We are delighted to invite applications for a Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist to join Moorside ward, our female adult acute inpatient ward in Rochdale. This is a full-time Band 8a role for a skilled and compassionate psychologist (Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic) who is motivated by multidisciplinary working and committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based psychological care within a dynamic and supportive team.
A Band 7-8a preceptorship opportunity is also available.
This post forms a key part of substantial new investment in our female acute wards and will contribute to the continued development and strengthening of our female model of care. As part of our improvement journey, our female acute wards are committed to creating a safe, respectful and gender- and trauma- informed environment where women - and the staff supporting them - feel valued, heard and supported. Our approach emphasises dignity, choice and collaboration, with a clear focus on purposeful and therapeutic admissions.
You will work alongside an 8b Practitioner Psychologist, assistant psychologists and MDT team focused on delivering the best possible care. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence psychological practice within acute care and to contribute to an evolving model of high‑quality, compassionate support for women in crisis.
As outlined in the job description, the main duties include:
To hold a clinical caseload undertaking evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention (individual and/or group). This may include a range of mental health difficulties at the point of crisis including experiences of psychosis, depression and/or Complex Emotional and Relational Needs (CERN)
To work as part of the MDT and provide specialist psychological support, consultation and guidance and contribute to care-planning contributing directly to the assessment, formulation and intervention plan.
To provide reflective practice, team formulation and training to develop a psychological understanding and context for patients and carers, that is formulation driven, recovery focussed and trauma and gender informed.
To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual service users and to provide general advice to other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management.
To undertake project management, including audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within and across the service to help develop and improve services to clients and their families.
Our acute pathway provides an evidence-based, high quality service across adult acute wards, Home Treatment Teams and Mental Health Liaison Teams covering half of Greater Manchester. The Trustwide acute psychology team meets regularly for team meetings, CPD and facilitated reflective group and has leadership from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Lead.
We are passionate about staff well-being and compassionate leadership. Our staff survey results support this. In the latest national NHS Staff Survey (2024) Pennine Care was ranked as the best mental health and learning disability trust in the North.
We support staff to work flexibly and recognise and respect the roles our colleagues hold outside of working hours. This focus helps us to retain staff and ensure people are happy in their place of work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the top of our agenda. We know a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture is vital; that everyone's value should be recognised and respected.
There are also opportunities to link with local higher education providers and the research & innovation (R&I) team to engage with related research projects.
For a more detailed overview of the roles job description and main responsibilities, please see the attached job description and personal specification.
A Band 7–8a preceptorship pathway is available for suitable candidates, offering structured support and progression to Band 8a following successful completion of agreed competencies.
