate
  Providing consultation, reflective practice, and clinical supervision
  Contributing to trauma-informed care approaches within the service

Working Within the Team

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The role also includes:

• Participation in leadership and service development activities
  Opportunities to engage in research, audit, and quality improvement
  Involvement in teaching and supervising trainee psychologists
  Strong links with university doctoral training programmes

The Trust actively supports further professional development, including training in therapeutic approaches such as CBT, EMDR, CAT, and Systemic Family Therapy.

About the Organisation

The Trust is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care by working in partnership with patients, families, and communities. Their approach emphasises inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement in mental health services.

Staff are encouraged to embody organisational values and contribute to a culture that prioritises safety, collaboration, and innovation.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist
  Doctoral-level qualification in Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic Psychology (or equivalent)
  Ongoing professional development evidence
  Willingness to undertake training in supervision and care coordination

Experience

• Working with individuals with mental health needs or learning disabilities
  Experience within multidisciplinary teams
  Ability to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced understanding of psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention
  Knowledge of risk assessment and management at a complex level
  Competence in using psychometric tools
  Ability to work across multiple agencies and systems

Personal Attributes

• Strong team collaboration and communication skills
  Ability to work independently and use initiative
  Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing learning

Additional Information

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Applicants must hold valid UK professional registration
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available if eligibility criteria are met

Useful UK Government Resources

• Skilled Worker visa guidance
  Immigration rules for eligible occupations
  HCPC registration and healthcare roles guidance
  Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) information

Location & Environment

The role is based in Knaresborough, covering the wider Harrogate district, including Ripon and Nidderdale. This area offers a high quality of life, combining historic towns with access to natural landscapes such as the Yorkshire Dales.