Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Counselling/Clinical Psychologist to lead our Wandsworth Primary Care Network's Mental Health Practitioner/Assistant Psychology (PCN MHP/AP) team. This innovative project aims to support GPs work with people presenting with mental health related difficulties. The successful candidate will provide leadership and clinical supervision to a small team of band 5 MPH/APs who deliver direct clinical work offering brief psychologically informed interventions to support motivation and improve functioning, access the right service and, where possible, work with them to overcome barriers to engagement. The role requires working closely with GPs and other professionals in a dynamic and changing environment. Up to two days of the successful candidate's time will be spent offering psychological assessment and intervention within either the Wandsworth Talking Therapies service or Wandsworth CMHT, depending on the postholders preference. The PCN Lead Psychologist will also have strong links with the senior clinical teams within both the Wandsworth Talking Therapies and CMHT services. Career Progression pathways and development opportunities: We are committed to get the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We have career pathways available, where you will be able to develop your skills and build on your experience. Main duties of the job The role requires a range of leadership, clinical and liaison skills. The post holder will oversee the running of a small team of band 5 Mental Health Practitioners/Assistant Psychologists, liaise with senior professionals and/or services integrated within the mental health pathway in Wandsworth (including GPs and other clinicians situated within the PCN, Talking Therapies and secondary mental health services etc.), and at different points, review and develop service guidelines and protocols. The day-to-day responsibilities will include protected time to provide daily risk supervision, individual clinical and case management supervision across the week, facilitating a weekly team meeting, and the coordination and delivery of training and reflective practice. The clinical elements of the role (i.e., offering psychological assessment and intervention) is negotiable, depending on the candidate's preference and professional development goals. A flexible, proactive, and responsive approach, as well as a candidate who feels comfortable working independently, managing their workload, prioritising tasks, and effectively using supervision (and peer support from colleagues in other parts of the Trust) will be valuable to the role. Flexible working: As a Trust, we are proud to offer flexible working as part of our new ways of working, and we are happy to talk flexible working at the interview stage. About us We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'. This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services. We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do. We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey. About our locations: Springfield University Hospital Date posted 19 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £61,927 to £68,676 a year per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 294-COMM-7083583-JB-B Job locations Springfield University Hospital 15 Springfield Drive London SW17 0YF Job description Job responsibilities The postholder will oversee a team of Band 5 PCN mental health practitioners/ Assistant Psychologists (PCN MHP/AP) who deliver psychologically informed assessment and support within primary care to patients with a range of mental health needs who frequently attend primary care/ GP surgeries and who require support around functioning, symptom management, motivation and navigating mental health care pathways to enable them to access the right support at the right time. The PCN MHP/APs form part of the ARRS (Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme in Primary Care), employed by South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust with each team member being based within different PCNs in Wandsworth. The PCN MHP/AP roles were introduced as part of the NHS Long Term Plan to help GPs work with and support people with long term mental health difficulties who are held in primary care. The postholder will act as a team lead for the PCN MHP/AP team, providing clinical and case management supervision and training, and work in collaboration with Trust based operational line managers and PCN leads/ GP surgeries to oversee and coordinate the smooth running of the service. This includes supporting with recruiting and inducting of new MHP/APs, supporting the clinical and professional development of the team, liaising with PCN leads, and contributing to service evaluation and development. They will provide psychological consultation and formulation to the MHP/APs, GPs and professionals in the wider system to support collaborative care planning within existing treatment pathways, including both Trust based mental health services and local drug and alcohol services. There are also opportunities to contribute to the Trust and London wide strategy development for the integration of primary and secondary care mental health services and community transformation. Up to two days of the postholders time will be spent offering psychological assessment and intervention within either Wandsworth Talking Therapies or Wandsworth CMHT, depending on postholder preference. The PCN Lead Psychologist will also have strong links with the senior clinical teams within both the Wandsworth Talking Therapies and CMHT teams. Job description Job responsibilities The postholder will oversee a team of Band 5 PCN mental health practitioners/ Assistant Psychologists (PCN MHP/AP) who deliver psychologically informed assessment and support within primary care to patients with a range of mental health needs who frequently attend primary care/ GP surgeries and who require support around functioning, symptom management, motivation and navigating mental health care pathways to enable them to access the right support at the right time. The PCN MHP/APs form part of the ARRS (Additional Role Reimbursement Scheme in Primary Care), employed by South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust with each team member being based within different PCNs in Wandsworth. The PCN MHP/AP roles were introduced as part of the NHS Long Term Plan to help GPs work with and support people with long term mental health difficulties who are held in primary care. The postholder will act as a team lead for the PCN MHP/AP team, providing clinical and case management supervision