Job overview

Are you passionate about mental health and being part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference to peoples' lives?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Clinical Psychologist to work in our Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Wards at Farnham Road Hospital.

The post is suitable for candidates seeking either a Band 8a role, or a Band 7 to Band 8a Development post, including those who are currently completing the final year of their doctorate. Please see attached Job Profiles for further details.

The post offers a diverse range of experience working with people with acute and complex mental health difficulties. You will join a friendly and supportive group of Psychologists in the locality and there will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills through CPD.  The trust has an enviable care pathways system which values Psychology, Psychotherapy and the Arts Psychotherapies. There are opportunities to train in DBT, CBT for psychosis, family interventions, CBT for personality disorders and structured clinical management.

Our acute inpatient mental health wards are dedicated to the support of people of working age in mental health crisis. The postholder will provide assessment and treatment of complex cases, and consultation and support to multi-disciplinary colleagues. This includes structured assessments, individual therapy, groups, team formulation, indirect interventions, supervision, mentoring, and teaching and training.

Main duties of the job

Variety: You will have the chance to work with a wide range of complex presentations including affective disorders, psychosis, and personality, and using a variety of methods and approaches. With assessments, individual therapies, group therapies, family interventions, MDT working, complex case meetings, indirect interventions using a Positive Behaviour Support framework, and supervision all part of the role, it’s safe to say that no two days will feel the same! Many of our Psychologists in acute services find that the switching really helps to stay energised.

Fast-paced: You will get to be reflexive; formulating problems, identifying with teams when attempted solutions create a new or different problem, and supporting teams to remove barriers to discharge and supporting people to have an independent and personally meaningful life outside of hospital. Expect your day to fly by!

Autonomy: Acute Inpatient Psychologists can very much personalise and tailor the role of Psychology for the wards they are working on.

Leadership: You will be able to develop the role of Psychology and influence the direction of the wider team in an environment designed for recovery and safety. Psychology’s expertise are really valued for differential formulations, reducing restrictive practices, and delivering trauma-informed and Psychologically-informed care. You will also work with external agencies and community teams to enable the best steps forward for people's recovery journeys.

Working for our organisation

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 Trust 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.

We look forward to receiving your application!