Principal Clinical Psychologist

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Principal Clinical Psychologist to join the West of England Specialist Gender Identity Clinic (WESGIC) on a full time basis.

The WESGIC is nationally commissioned by NHS England and is the only service of its kind based in the South West. The service receives referrals from the geographical area covered by NHS England. Patients in receipt of a service from the SGIC experience a sense of gender diversity or incongruence between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity resulting in significant level of distress and discomfort and some impairment in psychological wellbeing and social functioning.The post holder will receive specialist training and supervision from senior clinicians in the service and will join the Gender Psychologists Peer Group with membership from around the UK. In addition NHS England and the University of London have developed a Post Graduate Diploma in Gender Identity Healthcare and members of the team are supported to pursue this qualification. Completion of this training along with relevant specialist experience should enable the post holder to register as a Gender Specialist
Psychologist with the BPS. The Trust has strong links with Exeter and Plymouth University and provides placements for the local clinical psychology courses., The post holder will be supported by the Professional Lead and employed as part of the Specific Psychological Interventions team and will contribute to the leadership, development and delivery of psychological services at the SGIC. They will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team which provides specialist assessment, physiological, psychological and social interventions to patients within the service and consultation to professionals and significant others outside of the service. The service aims to alleviate patients distress, help them achieve a greater sense of gender comfort and in turn improve psychological wellbeing and social functioning.

The post would suit someone with an interest and wish to develop specialist knowledge and skills in this growing area of practice. It would suit someone with significant post qualification experience in delivering psychological services in another setting(s) in the NHS, including child, adolescent and adult mental health, acute physical health, or neurodevelopmental difference and diversity. In addition the post would suit someone with training and experience in clinical supervision and an interest in and experience of service development, evaluation and research. We advise that you contact Dr Sarah James, Professional Lead, to arrange a visit to the clinic before making your application

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do