Job summary
We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, forward thinking, and passionate senior clinician for this newly created post as a Principal Lead Psychologist (clinical/counselling) in learning disabilities (8b) to join the team and contribute to the provision and development of the Hounslow Adult Learning Disability Health Team.
The service reached the finals of the National Learning Disability & Autism Awards in 2022 and the PrescQIPP Awards in 2021 (Highly Commended) for the work we have been doing in relation to the STOMP programme. The service was recognised by the organisation and received the 'Outstanding Clinical Team of the Year' award in 2022. In 2023 the service won Patient Choice Award and in 2025, the service received the 'most inspirational' award by the National Beyond Words charity.
The service has a mature and effective partnership with the local authority and other key health partners and 3rd sector providers, in order to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers.
Main duties of the job
You will lead on and be responsible for the psychology element of the service and will actively work with the team leads to strengthen multi-disciplinary working (internal/external) that will promote optimal care outcomes for the people we serve.
As a senior clinician within the service, you will model, lead, clinically innovate and shape how we deliver high-quality, person-centred care to residents who require a service from us.
You will work closely with the clinical service manager and lead clinicians to ensure that a safe and high-quality service is delivered. You will deputise for the clinical services manager as required If you are creative, caring, compassionate and can innovate, we would love to hear from you!
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications & associations
Essential
- Doctoral level training in clinical/ counselling psychology (including specifically models of:- oPsychopathology oPsychometrics oNeuropsychology Two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology as accredited by the HCPC and BPS
- HCPC registered as a Practitioner Psychologist
Desirable
- Qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other fields of applied psychology
- Further training and qualification in autistic spectrum conditions (e.g. autism diagnostic interview - revised and autism diagnostic observation schedule)
Experience
Essential
- Must have substantial post qualifying experience of:- oSpecialist psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment of service users across the full range of care settings oWorking with people who have learning disabilities/autism and both oWorking with a wide variety of service user groups across the learning disability spectrum with a full range of needs (including behaviours that challenge, mental health, abuse etc)
- Must have substantial post qualifying experience of:- oSpecialist psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment of service users across the full range of care settings oWorking with people who have learning disabilities/autism and both oWorking with a wide variety of service user groups across the learning disability spectrum with a full range of needs (including behaviours that challenge, mental health, abuse etc)
- Experience of conducting and leading on research and audit
- Experience of quality improvement (QI) initiatives and other service development work
- Highly experienced in risk assessment, management and planning
- Significant experience of liaising and joint working with statutory, voluntary and 3rd sector organisations (care without boundaries)
- Experience of teaching training and clinical supervision
- Significant experience in care coordination (as part of a CPA and other related process)
Desirable
- Significant experience of working in the community
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to the West London core values : Togetherness, Responsibility, Excellence, Caring
- Communicate highly complex, highly sensitive and contentious information effectively to a wide range of people
- Adapt creatively the evidence based for interventions in mental health for service users with communication difficulties/ learning disabilities
- Undertake complex multiagency working and liaise with multiple systems effectively
- Use psychometric/cognitive and ALL forms of other testing competently
- Excellent time keeping, time management and priority skills
- Fully conversant (and competent), with a full range of Microsoft software, Excel, and other software mediums
- Well-developed skills in providing and receiving clinical supervision (and in dealing with practice standards/challenges)
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge (and application) of legislation & national policy that impacts on people with learning disabilities:- oValuing People (2001) oValuing People Now (2009) oEquality Act (2010) oMental Capacity Act (2005) oMental Health Act (1983) and updates oLeDeR process oTransforming Care (2012) oBuilding the Right Support (2015)
- Doctoral level of knowledge:- Advanced knowledge (and skills) in the use of complex methods of specialist assessment (including psychometric assessment), interventions and management, and their application with individuals with learning disabilities, autism or both
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (as required by HCPC, BPS, Trust)
- Sound knowledge and ability to deliver on conducting audit and research methodologies
Desirable
- Knowledge (and experience) of published journal articles, book chapters
Personal attributes/ Other
Essential
- Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in highly distressing and challenging circumstances
- Able to work flexibly, co-operatively as an equal member of the clinical team and respecting difference
