Job summary
An exciting opportunity to join a well-established Bariatric Service and Head and Neck Cancer Psychology Service.

Post available to current employees only

The post is split and the post holder will work with the Bariatric MDT to provide specialist psychological assessments and interventions pre and post weight loss surgery. The post holder will provide a specialist psychological assessment and opinion to the wider MDT which will inform decision making regarding suitability of surgery, psychological risk factors and provide guidance on how these may be mitigated. The psychologist will also provide interventions to patients seeking weight loss surgery to help ensure readiness for surgery.

The post holder will also work with the Head and Neck Cancer Psychology Service providing psychological assessment and interventions to patients and families/ carers under the care of the team. The post holder will work within the Head and Neck cancer MDT and provide psychological consultation and supervision where needed.

The role will sit within two teams and the post holder will be provided supervision and support from a senior psychologist.

Main duties of the job
This role is well suited to someone who has an interest in working as part of a wider MDT.

The service provides specialist assessments and interventions. There are opportunities for professional development and training. Clinical supervision will be provided by an experienced psychologist within the service.

There are opportunities to form part of Specialist Interest Groups both regionally and nationally, and the post holder will be supported to develop within their role.

There is flexibility with work patterns, including part time work and condensed hours.

About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details
Date posted
11 August 2026

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 7

Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year

Contract
Permanent

Working pattern
Full-time

Reference number
C9155-THAHP-0826-11

Job locations
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kyall Road
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
United Kingdom

South Tyneside District Hospital
Harton Lane
South Shields
NE34 0PL
United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description for full details

To work as a clinical psychologist or psychological therapist, providing specialist psychological assessment and treatment for individuals referred to the Maternal Mental Health Service across South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Honours degree in psychology or accredited conversion course Post-graduate Doctorate in Clinical/ Counselling Psychology accredited by HCPC allowing registration as a Practitioner Psychologist (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996 as accredited by the BPS)
• HCPC registered as a Practitioner Psychologist or will be registered upon completion of training course.
• *current 3rd year trainees will not be able to start at a Band 7 until HCPC registration is obtained.
• Applicants who have completed the training course but are awaiting HCPC registration will be appointed on a Band 6 Trainee Clinical Psychologist until registration with the HCPC is achieved within an agreed timescale.
• OR
• Professional knowledge acquired through degree, postgraduate Master/degree supplemented by short specialist courses, clinical supervision and further specialist training, experience.
• Advanced training in CBT or CAT which meets the essential criteria to become accredited with the BABCP or ACAT.
• Practitioner or Full Accreditation with the BABCP or ACAT.

Desirable

• Pre-qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other fields of applied psychology.

Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology and two or more distinct psychological therapies including CBT.
• Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management, frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration.
• Ability to use the highest level of interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written
• To convey/receive highly complex/sensitive information effectively requiring empathy and reassurance in a highly emotive atmosphere.
• Ability to make clinical and service related judgements involving complex facts requiring analysis, interpretation and comparison of Excellent organisational skills to manage a range of clinical activities
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for clinical practice
• Knowledge of current issues in and opportunities for applying psychological interventions in a healthcare setting
• Ability to create effective working relationships.
• Ability to work autonomously

Desirable

• Relevant additional clinical experience within clinical area.
• Skills within service improvement/ development
• Knowledge of the relevance of psychological factors in physical health services

Physical Skills
Essential

• Ability to sit in constrained position for extended periods frequently.
• The ability to work in a shared office space.
• Requirement for speed and accuracy, keyboard skills,
• Ability to travel between bases/ sites as part of the role.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working within the NHS.
• Experience of working within a multi-professional team
• Experience of working with adults who have mental health difficulties.
• Experience of exercising clinical responsibility for patients psychological care and treatment, within the context of a multidisciplinary care plan with appropriate supervision.
• An understanding of the importance and function of personal boundaries and how to manage and maintain them

Desirable

• Experience of teaching and training
• Experience of cancer care/palliative care.
• Experience of application of psychology in different cultural settings

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).

Employer details
Employer name
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kyall Road
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
United Kingdom

Employer's website
https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Service
Sonia Wilson
sonia.wilson9@nhs.net
01915656256

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.