Senior Practitioner Psychologist
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Type
Other psychologists
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
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Description
Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dover, Gartcosh, London, Warrington
For roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period.
Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.
Job Summary
The role of the Senior Practitioner Psychologist is to psychologically support the health of the NCA’s workforce, with a focus on mental wellbeing and the protection and promotion of personal resilience, to enable the NCA to deliver its mission.
Please Note:
The NCA, Clinical Services and Workplace Adjustments have a dedicated team that provides comprehensive occupational health and wellbeing services to its Officers, ensuring the workforce is fit to delivery its mission to protect the public from Serious and Organised Crimes.
We aim to promote physical, psychological wellbeing and prevent illness and injury arising from work, recognising some of the hazards our Officers are exposed to. We take a pro-active approach in the management of health in work, advising on the effects of health on work and work on health.
This is achieved through, but not limited to;
For roles based in London, your contractual place of work will be Stratford. While the Stratford site is expected to become operational from November 2025 – March 2026, you will be required to carry out your contractual duties from Vauxhall or another reasonable location on a temporary basis during the interim period.
Please note that, as Stratford will be your contractual place of work, any subsequent move from a temporary location will not entitle you to payments for travel time or costs under the Relocation and Excess Travel Policy.
Job Summary
The role of the Senior Practitioner Psychologist is to psychologically support the health of the NCA’s workforce, with a focus on mental wellbeing and the protection and promotion of personal resilience, to enable the NCA to deliver its mission.
Please Note:
- Psychologists employed on a full‑time basis are expected to deliver up to four clinical appointments per day, subject to other work streams and any alternative working arrangements. For part‑time psychologists, this expectation will be applied on a pro‑rata basis.
- This role is available on a Full Time or Part Time basis (minimum 22 hours across 3 days).
The NCA, Clinical Services and Workplace Adjustments have a dedicated team that provides comprehensive occupational health and wellbeing services to its Officers, ensuring the workforce is fit to delivery its mission to protect the public from Serious and Organised Crimes.
We aim to promote physical, psychological wellbeing and prevent illness and injury arising from work, recognising some of the hazards our Officers are exposed to. We take a pro-active approach in the management of health in work, advising on the effects of health on work and work on health.
This is achieved through, but not limited to;
- Management referrals,
Conduct assessments
You will apply evidence base knowledge and best practice to conducting a range of assessments focusing on fitness for role, including routine surveillance for high-risk roles, line management referrals, pre-employment and pre-placement assessments. This will include assessing psychological suitability for roles, risk mitigation, treatment planning and making recommendations for reasonable adjustments.
Provide consultation
Regularly liaises with stakeholders and provides consultation.
Produce reports and recommendations
Support with the Line Management Referral pathway, providing comprehensive reports and recommendations to enhance psychological health, wellbeing and thriving at work.
Respond to incidents
Occasional reactionary work can occur, such as providing on site critical incident support.
Develop and implement interventions
There will be opportunities to provide some welfare support, treatment, design and implement interventions and psychoeducational material as appropriate.
Audits
You will have an active role in identifying psychological themes from the services work streams and be able to assist the development and delivery of audits and action plans.
Manage a team
Manage and clinically supervise a small team of psychologists, focusing on performance, quality and continual development. You will be an active agent in their self-care and professional development.
Provide an inclusive service
Ensure a culturally and ethically sensitive, equitable psychological service to all groups regardless of race and ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and disability.
Information management
Ensure the quality, secure handling and dissemination of data/information, maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity and a duty of care in line with NCA policy and GDPR.
The NCA, Clinical Services and Workplace Adjustments have a dedicated team that provides comprehensive occupational health and wellbeing services to its Officers, ensuring the workforce is fit to delivery its mission to protect the public from Serious and Organised Crimes.
We aim to promote physical, psychological wellbeing and prevent illness and injury arising from work, recognising some of the hazards our Officers are exposed to. We take a pro-active approach in the management of health in work, advising on the effects of health on work and work on health.
This is achieved through, but not limited to;
- Management referrals,
Conduct assessments
You will apply evidence base knowledge and best practice to conducting a range of assessments focusing on fitness for role, including routine surveillance for high-risk roles, line management referrals, pre-employment and pre-placement assessments. This will include assessing psychological suitability for roles, risk mitigation, treatment planning and making recommendations for reasonable adjustments.
Provide consultation
Regularly liaises with stakeholders and provides consultation.
Produce reports and recommendations
Support with the Line Management Referral pathway, providing comprehensive reports and recommendations to enhance psychological health, wellbeing and thriving at work.
Respond to incidents
Occasional reactionary work can occur, such as providing on site critical incident support.
Develop and implement interventions
There will be opportunities to provide some welfare support, treatment, design and implement interventions and psychoeducational material as appropriate.
