Clinical/Counselling Psychologist

Job summary

The purpose of this job description is to outline the level of responsibility and accountability of this post. This will ensure that all work undertaken by our staff is clearly identified and carried out under clear lines of accountability.

Main duties of the job

To lead in the development of an effective team and the development of productiveworking relationships throughout the Trust. To facilitate the development of a positive and supportive team culture by takingresponsibility for dealing effectively with potential conflict. To lead in the audit process, linking in with the clinical governance agenda. To manage waiting lists and work loads for self and others. To advise, encourage and share knowledge utilising the latest research and practicedevelopment, through literature and peer reviews. To ensure this latest evidence informs practice for self and others. To lead on research projects as relevant for the post and in agreement with senior professional leads.

About us

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,551 to a maximum of £5,735 pro rata for part time).

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Leading alongside senior MDT colleagues the development of the Intensive support team for people with a Learning disability or Autism who present to crisis services. Providing high quality clinical supervision to band 7 and8a psychological professionals, Clinical Associate Psychologists and other professionals as required, under the guidance of thePsychological Professional Lead. To provide specialist consultation and clinical input to a psychology/behavioural service to adults with intellectual disabilities, autism or both whose behaviours significantly challenge and place them at risk of an admission/placement breakdown. These individuals would be typically referred to and listed on the Adult Dynamic Support Register. To be the lead specialist in Positive Behaviour Support, Systemic approaches and Psychological provision as part of Intensive Support Team (IST) and to supervise and manage others accordingly. To lead on working with carers, families, and groups, within and across mainstream in-patient wards/teams, in line with best, evidence-based practice and trust care pathways. Ensuring the unregistered psychological professions staff in the pathway (Assistant Psychologists, CAPS) are working to aclear job plan and are receiving the operational and clinical supervision they require.Similarly for more junior qualified/registered staff. Working in close collaboration with the community psychology services Take a senior and specialist role in assessment, treatment and systematic outcomemeasurement in the IST. Ensuring that a high quality, timely, accessible andevidence-based psychological service is available to all service users who need it. To provide culturally appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required. Maintaining excellent working relationships with wider mental health services ( Mental Health and Wellness Teams, Community Clinics) as well as the core services of allinpatient wards and home treatment teams, to ensure asmooth pathway for service-users and their families. Leading on consultation, supervision, teaching and training of staff working within theIST and playing a key lead role in audit and evaluation. Working autonomously within professional guidelines and within the overall framework ofpolicies and procedures of the Trust.Ensuring other psychological professional staff also work within these parameters. Providing specialist psychological advice, guidance and consultation to otherprofessionals, to assist in the formulation, diagnosis and treatment of service users including the provision of Positive Behavioural Support and Systemic approaches to support adults with intellectual disabilities and or autism who engage in behaviours that severely challenge. Lead on developing and evaluating these specialise care packages. Lead on recruitment of qualified staff, trainees and / orassistant psychologists /CAPS and managing their workloads within the framework of the Trustspolicies and procedures. Ensure that staff within the specialist care pathway worktowards and maintain the Trusts key performance indicators, agreed commissionertargets and other local and national guidance. Ensuring that best practice in assessment, risk assessment and care planning is adheredto at all times by staff within the IST. Ensuring the maintenance of the highest personal standards of practice, through activeparticipation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes. Maintaining the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic dataentry and recording, report writing and the responsible exercise of professional self-governance

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application.

We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Any development needs to help you succeed in the role, can be discussed at the interview stage.

Person Specification

NVQ level 2 or equivalent standard of literacy and numeracy.

Essential

A thorough knowledge of evidence based clinical practice and a commitment to keeping abreast of new evidence based practice developments in psychology

Desirable

Recognised qualification and training in supervisionProfessional registration with the appropriate body ( HCPC)

Post-graduate qualification in Clinical or Counselling psychology

Essential

Experience of working with high levels of risk, learning disabilities, autism and severe mental health difficulties and with behaviours that challenge

Desirable

Experience of applying NICE compliant therapies relevant to the population ( Behavioural approaches/PBS, managing challenging behaviours, intervention for populations with a learning disability diagnosis).

Additional specialist post-graduate training in relevant area/therapy

Essential

The ability to represent a psychological perspective within a multi-disciplinary team (IST) and within the ARD directorate.

Desirable

An ability to communicate complex and difficult information with sensitivity, empathy and reassurance.