Hiring and Sponsoring Clinical Psychologists (SOC Code 2225)

Clinical Psychologists, classified under SOC Code 2225, are essential professionals in the field of mental health, dedicated to assessing and treating individuals facing psychological challenges. Their role encompasses several key responsibilities:

• Assessment: Administers tests to evaluate patients' needs through a combination of interviews, psychometric tests, and direct observation of behavior.
• Diagnosis: Utilizes assessment findings to determine appropriate treatment plans and may refer patients to other mental health professionals as necessary.
• Therapeutic Intervention: Provides treatment or guidance employing a variety of therapy and counseling techniques tailored to individual patient needs.
• Self-Management Support: Assists patients in managing their psychological conditions effectively, fostering self-reliance and coping strategies.
• Collaboration: Maintains essential contacts with family members, educational institutions, or other health professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.
• Reporting & Research: Writes detailed reports on assessment and treatment outcomes, and engages in applied research to contribute to the advancement of psychological practices.

With the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, there is a growing demand for qualified clinical psychologists in the UK. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring clinical psychologists within the framework of the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Clinical Psychologists?

SOC Code 2225 refers to Clinical Psychologists who specialize in assessing and treating individuals with psychological issues. Their responsibilities can include:

• Administering assessments: Conducting interviews, psychometric tests, and observing behavior to evaluate patients' needs.
• Determining treatment plans: Identifying appropriate therapeutic approaches and referring patients to other mental health professionals when necessary.
• Providing therapy: Delivering treatment or guidance through various therapy and counseling techniques tailored to individual patient needs.
• Supporting self-management: Assisting patients in managing their psychological conditions and fostering independent coping strategies.
• Collaborating with others: Maintaining communication with family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to recommend solutions for complex problems.
• Documenting progress: Writing comprehensive reports on patient progress and outcomes to ensure effective treatment.
• Conducting research: Engaging in applied research to advance the field of psychology and improve treatment methodologies.

Clinical Psychologists play a vital role in the mental health sector, promoting psychological well-being and aiding individuals in navigating their challenges.

Eligibility to Hire Clinical Psychologists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Clinical Psychologists must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and possess the following qualifications or experience criteria:

• Educational Background: A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology, or a related field, is required. Licensure to practice psychology in the relevant jurisdiction is a must.
• Assessment Skills: Proficient in administering and interpreting psychological tests and assessments to evaluate patients' needs.
• Therapeutic Techniques: Experience in a variety of therapy and counselling modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or group therapy.
• Clinical Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of supervised clinical experience post-graduate education is preferred, which includes direct patient contact and treatment management.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities for writing reports, documenting patient progress, and interacting with family members and other health professionals.
• Research Capabilities: Engagement in applied research to contribute to the field of psychology and the continuous improvement of treatment methods.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other mental health professionals and related fields to support patient care and management.

Ensure that qualifications and experience align with SOC Code 2225 and that the candidates meet the expected standards for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Clinical Psychologists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Clinical Psychologists under SOC Code 2225.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Clinical Psychologists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Clinical Psychologists under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Clinical Psychologists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Clinical Psychologists applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Clinical Psychologists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Clinical Psychologists can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Clinical Psychologists

Before the Clinical Psychologists begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Clinical Psychologists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Clinical Psychologists holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Clinical Psychologists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Clinical Psychologists’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Clinical Psychologistss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Clinical Psychologists

Sponsoring Clinical Psychologists under SOC Code 2225 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Clinical Psychologists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Clinical Psychologists under SOC Code 2225 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.