Band 8a Highly Specialist Psychologist

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and committed clinical or counselling psychologist to join our Mental Health Integrated Network Team (MINT) in Hammersmith and Fulham. MINT is a multidisciplinary service providing holistic support and treatment to adults presenting with a range of mental health difficulties within a stepped-care framework. We have an established psychology team which is well integrated.We are looking for an experienced psychologist, with a special interest in working with clients with complex mental health needs and those with difficulties related to underlying emotional dysregulation and a diagnosis of Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. A significant part of this post involves embedding trauma-informed principles and thinking within the work of the whole MDT team, therefore we require a candidate who thrives in a team environment and is enthusiastic about consultation and leadership.This post also involves supporting the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead. The service delivers a comprehensive DBT programme, consisting of individual therapy, skills training groups, weekly consultation team meetings, and phone coaching. The post holder will be delivering therapy to a client group who struggle with self-harm and suicidal behaviours, so the work can be challenging but also deeply rewarding. The successful applicant will be joining our supportive psychology team and DBT consult team.Responsibilities

Provide highly specialist assessments and treatment for individuals with complex mental health conditions who have experienced trauma and struggle with emotional regulation, both 1-1 and in groups.Provide psychological consultation and guidance to the whole MDT and offer supervision and training for Band 7 psychologists, trainee and assistant psychologists.Contribute to the provision of a specialist DBT service to individuals with difficulties related to Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder diagnosis.Support the running of the DBT Programme in collaboration with the DBT Lead and participate in weekly DBT activities and supervision.Promote psychological and trauma-informed ways of working within the MDT and develop leadership skills.Work collaboratively with service users and colleagues to create a psychologically safe environment that enables effective treatment delivery.Engage with service users from varied cultural backgrounds and use interpreters when necessary; contribute to equality of access to services.Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Doctorate in clinical or counselling psychology (or equivalent for those trained prior to 1996 or through lateral transfer) as accredited by the BPS.Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).Training in clinical supervision for doctoral and equivalent trainees.Evidence of training in DBT.Evidence of post-doctoral training in psychological therapy techniques (e.g., EMDR, CBT for psychosis).Desirable

Other related academic and post-graduate qualifications.Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Advanced specialist knowledge of psychology in clinical practice for people with complex mental health difficulties.Specialist knowledge related to Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder and DBT theory and application.Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for work in the setting.Skills

Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive information effectively in challenging situations.Ability to make complex clinical judgements and evaluate treatment options where opinions may differ.Consultation skills to work with the multi-professional team.Plan, prioritise and manage a service user caseload and treatment programmes, including group work and potential research activity.Ability to function in emotionally distressing circumstances arising from service users with serious mental health issues, self-harm, and other challenging experiences.Personal Qualities

Knowledge of the professional code of conduct of the BPS.Ability to follow precedent, policies, procedures and codes of conduct; engage in clinical governance.Ability to reflect on own professional practice and participate in CPD in line with BPS guidelines.Ability to teach and train others using diverse materials for public, professional and academic settings.Desirable

Record of publication in peer-reviewed or academic/professional journals and/or books.Other Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of Sponsorship:

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.UK Registration:

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For information, see the NHS Careers website.Details

Date posted: 17 September 2025Pay scheme: Agenda for changeBand: Band 8aSalary: £64,156 to £71,148 a year inclusive of 20% HCASContract: PermanentWorking pattern: Full-timeReference number: 222-HandF-040Location

Hammersmith and Fulham, London, W6 8NFEmployer

West London NHS ..... full job details .....