Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Practitioner Psychologist - 8a (or band 7 - 8 preceptorship)
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Senior Practitioner Psychologist – Band 8a (or Band 7–8a Preceptorship) Band 8a (or Band 7–8a Development Opportunity) | Full Time – 37.5 hours New CAMHS Inpatient Unit | Haywards Heath £49,387 – £64,750 per annum Closing date: 5 July 2026
Help shape a newly redesigned CAMHS inpatient service and play a leading role in delivering psychological care to young people experiencing acute mental health difficulties. We are recruiting a Senior Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a) or an experienced Band 7 Practitioner Psychologist seeking a supported development opportunity to progress through a Band 7–8a preceptorship pathway.
This role is based within our newly redeveloped Children and Young People’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit reopening in Autumn 2026. Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff — alongside significant investment in the environment, workforce and therapeutic approach — this is an exciting opportunity to join a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering purposeful, high-quality care to young people with acute mental health needs.
Why this role stands out • Opportunity to join a newly reopened CAMHS inpatient service from the beginning • Band 7–8a development pathway available for the right candidate • Strong psychology presence within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team • Opportunity to influence service design, culture and clinical practice • Comprehensive induction and team development programme before the unit opens • Access to specialist CAMHS training, supervision and leadership development
Who can apply We're looking for: • HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologists • Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychologists meeting HCPC registration requirements You'll ideally have: • Experience delivering specialist psychological assessment and intervention across a range of settings • Experience working with children and young people and/or acute mental health services • Strong formulation, consultation and risk management skills • Experience providing supervision, training or leadership to others • An interest in trauma-informed, recovery-focused and systemic approaches
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The role As a Senior Practitioner Psychologist, you will play a central role in embedding psychological thinking throughout the inpatient service. You will: • Deliver specialist psychological assessments and interventions • Provide formulation-led care within a multidisciplinary team • Support risk assessment and care planning for young people with complex needs • Deliver compassionate, trauma-informed psychological care during periods of crisis and distress • Support families and carers throughout admission and discharge pathways • Provide consultation, training and supervision to colleagues • Supervise assistant psychologists, trainees and psychological practitioners • Contribute to clinical governance, service evaluation and quality improvement • Support the development of psychologically informed practice across the ward This is a role where psychology is integral to service delivery, helping shape both individual care and the wider therapeutic culture of the unit.
About the service The redesigned CAMHS inpatient model includes: • Purposeful admissions with early review points • A structured seven-day therapeutic programme • Strong links with crisis and community services, including COAST • Trauma-informed and autism-aware practice • Enhanced MDT working and safe staffing • Focus on reducing restrictive practice and improving outcomes • Strong clinical leadership and professional support The aim is to create a therapeutic environment where young people feel safe, understood and supported in their recovery.
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Professional development and support You'll benefit from: • High-quality clinical supervision • Support from senior psychological professionals across Acute CAMHS • Access to specialist CAMHS training and CPD • Opportunities to contribute to research, audit and service development • Leadership development opportunities • Strong multidisciplinary and psychology networks across Sussex Partnership
Location Based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex: • Under 45 minutes to London by train • Close to Gatwick Airport • Easy access to Brighton, the Sussex coast and the South Downs • On-site parking available
What we offer • Opportunity to help shape a newly reopened CAMHS inpatient unit • Comprehensive pre-opening induction and team development programme • Strong psychology leadership and MDT support • High-quality supervision and reflective practice • Access to CAMHS-specific training and ongoing CPD • Development opportunities including Band 7–8a progression pathway • NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits
Why join this team? This is an opportunity to help build a psychologically informed inpatient service from the ground up. You'll join a team focused on: • Compassionate and trauma-informed care • Psychological formulation and evidence-based practice • Collaboration with young people and families • Staff wellbeing and professional development • Improving outcomes and experiences for young people in crisis
If you're passionate about CAMHS, psychological therapies and helping shape a newly redesigned inpatient service, we'd love to hear from you.
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