and training, and work in collaboration with Trust based operational line managers and PCN leads/ GP surgeries to oversee and coordinate the smooth running of the service. This includes supporting with recruiting and inducting of new MHP/APs, supporting the clinical and professional development of the team, liaising with PCN leads, and contributing to service evaluation and development. They will provide psychological consultation and formulation to the MHP/APs, GPs and professionals in the wider system to support collaborative care planning within existing treatment pathways, including both Trust based mental health services and local drug and alcohol services. There are also opportunities to contribute to the Trust and London wide strategy development for the integration of primary and secondary care mental health services and community transformation. Up to two days of the postholders time will be spent offering psychological assessment and intervention within either Wandsworth Talking Therapies or Wandsworth CMHT, depending on postholder preference. The PCN Lead Psychologist will also have strong links with the senior clinical teams within both the Wandsworth Talking Therapies and CMHT teams. Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS including models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and (for Clinical Psychologists) neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology ; or alternative training outside of the UK that is recognised by the Health & Care Professions Council leading to registration in the UK as a Clinical or Counselling psychologist HPC registration as a practitioner psychologist under the relevant domain Desirable Eligible for accreditation as a CBT therapist with BABCP and prepared to seek accreditation. This would include evidence of formal training in CBT such as a Post graduate Diploma/Masters in CBT BABCP Accreditation as CBT practitioner Training in the supervision of clinical/counselling psychologists and/or other psychological therapists Experience Essential Experience of assessment and treatment of people with severe and enduring mental health problems, of varying severity and complexity, using evidence based psychological therapies, particularly CBT Demonstrate further specialist training/experience through having received a minimum of 50 hours clinical supervision of working as a specialist clinical or counselling psychologist or CBT therapist over a minimum of 18 months, or an alternative agreed by the Director of Psychology and Psychotherapies Experience with routine outcome monitoring Experience in establishing diagnosis/psychological formulation Desirable Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts Post-qualification experience of working in primary care settings Post-qualification experience of working in secondary care settings Experience of mental health problems and the capacity to use that experience to the benefit of patient care Knowledge & Skills Essential Skilled in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management, frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration Advanced practitioner skills in CBT Well developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to adults with mental health problems Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups working in primary care Evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC / BABCP Leadership skills Knowledge of our business and how it supports patient care Desirable Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised group and individual psychological therapies including advanced level training in CBT Knowledge of the academic literature concerning common mental disorders in general practice Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS including models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and (for Clinical Psychologists) neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology ; or alternative training outside of the UK that is recognised by the Health & Care Professions Council leading to registration in the UK as a Clinical or Counselling psychologist HPC registration as a practitioner psychologist under the relevant domain Desirable Eligible for accreditation as a CBT therapist with BABCP and prepared to seek accreditation. This would include evidence of formal training in CBT such as a Post graduate Diploma/Masters in CBT BABCP Accreditation as CBT practitioner Training in the supervision of clinical/counselling psychologists and/or other psychological therapists Experience Essential Experience of assessment and treatment of people with severe and enduring mental health problems, of varying severity and complexity, using evidence based psychological therapies, particularly CBT Demonstrate further specialist training/experience through having received a minimum of 50 hours clinical supervision of working as a specialist clinical or counselling psychologist or CBT therapist over a minimum of 18 months, or an alternative agreed by the Director of Psychology and Psychotherapies Experience with routine outcome monitoring Experience in establishing diagnosis/psychological formulation Desirable Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts Post-qualification experience of working in primary care settings Post-qualification experience of working in secondary care settings Experience of mental health problems and the capacity to use that experience to the benefit of patient care Knowledge & Skills Essential Skilled in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment intervention and management, frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration Advanced practitioner skills in CBT Well developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to adults with mental health problems Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups working in primary care Evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC / BABCP Leadership skills Knowledge of our business and how it supports patient care Desirable Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised group and individual psychological therapies including advanced level training in CBT Knowledge of the academic literature concerning common mental disorders in general practice Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) 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 further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) 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 further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust Address Springfield University Hospital 15 Springfield Drive London SW17 0YF Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)