Principal Psychologist - Priory Group : Job Details

Priory Hospital Altrincham is looking to recruit a principal psychologist to join the team which has residential facilities for 56 patients. This is a part time 30 hours role.Priory Hospital Altrincham provides expert treatment for a range of mental health conditions and addictions. The hospital is comprised of three inpatient units, providing specialist care for adults with range of mental health challenges and addictions.

Altrincham also provides established, evidence-based outpatient treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. As a principal psychologist, you will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.

• Undertake the role of Principal Psychologist for a designated ward(s) and/or group of patients as agreed with the Head of Psychology. This includes assessment, formulation, intervention (group and/or one to one) and evaluation in line with the patient’s presentation and care pathway. Assess patients using appropriate assessments and psychometric measures and interpret and report results accurately
• To work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the service’s policies and procedures.
• To co-ordinate delivery of psychological assessment and intervention from other psychology staff including qualified psychologists, trainee psychologists, assistant psychologists and students and where appropriate to act as a point of liaison between the inpatient psychology pathway and the community psychology pathway
• To provide consultation and advice to professional staff from other disciplines on psychological assessment, therapy and techniques for working effectively with particular service users.
• To work alongside senior clinical and managerial staff to improve and maintain the quality of the patient experience and to enable staff to engage in pro-active, therapeutic and meaningful ways with patients.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.The role requires a confident grasp of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and at least two other therapeutic modalities, including training in an intervention suitable for working with specific disorders relevant to the location. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding and application of therapy principles, with a willingness to undertake further training if needed. Experience working with complex clients and delivering high-level interventions is essential, along with training in clinical supervision. Additionally, understanding, experience, and training in assessment relevant to the environment and population are required. Leadership and management experience are also important. The role holder is responsible for ensuring their own clinical supervision in accordance with the British Psychological Society’s good practice guidelines and maintaining an up-to-date record of supervision received.

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Free on-site parking
• Supplemented meals
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified. In such cases, adverts should be closed immediately, and remaining applicants informed of the reason.