Clinical Psychologists Ref. 1970

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Mission Enablers
Cheltenham
£57,221 - £62,938
GCHQ, the longest standing code-breaking intelligence agency in the UK, is offering you an exciting opportunity to join our growing Team of Clinical and Forensic Psychologists working in Personnel Security.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Psychologist keen and able to apply their expertise within a National Security Context. The role involves supporting the Personnel Security Department in assessing staff for suitability to hold clearance and assisting other departments in establishing suitability to fulfil demanding roles. The primary focus is on the assessment of vulnerability, resilience and risk. Assessment requires synthesising a broad range of file, interview and psychometrically derived information into reports which include clearly formulated risk-assurance recommendations.  Additionally, clinical advice and guidance is provided on potential risk mitigation. Risk assurance opinions and risk mitigation are communicated in written and verbal form.

GCHQ provides a challenging and highly stimulating working environment where ingenuity, integrity, impact and teamwork are actively encouraged.  Demand for clinical psychology assessment is increasing across the organisation and fresh initiatives are being developed. You will join a highly experienced and capable team of psychologists and benefit from a rigorous professional and learning culture, with regular formal and informal peer-supervision, and opportunities for learning and development.

While the role is challenging, our flexible working policy ensures a healthy work-life balance and we work hard to accommodate reduced hours or job share options.

REQUIREMENTS

You will be an experienced HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist who has worked at Consultant grade or equivalent within the NHS. Candidates with substantial mental health competencies, across a variety of settings, and able to demonstrate that they are ready to work at Consultant level may also be considered.  Very strong assessment and report writing skills are essential and forensic experience highly desirable. You will also have a breadth of experience with adult populations and be able to demonstrate competence in training and consulting to non-psychologists.  

Applicants are strongly encouraged from diverse backgrounds: in GCHQ we support and champion inclusion since we recognise “with the right mix of minds everything is possible” and we are committed to reflecting this in the practitioner psychology team.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we’ll enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

ABOUT US

At GCHQ, we work closely with other intelligence agencies to keep the nation safe. We work against unique, complex threats – everything from cyber-attacks and espionage, to terrorism and organised crime. It means your work will be incredibly interesting, and unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT

The UK Intelligence Agencies – MI5 / MI6 / GCHQ – are Equal Opportunities employers, committed to reflecting the society we protect. Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit.  We particularly welcome applications from diverse and under-represented groups.

SALARY

Salary of £57,221 - £62,938 (on a pro rata basis), and includes a concessionary payment

LOCATION

Cheltenham (main base) (located within an hour’s journey of Birmingham and Bristol). Some travel will be required.

SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements. You’ll find more details here: Recruitment process.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we also guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

You can familiarise yourself with the general competencies we use to assess the aptitude of candidates here: Recruitment process.

Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. We’re conscious this might be more time than you expected, so our system will allow you to save your application at any time and come back to it later. But remember to submit your full application before the closing date.

Once we’ve established that you meet our eligibility criteria, the next step of this selection process will be:

An initial interview (in Cheltenham) to assess your professional and psychological suitability for the role with, for successful candidates, a further panel interview prior to identifying preferred candidates for the role.
    
If you successfully complete the initial and panel recruitment interview, you’ll receive a job offer, conditional upon you completing our developed vetting (DV) process which enables you to obtain the level of security clearance required to perform this vital role.

This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.