- Able to use own initiative and make decisions independently
- Ability to work flexibly and creatively and be a positive catalyst for change in driving service quality forwards
- Successful Enhanced DBS
- Ability to travel within defined service area and out of area (when required) where the service has clinical/commissioning responsibility
- Act as duty clinician for service (supporting Admin)
- Ensure Urgent Care Plan (UCPs) are in place for service users (as required) when on caseload
- Willingness to work flexible hours on occasions in response to service user/service needs
- At all times, be able to fully demonstrate and practice the Trust's values in all aspects of the role when delivering care, working with families, carers and colleagues
- Have excellent time management & work prioritisation skills
Desirable
- Car driver (access to own car)
Person Specification
Qualifications & associations
Essential
- Doctoral level training in clinical/ counselling psychology (including specifically models of:- oPsychopathology oPsychometrics oNeuropsychology Two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology as accredited by the HCPC and BPS
- HCPC registered as a Practitioner Psychologist
Desirable
- Qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other fields of applied psychology
- Further training and qualification in autistic spectrum conditions (e.g. autism diagnostic interview - revised and autism diagnostic observation schedule)
Experience
Essential
- Must have substantial post qualifying experience of:- oSpecialist psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment of service users across the full range of care settings oWorking with people who have learning disabilities/autism and both oWorking with a wide variety of service user groups across the learning disability spectrum with a full range of needs (including behaviours that challenge, mental health, abuse etc)
- Must have substantial post qualifying experience of:- oSpecialist psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment of service users across the full range of care settings oWorking with people who have learning disabilities/autism and both oWorking with a wide variety of service user groups across the learning disability spectrum with a full range of needs (including behaviours that challenge, mental health, abuse etc)
- Experience of conducting and leading on research and audit
- Experience of quality improvement (QI) initiatives and other service development work
- Highly experienced in risk assessment, management and planning
- Significant experience of liaising and joint working with statutory, voluntary and 3rd sector organisations (care without boundaries)
- Experience of teaching training and clinical supervision
- Significant experience in care coordination (as part of a CPA and other related process)
Desirable
- Significant experience of working in the community
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to the West London core values : Togetherness, Responsibility, Excellence, Caring
- Communicate highly complex, highly sensitive and contentious information effectively to a wide range of people
- Adapt creatively the evidence based for interventions in mental health for service users with communication difficulties/ learning disabilities
- Undertake complex multiagency working and liaise with multiple systems effectively
- Use psychometric/cognitive and ALL forms of other testing competently
- Excellent time keeping, time management and priority skills
- Fully conversant (and competent), with a full range of Microsoft software, Excel, and other software mediums
- Well-developed skills in providing and receiving clinical supervision (and in dealing with practice standards/challenges)
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge (and application) of legislation & national policy that impacts on people with learning disabilities:- oValuing People (2001) oValuing People Now (2009) oEquality Act (2010) oMental Capacity Act (2005) oMental Health Act (1983) and updates oLeDeR process oTransforming Care (2012) oBuilding the Right Support (2015)
- Doctoral level of knowledge:- Advanced knowledge (and skills) in the use of complex methods of specialist assessment (including psychometric assessment), interventions and management, and their application with individuals with learning disabilities, autism or both
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (as required by HCPC, BPS, Trust)
- Sound knowledge and ability to deliver on conducting audit and research methodologies
Desirable
- Knowledge (and experience) of published journal articles, book chapters
Personal attributes/ Other
Essential
- Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in highly distressing and challenging circumstances
- Able to work flexibly, co-operatively as an equal member of the clinical team and respecting difference
- Able to use own initiative and make decisions independently
- Ability to work flexibly and creatively and be a positive catalyst for change in driving service quality forwards
- Successful Enhanced DBS
- Ability to travel within defined service area and out of area (when required) where the service has clinical/commissioning responsibility
- Act as duty clinician for service (supporting Admin)
- Ensure Urgent Care Plan (UCPs) are in place for service users (as required) when on caseload
- Willingness to work flexible hours on occasions in response to service user/service needs
- At all times, be able to fully demonstrate and practice the Trust's values in all aspects of the role when delivering care, working with families, carers and colleagues
- Have excellent time management & work prioritisation skills
Desirable
- Car driver (access to own car)
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
