Job summary
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Principal Psychologist to join a new housing first project in Tower Hamlets.
Support will be provided in line with the Housing First principles, an evidence based model of support shown to have a high rate of tenancy sustainment for the client group. The service is expected to work with a significant number of women and as such will need to embed gender-informed support approaches. Co-production at individual and service level are essential. The project is anticipated to have a significant impact for the people it reaches, improving housing stability, service access and overall life quality across several measures.
The housing provider has been appointed and the service hopes to have people using the service from June 2025.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a member of the project's leadership group, to provide clinical input and foster a psychologically informed environment. They will offer developed and proven skills in direct and in-direct work with the project's residents. This may include therapeutic work with relevant models and the use of formulation and consultation to inform care planning and understanding of the client's needs with the wider system. A teaching and training programme will also be offered for the team.
About us
The post is managed and supervised by East London Foundation Trust and embedded in the support provider's multi-disciplinary team comprising a team manager and four project workers. The project brings together the local authority, voluntary and charitable sector organisation (VCSO) housing provider and health, so will require an appreciation of the priorities and practices within each of these systems. Knowledge of the wider issues and challenges facing the unhoused population is essential, including the barriers women who rough sleep face when seeking care and support. As is a passion for improving the way that this group are offered acceptable and effective care.
The post holder will work closely with experts-by-experience, local communities, Community and Voluntary and Social Organisations, to co-produce and co-develop services.
The post holder will be expected to liaise with various stakeholders, e.g. London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), housing association colleagues, GPs, primary and secondary care mental health services, and local VCSOs. They will link in with the Rough Sleepers Access to Mental Health Project (RAMPH) and Psychology in Hostels teams, as needed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached more detailed job description and the main responsibilities of this vacancy added to the Job profile.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached more detailed job description and the main responsibilities of this vacancy added to the Job profile.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology or equivalence and able to demonstrate eligibility for BPS CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist)
- HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
- Training in clinical supervision for doctoral clinical psychology trainees.
- Relevant specialist training or qualifications
Desirable
- Management/leadership training
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of working as a qualified Clinical or counselling Psychologist including substantial post-qualification experience within an acute/severe mental health setting.
- Well developed experience of work with people with severe, complex and chronic mental health problems.
- Experience of providing psychologically informed interventions in inpatient settings
- Identification of need and development of services to meet need.
Desirable
- Notable experience in working with unhoused people as an applied psychologist
- Experience of effective working with MDT colleagues around care for those with multiple needs and deprivations
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in specific populations (e.g. complex needs, self-harm, dual diagnosis, and persons with additional disabilities etc).
- Understanding of the pressures and demands of hostel work on staff and service users
- Able to work autonomously and within professional and trust guidelines
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology or equivalence and able to demonstrate eligibility for BPS CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist)
- HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
- Training in clinical supervision for doctoral clinical psychology trainees.
- Relevant specialist training or qualifications
Desirable
- Management/leadership training
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of working as a qualified Clinical or counselling Psychologist including substantial post-qualification experience within an acute/severe mental health setting.
- Well developed experience of work with people with severe, complex and chronic mental health problems.
- Experience of providing psychologically informed interventions in inpatient settings
- Identification of need and development of services to meet need.
Desirable
- Notable experience in working with unhoused people as an applied psychologist
- Experience of effective working with MDT colleagues around care for those with multiple needs and deprivations
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in specific populations (e.g. complex needs, self-harm, dual diagnosis, and persons with additional disabilities etc).
- Understanding of the pressures and demands of hostel work on staff and service users
- Able to work autonomously and within professional and trust guidelines
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.
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.
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).
