Band 8a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist (mat cover)
Closing date: 22 July 2026

Job summary
We are looking for a Band 8a Senior Clinical / Counselling Psychologist to join our friendly and innovative Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIIP) Service on a 12 month fixed term contract covering maternity leave. This would be an ideal opportunity for a band 7 psychologist who is looking to gain experience within a senior role or an existing 8a hoping to develop their experience in psychosis, family interventions and consultation.

The role offers excellent professional development; including service development and leadership responsibilities within the psychology team, the opportunity to supervise colleagues, provide teaching and consultation to MDT colleagues and provide psychological opinion and knowledge within a friendly MDT. This is alongside the opportunity to provide individual and group psychological interventions.

The post is based in our East Surrey Team based at Horizon House in Epsom with a satellite base in Redhill and will see clients across the area. Some remote working applies.

Subject to reasonable adjustments in respect of any disability, candidates must possess a valid driving licence and be able to drive and have the unrestricted use of a car or motorcycle for work at all times including community based work.

Main duties of the job

• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychological needs of people using our services.
• To mentor, supervise and teach qualified and unqualified staff including students.
• Promoting a psychological perspective both within teams and sharing with other colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with team managers/ Clinical leads in the development and delivering of effective services.
• The postholder will be expected to work flexibly within the service.
• To lead on complex and challenging cases and develop expertise within area of specialism.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection of staff.
• Leading on a specific service development projects.

About us
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles. If you apply for a role that we cannot offer sponsorship for, unfortunately, your application form will be rejected from the process.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology
• Completion of an appropriate clinical supervision course to enable supervision of trainees
• HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist

Experience

• Experience of working with people from across the life span with a range of mental health issues and cognitive profiles
• Experience across a range of psychological models including systemic, behavioural and individual therapeutic
• Demonstrable post registration/clinical experience and competency relevant to this care group.
• Experience of contributing to clinical practice/service development / project work.

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).

Details
Date posted: 08 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £59,798 to £67,020 a year (Incl. 5% Fringe HCAS) per annum, pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 325-7800724-COMM-B
Job locations: Horizon House, 28 Upper High Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 4QJ, United Kingdom

Employer details
Employer name: Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Horizon House, 28 Upper High Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 4QJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/working-for-us

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Principal Psychologist
Dr Liana Hadleigh
liana.hadleigh@sabp.nhs.uk
07825935126