Highly specialist clinical psychologist (2 posts 1.4 F/T equivalent) with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Opportunity for International Professionals

East London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking highly qualified clinical psychologists to join their specialized autism assessment team. This unique opportunity includes a Certificate of Sponsorship, making it an excellent pathway for international professionals looking to build their careers in the UK’s renowned healthcare system.

Visa Sponsorship Information

This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is essential for international candidates requiring a UK work visa. The employer is committed to supporting eligible candidates through the visa application process. However, candidates must verify their eligibility requirements directly with the employer and the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Job Overview

We are looking for two highly specialist clinical psychologists (1.4 F/T equivalent) to provide specialized psychological assessments for adults living in Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK). The successful candidates will deliver highly specialist autism assessments for a diverse population with a wide range of diagnostic characteristics.

Main Responsibilities

The post holder will provide specialist psychological assessments based on the appropriate use, interpretation, and integration of complex data from various sources. This includes psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, structured observations, and interviews with service users and their families.

Team Integration

You will join a multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses from learning disabilities and mental health, a clinical lead consultant psychologist, assistant psychologists, support workers, an occupational therapist, and speech and language therapists. The team operates with a strong neuroaffirmative lens and values diverse perspectives.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Post-graduate doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent) accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Psychologist or as a trainee in the final year of training.

Essential Experience

Experience working clinically with neurodevelopmental differences, complex caseloads, multidisciplinary teams, and complex risk assessment and management. The ability to work autonomously within professional guidelines and contribute to service development through research skills.

Desirable Qualifications

Specific training in standardized autism diagnostic assessments such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, and ACIA. Experience in differential diagnoses, particularly distinguishing autism from complex trauma or personality difficulties, is highly valued.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt communication methods to meet the needs of diverse client groups and colleagues. You must be able to contain organizational stress, apply reflective skills, and maintain a respectful approach to service users, families, carers, and colleagues.

Professional Development

The team supports new staff in undertaking autism assessment training and offers significant opportunities for specialist expertise development under the supervision of the clinical lead. There are also opportunities to be involved in or lead quality improvement and research initiatives.

About East London NHS Foundation Trust

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive. We are looking for people who embody these qualities in their work with service users, carers, and colleagues.

Trust Recognition

The Trust has received numerous accolades including being recognized as a top employer by HSJ, holding CQC outstanding status, and being accredited as an Age Positive, Disability Confident, and Stonewall employer. These reflect our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Location and Working Pattern

The position is based at Twinwoods Resource Centre in Milton Road, Clapham, Bedford (MK41 6AT). The role offers flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time, job share, compressed hours, and the ability to work remotely where appropriate.

Salary and Benefits

The position is offered at Band 7 on the Agenda for Change pay scale, with salary dependent on experience. The Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 363-BED7955135. The closing date for applications is 13 June 2026. International candidates should ensure they have all necessary documentation ready, including proof of qualifications and English language proficiency.

Supporting Documents

The following documents are available for download: AADS band 8a clinical psychologist JD (PDF, 329 KB) and AADS band 8a clinical psychologist PS (PDF, 352 KB). These provide detailed information about the role and person specification.

Contact Information

For informal inquiries about the position, please contact Dr Vicky Lucas, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, at vicky.lucas@nhs.net or 01234310589. Dr. Lucas can provide additional information about the role and the team’s approach.

Privacy Notice

All applications will be processed in accordance with East London NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice, which can be found on their website. The Trust is committed to protecting applicants’ personal data and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Next Steps for International Candidates

If you are an international candidate interested in this position, we recommend:

• Verifying your eligibility for a UK work visa with the UK Visas and Immigration website
• Gathering required documentation including proof of qualifications, English language proficiency, and professional registration
• Preparing a comprehensive CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience
• Ensuring your application addresses all aspects of the person specification

Joining Our Team

We are particularly excited about welcoming new members to our team who share our commitment to providing excellent care and advancing understanding of autism. This is an exciting time to join our service as we proactively drive innovation to match contemporary theoretical and evidence-based understanding of autism.