Audits
You will have an active role in identifying psychological themes from the services work streams and be able to assist the development and delivery of audits and action plans.
Manage a team
Manage and clinically supervise a small team of psychologists, focusing on performance, quality and continual development. You will be an active agent in their self-care and professional development.
Provide an inclusive service
Ensure a culturally and ethically sensitive, equitable psychological service to all groups regardless of race and ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and disability.
Information management
Ensure the quality, secure handling and dissemination of data/information, maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity and a duty of care in line with NCA policy and GDPR.
Person specification
Skills, Knowledge And Experience
Assessments and risk mitigation
Knowledge and understanding of biopsychosocial assessment (including psychological fitness for a role) and risk mitigation management in an occupational health setting.
Clinical experience
Trained and have clinical expertise in delivering at least 2 of the following adult interventions: Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Compression Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Line management and clinical supervision
Experience of line managing and providing clinical supervision to clinical and/or counselling psychologists working in a adult mental health care setting.
Essential Criteria
You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.
Entry Requirements
Hold registration with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Knowledge and understanding of biopsychosocial assessment (including psychological fitness for a role) and risk mitigation management in an occupational health setting.
Clinical experience
Trained and have clinical expertise in delivering at least 2 of the following adult interventions: Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Compression Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Line management and clinical supervision
Experience of line managing and providing clinical supervision to clinical and/or counselling psychologists working in a adult mental health care setting.
Essential Criteria
You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.
Entry Requirements
- Hold registration with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
- Trained and have clinical expertise in delivering at least 2 of the following adult interventions:
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing,
- Compression Focused Therapy,
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
- Hold registration with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
- Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.
Hold registration with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £16,100. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.
New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.
If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).
Other Benefits Include:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Knowledge of current legislation, the Health & Safety Management Standards and best practice in occupational and mental health provision.
- Knowledge and understanding of biopsychosocial assessment (including psychological fitness for a role) and risk mitigation management in an occupational health setting.
- Expertise in a range of clinical skills and delivery in a variety of adult settings, including expertise of leading, teaching and/or training a diverse audience and service monitoring evaluation.
All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £16,100. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.
New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.
If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).
Other Benefits Include:
- Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
- Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
- Housing schemes - Key Worker status
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Experience, Strengths, Technical Skills
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
How We Will Assess You
Your application will be assessed against the following:
Technical
- this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:
CV
Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please demonstrate the below
You are trained and have clinical expertise in delivering at least two of the following adult interventions:
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
For Guidance On The Application Process, Visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding
Additional Assessment Methods Used Alongside Interview
- Knowledge of current legislation, the Health & Safety Management Standards and best practice in occupational and mental health provision.
- Knowledge and understanding of biopsychosocial assessment (including psychological fitness for a role) and risk mitigation management in an occupational health setting.
CV
Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.
Details of what is expected within you CV are as follows: Please demonstrate the below
You are trained and have clinical expertise in delivering at least two of the following adult interventions:
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
- Compassion Focused Therapy.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
- Experience of line managing and providing clinical supervision to clinical and/or counselling psychologists in a healthcare or occupational setting.
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
For Guidance On The Application Process, Visit:
NCA Applying and Onboarding
Additional Assessment Methods Used Alongside Interview
As part of the assessment process Presentation will be required to assess the criteria outlined below:
Candidates successful at sift will be asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation on Technical criteria 3. Further details will be provided to successful candidates, prior to the interview.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours
Strengths are tested at interview stage - the strengths tested are not shared before the interview.
Assessment Outcome
Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.
In The Event Of a Tie At The Assessment Stage, Available Roles Will Be Offered In Merit Order Using The Following Order:
Candidates successful at sift will be asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation on Technical criteria 3. Further details will be provided to successful candidates, prior to the interview.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours
- Working Together
- Knowledge of current legislation, the Health & Safety Management Standards and best practice in occupational and mental health provision.
- Knowledge and understanding of biopsychosocial assessment (including psychological fitness for a role) and risk mitigation management in an occupational health setting.
- Expertise in a range of clinical skills and delivery in a variety of adult settings, including expertise of leading, teaching and/or training a diverse audience and service monitoring evaluation.
- Experience of line managing and providing clinical supervision to clinical and/or counselling psychologists in a healthcare or occupational setting.
Strengths are tested at interview stage - the strengths tested are not shared before the interview.
Assessment Outcome
Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.
In The Event Of a Tie At The Assessment Stage, Available Roles Will Be Offered In Merit Order Using The Following Order:
- Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
- If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.
Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.
We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.
Security and Vetting
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.
For more information on security vetting please visit: UK Security Vetting guidance for applicants and Demystifying Vetting and see our vetting charter at: The Vetting Charter.
Vetting Requirements - SC Enhanced
Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance.
The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting
Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : The Central Recruitment Team
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).
If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.