Senior Clinical/ Counselling Psychologists (SP261)
Applications are now invited for the following position: Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Full time & Part time Temporary contracts).
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) seeks a Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist to provide the highest standard of care to service users with mental health difficulties. The Psychology Department is a dynamic innovative department that delivers a wide variety of psychology led group programmes and offers 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 postgraduate 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 PsychologyTel: 01‑2493683Email: cdowling@stpatricks.ie
Applications in the form of covering letter and Curriculum Vitae (clearly stating the position being applied for) should be uploaded as one document by Friday, 6th February 2026.
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, promoting mental health awareness and advocating for the rights of those experiencing mental health difficulties. We employ over 700 staff across our services and are committed to the ongoing development of our staff.
The role
Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Full time & Part time Temporary contracts)
The Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist will report to the Director of Psychology and contribute to the assessment, intervention and treatment of service users with mental health needs.
The benefits
By joining us, you become part of Ireland’s largest independent, not‑for‑profit mental health service provider and enjoy 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
St Patrick’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8 (incorporating St Patrick’s Hospital Lucan and all SPMHS Dean Clinics).
Responsibilities
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 and documenting progress appropriately.
Supervising Psychologists in Clinical Training as required.
Supervising Assistant Psychologists as required.
Supervising Staff Grade Psychologists as required.
Attending own professional supervision regularly as required.
Participating in CPD and research, availing opportunities to develop knowledge 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.
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.
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: The standard hours applying to these positions is 35 hours per week.
Salary: The salary for the position is based on the Senior Grade Clinical/Counselling Psychologist 2026 pay scale (€98,484 – €115,761) and is commensurate with experience.
Annual Leave: The annual leave associated with the position is 27 days.
Pension: All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme upon commencement of employment. 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.
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.
Condition of employment: 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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