Principal Psychologist - Adult Services
21 hours per week
Permanent Contract
Based in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
The Principal Psychologist will provide leadership and responsibility for the effective delivery of quality psychology services to adults with disabilities across Kare's Residential, Day Services, and Outreach Services in Kildare, West Wicklow, and East Offaly.
This role will manage the Psychology Department which is part of a wider Adult Clinical Supports Multidisciplinary Team, contributing to service planning, development, evaluation and quality initiatives
Duties include:
Contribute to the delivery and future development of an effective low arousal psychology service in line with organisational priorities and department objectives, and always acting within the professional standards, guidelines and policy relevant to this role.
Provide sessional inputs to a clinical area in line with the professional expertise of the post holder, to support the management of complex clinical caseloads.
Work with senior management and other Service Leaders/Heads of Discipline/multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive service delivery to, and effective communication with, all stakeholders; with the aim of providing integrated care to the service user population.
Be responsible for the overall management and performance of Psychology activity within the designated area in keeping with best professional practice within agreed policy, objectives and priorities. This will include Behaviour Support professionals and Clinical Nurse Specialist role in Mental Health in ID.
Understand and support the practise of the senior psychologists on other Kare clinical teams, to enhance and support the work and professionalism of these teams, within the overall organisational structures of Kare. Liaise with the managers of these clinical teams to support professional and safe practise.
Be responsible for ensuring the delivery, in line with best practice, of a range of professional psychology services, including assessment and intervention with individuals and groups; programme development and implementation; consultation and education.
Undertake clinical research and cooperate in research and evaluation projects as appropriate.
Avail of appropriate clinical supervision to ensure own ongoing competency to deliver quality services and to supervise other staff
Advocate and promote a Human Rights Based approach in all aspects of this role. This includes promoting the UNCRPD, ADM Act, Safeguarding, National Consent Policy.
This list is not exhaustive; A detailed Job Description is available on request. Informal enquiries for this position can be made to Clinical Services Manager Deirdre Walsh.
Essential Criteria:
A recognised university degree or diploma (QQ1 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.
Have an Irish post-graduate professional doctorate psychology qualification accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland in Clinical, Counselling or Educational Psychology or an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction validated by the Department of Health.
Demonstrate competence in working with adults with Disability
Have at least eight years satisfactory post-graduate experience in the area of professional psychology, in which the position is designated inclusive of any time spent in pursuing a course leading to the postgraduate qualification and including at least three years satisfactory experience in a senior capacity.
Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management suitability) for the proper duties of the office.
Must have a full, valid driver's licence and access to your own vehicle as travel will be required between Kare locations.
Must be eligible to work in Ireland without sponsorship.
Benefits include:
32 days annual leave
Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
Short commute from Dublin surrounding counties
Employee Assistance Programme
Contributory Pension Plan - ER7% and EE5%
Optional Salary Protection Plan - 6 months free and discounted fee thereafter
Personal Development - CPD support & funding and inhouse training available.
The successful candidate will be required to provide satisfactory references and satisfactory Garda Vetting and overseas police vetting, where applicable. Salary is paid in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales Principal Clinical Psychologist €68,293 (Pro-rated for a 21-hour week).
How to Apply:
Please submit your current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Closing date for applications is 3rd July 2025.
About Kare
Kare delivers a wide range of community-based supports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in an innovative and progressive way. Our goal is to support them and their families to create a present and future that fulfils their personal potential. Our Values: Respect, Rights, Collaboration, Quality, Person Centred. Visit our website: Home | Kare
Kare is an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. We are committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
