GB Elite Development Programme Psychologist

The psychologist will work closely with the Head Coach and staff team to provide psychology support to the programme. 

The five primary components of the role are to:

• Provide 1-1 and small group psychology support to a targeted group of identified Elite Development Programme athletes to support their psychological development and transition to the Senior Centralised programme.
• Provide psychology support to the GB /ENGU21 teams in preparation for major tournaments (Junior World Cups, European Cups).
• Provide support and training to the staff teams to develop their psychological awareness and understanding of sub-senior elite players aged 17-23, enabling them to create psychologically informed environments where players can develop their mental and team ship skills to thrive in a performance environment.
• Develop a performance psychology approach for the Elite Development Programme including ways of working with external partners to maximise the performance. psychology and wellbeing resources available at universities and through TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme).
• Keep abreast of the wellbeing of players and staff, working closely with the Pathway Chief Medical officer to ensure players requiring mental health support are signposted and referred to the most appropriate support.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential

• Post-graduate qualification to PhD or Master level (or equivalent in Psychology or Sport Science.
• Current British Psychological Society Chartered Status or Qualification in Sport & Exercise Psychology (QSEP, Stage 2), or The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) or something equivalent.
• Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Experience in the provision of psychology support services to pathway athletes and coaches to improve performance with national teams in the international environment.
• Track record of analysing the psychological needs of a system / sport / team and effectively implementing psychological support.
• A verifiable record of working within a multi-disciplinary team effectively delivering impactful psychological support.
• Experience of and an ability to respond to evolving psychological needs of a system / team.

Desirable

• Experience of working effectively in a team sport environment.

We are looking for individuals who, in addition to the relevant qualifications and experience, possess the following:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathetic understanding
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
• Ethical judgment and integrity
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Assessment and evaluation skills
• Patience and resilience