Staff Grade Clinical/ Counselling Psychologists

Staff Grade Clinical/ Counselling Psychologists (SP252)

Applications are now invited for the following positions:

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

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services seeks full and part time temporary Staff Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologists to provide the highest standard of care to service users with mental health difficulties. The SPMHS Psychology Department is a 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. There are positions available mainly in the adult service. A strong background in psychological formulation skills, delivering evidence‑based interventions and working cooperatively with others is essential. Experience delivering group interventions is desired.

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 with adolescent and/or adult service users in an adult or adolescent mental health service.

Applicants are invited to submit a CV and cover letter demonstrating that they have the required qualifications.

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)

Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae (clearly stating the position being applied for) should be uploaded as one document by Tuesday, 28th October 2025.

Panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

St Patrick's Mental Health Services is an equal opportunities employer.

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 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

Staff Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologists (Full time & Part time Temporary contracts) will contribute to the assessment, intervention, and treatment of service users with mental health needs. The Staff Grade 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: €67,254 - €106,080

- 25 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 Staff Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologist are outlined below. In carrying out all duties, the Staff Grade 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, patients and families where appropriate

- Implementing treatment strategies, or otherwise contributing to the care of patients as required and documenting progress appropriately

- Supervising Assistant Psychologists if required

- Attend their own professional supervision regularly as required

- Attend Psychology Department meetings

- 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

- 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.

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:

The standard hours applying to this position is 35 hours per week.

Salary:

The salary for the position is based on the Staff Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologist 2025 pay scale (€67,254 - €106,080) and is commensurate with experience.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the position is 25 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.

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