Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Band 8a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join the LEO team, in the role of Highly Specialist Psychological Therapist. The role is on a 12-month fixed term contract, on a part time basis: 2.5 days per week (18.75 hours per week). LEO is a team for people aged 18-65 in Lambeth who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, and as such sits within SLaM's early intervention for psychosis services. This role represents an excellent opportunity for someone to engage in rich and meaningful direct clinical work and therefore to build on their existing skills as a psychological therapist in early psychosis.

Main duties of the job
Funding for this temporary role has been secured as part of a wider initiative within the Trust to bring down waiting times for psychological therapy. As such, the post will be primarily focused on the delivery of individual therapy, though there will also be opportunities to be involved with other aspects of the team's work.

About us
LEO is a nationally and internationally regarded team for first episode psychosis, having been one of the first of its kind in the UK. LEO is a large and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team with a very well-established psychology service, which includes two family interventions therapists. We are committed to increasing the accessibility and acceptability of care, and in ensuring that services are delivered equitably.

About the location:
LEO has excellent community links and works alongside other services in Lambeth, which is a diverse, multicultural borough. We are based at 190 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DL - a short walk from Vauxhall overground station and Oval or Kennington tube stations, as well as being on several bus routes.

Benefits

• Generous pay, pensions and leave
• Work life balance
• Career development
• Car lease
• Accommodation
• NHS discounts

Other benefits include:

• Counselling services
• Wellbeing events
• Long service awards
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Childcare vouchers
• Staff restaurants

Date posted: 30 June 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS (Inner) pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 334-CLI-8064996
Job locations: 190 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DL

Job responsibilities
As described above, the main responsibility of this role will be the delivery of individual psychological interventions in the context of first episode psychosis, primarily within the framework of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), while drawing on other models and approaches where appropriate, and ensuring that interventions are delivered in such a manner that is both equitable and trauma informed.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Entry-level qualification in Applied Psychology (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent, or combination of MSc and PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology) that has been accepted by the HCPC for purposes of professional registration. (A/I)
• Additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis through formal post-qualification training (PG Diploma or equivalent), OR a combination of specialist short courses, or an evidenced portfolio of supervised practice-based learning in a specialist area of clinical practice, assessed by an experienced clinical supervisor to be of equal level to a Postgraduate Diploma. (A/I/R)
• Registered with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, and evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC. (A/I)

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of having worked as a clinical specialist under supervision in Early Intervention in Psychosis. (A/I)
• Post-qualification experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological assessments and interventions for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis, and their families (A/I/R)
• Knowledge of factors affecting acceptability and accessibility of mental health care. (A/I/R)
• To deliver psychological therapy across cultural and other differences.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to effective team functioning and holding team roles.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Address: 190 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DL, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Clinical Psychologist Sunil Nandha
sunil.nandha@slam.nhs.uk

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