Clinical / Counselling Psychologist (Maple Ward)

We have a 3-Month secondment opportunity to work on our new ward. Maple ward is opening in July and will be our first short-stay ward. The aim is to provide a more therapeutic experience of patients to enable recovery within 28 days. The psychology role will include direct clinical interventions as well as supporting staff in working more psychologically with patients.

This would be a great opportunity for a band 7 psychologist wishing to develop their skills in an inpatient setting. Alternatively, this could be a good opportunity for a band 8a psychologist wishing to try working in a different specialty. The post is to cover long term sickness absence.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual for the pivotal role as Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist at our values-driven Trust. This is a unique opportunity for someone to help shape the future of mental health services while developing a career in a supportive and innovative environment that is committed to inclusion, equity and being actively anti-racist.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative Short Stay mixed gender Psychiatric Ward operating on a maximum 28-day admission framework. The model integrates evidence-based approaches including robust gatekeeping processes, intensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, the Red to Green discharge facilitation approach, and strong integration with Home Treatment Teams (HTT) for both admission prevention and early supported discharge.

Main duties of the job

We are keen to welcome both non-clinical staff and clinicians both with experience and those who are new to mental health. You will need to demonstrate you are forward thinking with a proactive nature and excellent communication and relational skills. Championing patient centred care and collaboration with carers and families is critical to success in securing a position within the team.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative Short Stay mixed gender Psychiatric Ward operating on a maximum 28-day admission framework. The model integrates evidence-based approaches including robust gatekeeping processes, intensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, the Red to Green discharge facilitation approach, and strong integration with Home Treatment Teams (HTT) for both admission prevention and early supported discharge.

There will be an intensive front-loading of clinical activity in the first 72 hours upon admission, daily consultant-led reviews, seven-day therapy, activity and peer provision with a step-down to HTT once risk is containable in the community.

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 of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

About our locations:

Springfield University Hospital, Tooting

Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.