Senior Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist

Senior Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist (SP2508)

Applications are now invited for the following positions:

Senior Clinical/ Counselling Psychologist
(Full time & Part time Temporary contracts)

St Patrick's Mental Health Services seeks a Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologists to provide the highest standard of care to service users with mental health difficulties. The SPMHS Psychology Department is dynamic innovative department that delivers a wide variety of psychology led group programmes as well as opportunities to work as part of a Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT). The candidate should have a track record of working with adults or adolescents with mental health difficulties. These posts will mainly be in the adult service. A strong background in psychological formulation skills and delivering evidence-based interventions is essential. Evidence of leadership qualities and ability to work with others to develop, deliver and evaluate client centred interventions is essential. Experience delivering groups is desirable.

Please note these positions are onsite only.

The successful applicant must:

• Have a recognised university degree or diploma (QQI level 8 equivalent) obtained with 1st or 2nd class honours in which Psychology was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject AND a recognised professional post-graduate qualification in clinical or counselling psychology or an equivalent qualification validated by the Department of Health. Candidates are required to submit a copy of their Department of Health Validation with their application where relevant.
• Have experience working in an adult or adolescent mental health service.
• Have 5 years' clinical experience including time spent in post graduate training in Clinical/Counselling Psychology

Applicants are invited to submit a CV and cover letter demonstrating that they have the required qualifications (including 5 years clinical experience this can include time sent in post graduate training).

Informal inquiries are strongly recommended please contact:
Dr. Clodagh Dowling, Director of Psychology
Tel: 01-2493683
Email: cdowling@stpatricks.ie

(APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS)

Please also see Clinical Psychology at St Patrick's Mental Health Se... (stpatricks.ie) for more information on the SPMHS Psychology Department.

Please note that if you are viewing this advert via Irishjobs, the contact details for informal enquires above are not visible as irishjobs do not allow telephone numbers or emails to be present in adverts. However, these details are visible in the advert on the St Patrick's website in the career vacancies section.

Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae (clearly stating the position being applied for) should be uploaded as one document toby Monday, 1st September 2025.
Panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled
St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities emp loyer

Please note that while we seldom work with recruitment agencies, on the rare occasions we specify that we will accept CVs from recruitment agencies, it is only from those who engage in ethical practice. We do not expect recruitment agencies to charge candidates for placements, and do not condone this behaviour as it is not accepted practice.

Job Description
About the organisation
St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS) is Ireland's largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality mental healthcare, to promoting mental health awareness, and to advocating for the rights of those experiencing mental health difficulties.

We now employ over 700 staff across our services. We hold our staff in high esteem and regard them as our most important asset, enabling us to fulfil our mission. We strive to create and maintain a forward-looking environment where our staff can be innovative and experience satisfaction in their work. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing development of our staff.

The role
Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologists
(Full time & Part time Temporary contracts)
St Patrick's Mental Health Services seeking Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologists to fill a number of vacancies. The Staff Clinical/Counselling Psychologist will contribute to the assessment, intervention, and treatment of service users with mental health needs.
The Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist will report to the Director of Psychology.

The benefits
By joining us, you become part of Ireland's largest independent, not-for-profit mental health service provider, bringing lots of opportunities for your career. We offer you many employee benefits, including:

• A competitive salary range: €98,484 - €115,761
• 27 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training
• Paid study leave and funding for further education
• Support for career advancement and professional development
• Subsidised canteen and onsite gym
• Central locations with onsite parking or Bike to Work and TaxSaver Commuter Ticket schemes.

Location
These positions are based on site at; St Patrick's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, incorporating St Patricks Hospital Lucan and all SPMHS Dean Clinics.

Responsibilities
The duties of the Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist are outlined below. In carrying out all duties, the Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist should ensure that all Hospital policies, health & safety procedures, and legislative requirements are met at all times.

• Being responsible to the Director of Psychology for service provision and compliance with all professional standards and guidelines
• Ensuring provision of the highest standards of practice and care in the Psychology Department
• Working as a member of multi-disciplinary team(s), attending meetings, liaising and co-ordinating with other professional staff
• Delivering psychological group-based treatment programmes
• Carrying out appropriate assessments and providing feedback to teams and patients
• Implementing treatment strategies, or otherwise contributing to the care of patients as required and documenting progress appropriately
• Supervising Psychologists in Clinical Training as required
• Supervising Assistant Psychologists as required
• Supervising Staff Grade Psychologists as required
• Attend their own professional supervision regularly as required
• Participating in CPD and research, availing of opportunities to develop knowledge of and specialise in areas of interest
• Carrying out all other duties relevant to the role as may be required from time to time
• Responding to the needs of the Psychology Department which may mean working in different areas of the organisation such as Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, St Patrick's Hospital, Lucan and/ or with specialised client groups such as older adults.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. The person appointed may be required to perform other duties as appropriate which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the position. The person appointed will be assigned specific targets in terms of tasks and revenue.

Person specification
Qualifications and/or experience
Candidates must:

• Have a recognised university degree or diploma (QQI level 8 equivalent) obtained with 1st or 2nd class honours in which Psychology was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject AND a recognised professional post-graduate qualification in clinical or counselling psychology or an equivalent qualification validated by the Department of Health.
• Candidates are required to submit a copy of their Department of Health Validation with their application where qualifications were obtained outside the Republic of Ireland.
• Have experience working with service users in an adult or adolescent mental health service.
• Have 5 years clinical experience including time spent in postgraduate training in Clinical/Counselling Psychology

Professional knowledge, competencies, and skills

• Be empathic
• Be organised
• Possess strong administrative skills
• Have excellent communication skills
• Have a proven ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Be self-motivated and accustomed to assuming an appropriate level of responsibility
• Have a proven ability to work as a supportive member of a team and able to contribute to the development of the department
• Have excellent psychological formulation skills
• Deliver high quality evidence-based interventions

Terms and Conditions
Tenure: Full time and Part time, Temporary contracts.

Working Week: Thestandard hours applying to theses position is 35 hours per week.

Salary: The salary for the position is based on the Senior Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologist 2025 pay scale (€98,484 - €115,761) and is commensurate with experience.

Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the position 27 days.

Pension: All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme after successful completion of probation. The scheme is a defined contribution scheme with a deduction from the salary of the employee of 4%. In respect of an internal appointment being made the individuals existing pension arrangements will continue.

Probation: The appointee will be appointed in a probationary capacity for the first six months during which time the job holder's performance will be subject to ongoing review.
Any extension to or suspension of the period of probation will be in line with the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) 2022.

Health: The appointee must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the position and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character: The appointee must be of good character.

Retirement Age: Normal retirement age for employees is 66 years which at present is also normal pension age.

Please note: It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate must submit written confirmation of having successfully completed recognised training in the Mental Health Act by date of commencement.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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