About this role
Job summary
We are searching for a Practitioner Psychologist to join the Older Adult Mental Health Services (OAMHS) Psychology Team within Hywel Dda University Health Board.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Practitioner who is committed to delivering evidence-based psychological care and who is keen to contribute to the continued growth and innovation of psychology services for older adults.
Based within Hywel Dda University Health Board, this role offers the opportunity to live and work in some of the most beautiful parts of West Wales, with easy access to stunning coastlines, national parks and vibrant local communities. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, a strong work-life balance or being part of a supportive and welcoming community, Hywel Dda provides an excellent place to develop both your career and lifestyle.
To be considered for this role, you must be a HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and hold a doctorate-level qualification in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology or an equivalent recognised qualification.
An Annex 21 opportunity is available and further information can be found under heading 'Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities'.
Main duties of the job
As part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation for older adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties across a range of secondary care settings. The role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across services, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
In addition to clinical work, you will play an active role in service development, consultation, supervision, teaching and training, as well as participating in audit, research and quality improvement initiatives that support the ongoing development of psychological services within OAMHS.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
Join us and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of older adults across Hywel Dda.
This post is advertised at Band 8a. However, applicants who do not currently meet all the skills and competencies required for the Band 8a role are encouraged to apply and may, if successful, be appointed under the Agenda for Change Annex 21 arrangements, supported by a structured development plan for up to 3 years. During the first year, payment will be 65% of the top of Band 8a, 70% in the second year and 75% in the third year.
The successful candidate will receive ongoing professional, clinical and managerial support and supervision to develop the competencies required for the role.
Following successful completion of the development programme and achievement of the required competencies, the post holder will progress to Band 8a (minimum point of the pay scale). Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in implementing Workforce policies.
Where application of Annex 21 would otherwise result in a reduction in salary for an existing NHS employee, local pay protection arrangements may be considered in accordance with Health Board policy.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 16/10/2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Registration with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist. Doctoral level training (or its equivalent for those trained before 1996) in clinical or counselling psychology, including psychopathology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology as accredited by the BPS. Knowledge of psychometrics, appropriate administration and limitations. Post Practitioner Psychologist qualification training in at least one area relevant to the post.
Desirable
Post Practitioner Psychologist qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other fields of applied psychology Additional specialist training. Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies and assessment in specific difficult to treat groups or complex presentations (e.g. mental health and learning disability, substance misuse). Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health.
Experience Essential
Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community, primary care and in-patient settings. Experience of specialist psychological assessment (post-doctoral qualification) incorporating psychometrics and cognitive assessment Post Practitioner Psychologist qualification experience of assessing risk in older people with mental health problems Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups, across the whole life course, presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity. Post Practitioner Psychologist qualification experience of working with older people and/or mental health.
Desirable
Experience of working within a secondary care acute Team setting and/or experience of working with other agencies. Experience of teaching, training and supervision. Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts.
Other Essential
Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner. Flexible approach to needs of the service.
Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address To be confirmed with successful candidate
To be confirmed with successful candidate
SA31 2AF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)