Principal Psychologist

Purpose of the Role

The Alders Unit is a specialist Child Sexual Abuse Assessment and Therapy Service and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the overall management of the service and to undertake clinical work.

The assessment and therapy service is a multidisciplinary service involving Psychology, Social Work, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy professionals. The role of the Principal Psychologist will be to jointly manage these services with other members of the management team, including managing referrals, allocations and group supervision, development of the service and liaison with relevant external agencies in relation to the work, including Tusla and An Garda Siochana. The Principal Psychologist will also be involved in providing consultation, teaching and training.

Essential Criteria :

• Hold a recognised University Degree or Diploma obtained with first or second class honours in which Psychology was taken as a major subject and honours obtained in that subject.
• Hold a post-graduate professional qualification in Clinical / Counselling Psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland
• Hold a postgraduate professional psychology qualification validated by the Department of Health and Children in Clinical / Counselling Psychology, Applicants should refer to the Dept. of Health & Children regulations on the Employment of Psychologists in the Health Services, as well as, the PSI Guidelines on Post Graduate Training & Qualifications
• Have had at least 5 years satisfactory postgraduate experience in Clinical or Counselling Psychology (inclusive of time spent pursuing a recognised Post Graduate Qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology). This should include at least three years’ satisfactory experience in a senior capacity.
• Must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability to discharge satisfactorily the duties of the office.
• Possess a high standard of professional attainment.
• Have substantial experience working directly with children and their families, to include both assessment and therapy
• Must have previous experience of working in a clinical multi-disciplinary setting with children 0 -18 years of age, and families.
• Must have relevant experience of clinical work with children and families affected by Child Sexual Abuse.
• Must have relevant experience of clinical work with children affected by Child Protection and / or Welfare issues

How to Apply & Informal Enquiries

Applications for this post must be accompanied by a cover letter, setting out relevant experience that illustrates how the essential criteria listed above is met.

The criterion for short listing is based on the requirements of the post, as outlined in the eligibility criteria.

The closing date for submissions of CV’s and cover letter is Tuesday, 15th July 2025 by 23 : 45 pm. Applications must be completed through the advertised post on CHI.jobs by clicking ‘Apply for Job’.

Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method!

For informal enquiries for this specialty / department, please contact Mr. Keith O’Reilly, Director, The Alders Unit at keith.oreilly@childrenshealthireland.ie or 01-5106179

For other queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Team at Recruitment@childrenshealthireland.ie

PLEASE NOTE :

CHI has transitioned to a process of a one commencement day per month for all new employees, CHI internal transfers and Secondments. This update to our Onboarding process is aligned to changes in our monthly / fortnightly payroll and with the launch of our new corporate induction program. This process enhancement ensures that we can thoroughly prepare for your arrival and facilitate a smooth transition in your onboarding journey.

So that the Onboarding team can confirm your start date, you will need to ensure that your mandatory training is completed at least 7 days prior to your commencement date.

It is important for you to note that if you do not have your pre-employments and mandatory training completed in time, your commencement date will be deferred to the next available date.

Below, you’ll find the list of commencement dates for 2025.