Principal Clinical​/Counselling Psychologist - Inpatient Psychology

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 25 January 2026

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for 1

WTE 8b Principle Clinical/Counselling Psychologist to join our Adult Inpatient Psychological Services Team in Chelmsford*

You will be joining us at a time of implementation of the new Inpatient Operating Model, which also aims to realise EPUTs commitment to become a trauma informed organisation.

We have a proven track record of valuing and investing in our staff. Many of our Consultant Psychologists have been promoted within EPUT. We value staff well‑being and understand the importance of flexible working to maintain a work/home life balance and offer different configurations, including compressed hours.

If you would like to be a part of shaping and contributing to innovation in mental health delivery, are a champion of quality initiatives and have an interest in delivering interventions for people with severe mental health problems then we are keen to interview you and see if we can offer you the opportunities you deserve!

The main duties of this job involve both clinical and line managerial responsibilities. The post holder will have excellent assessment, formulation and intervention skills as well as an ability to work short‑term with Service Users who present in crisis. They will also have good supervisory skills and an ability to motivate our Inpatient Psychological Services staff who include senior Psychological Practitioners, trainees, Arts Psychotherapists and our newly appointed Clinical Associates in Psychology trainees (CAPS).

A wider systemic understanding of team and organisational dynamics or an interest in developing this is welcomed. Duties also cover indirect working such as representation at Trust wide meetings, chairing local service development groups staff training and staff support initiatives (e.g. reflective practice). The post‑holder will work within the Inpatient and Urgent Care Unit to help shape and deliver trauma informed services.

The successful candidate will be skilled and experienced in working in secondary care health settings and within a multidisciplinary team. Working with and formulating complexity as well as understanding crisis presentations is essential for this role. The ability to make professional recommendations and risk‑informed decisions alongside the ward team is key, as well as a passion for partnership and MDT working.

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, we can offer a range of benefits and development including:

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.

We, the Adult Inpatient Psychological Services team aim to understand the impact of trauma and adverse experiences on an individuals crisis presentation within the hospital setting. We work together with our MDT colleagues and wider Care unit colleagues to ensure our Service Users experience purposeful inpatient admissions and timely discharges.

EPUTs Adult Inpatient Psychological Services team cover 6 inpatient sites across Essex. Each site has a Principle Lead overseeing the area/areas. Our team is comprised of Principle/Senior Practitioners, Arts Psychotherapists, trainees, assistant psychologists and CAPS. We acknowledge the excellent day‑to‑day work of our staff team and also pride ourselves on new creative practice as evidenced by recent innovations; such as our nationally recognised staff training packages.

We welcome discussions…