We are looking for an enthusiastic clinical or counselling psychologist with a commitment to person-centred, quality services for people of working age living with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. Are you someone who thrives in working in an innovative service and wants to be part of driving forward service improvements? If so, this post is for you. You will be working as a key member of the Community Mental Health Services, engaging and working with the team and third sector partners to deliver psychologically informed interventions to the people of Somerset. You will work with the principles of co-production, inclusion, equality and accessibility. We are developing and embedding a trauma-informed approach to care delivery recognising the role of adverse experience in people's lives, providing care that is trauma aware, safe, responsible and collaborative.

This role would be suitable for newly qualified psychologists. There are roles available in the Mendip (based in Wells), South Somerset (based in Yeovil), and Bridgwater localities. Full or part time and flexible working options will be considered.

Main duties of the job

As a HCPC registered psychologist, you would be providing specialist psychological assessments and interventions for clients, and supervision and consultation to members of local teams. You will be an excellent clinician, be able to lead and develop other staff members' skills and abilities, and be able to think creatively, embrace co-production and work with colleagues to help us offer a wide-ranging, flexible and positive response to people seeking support for their mental health.

You would be joining a highly skilled network of psychological therapists trained in a variety of psychological approaches including CAT, CBT, EMDR, DBT, Art Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy. These approaches aim to identify, promote and discover an individual's strengths, and resilience to enable them to 'thrive not just survive'.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst not being too far away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The postholder:-

• As an HCPC registered psychologist you will work within the community mental health service providing psychological assessment, formulation and therapy to for individuals some or all of whom have severe and enduring mental health problems and may present with complex and challenging psychological problems.
• This will include the provision of specialist psychological assessment and interventions, comprehensive risk assessment, supervision and consultation to other team members, as well as contributing to team training of staff.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

• To provide doctoral level assessment and treatment to adults with severe and enduring mental health problems, using judgement across a range of options in complex situations.
• To contribute to the delivery of psychological therapies.
• To provide consultancy and support on the psychological aspects of care to other professionals as required.
• To participate in clinical supervision and caseload supervision.
• To promote the use of effective, evidence-based interventions in the CMHS.

Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility

Service Development

• To advise the CMHS operational managers, principal clinical psychologist, clinical lead for SPI and the local CMHS managers about service priorities and potential developments in the locality.
• To contribute to the development of psychology and psychological therapies in accordance with Trust strategy and local needs.

Research and Development

• To initiate research as required by the needs of the local services.
• To offer advice and support to members of relevant teams undertaking research projects.
• To participate regularly in clinical audit projects.
• To encourage a culture of evidence-based practice in all parts of the service by keeping up to date and disseminating good practice within all teams and across agencies.

Clinical Governance

• To participate in relevant Trust and psychology clinical governance initiatives.
• To propose changes to work practices to improve the efficacy and accessibility of psychological therapies.
• To promote the use of effective, evidence-based interventions in the service.
• To support and participate in multidisciplinary clinical audit in relevant teams.

Professional

• To observe fully the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2008), BPS (1996) Code of Conduct, and the DCP (2001) Professional Practice Guidelines.
• To undertake and keep up to date with mandatory training, including in the Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression

Clinical Supervision, Teaching and Training

• To be responsible for providing clinical supervision to assistant psychologists, clinical associate psychologists, trainees, and other multidisciplinary staff as required.
• To provide consultancy to the CMHS and other agencies as appropriate.
• To offer training in psychological approaches to healthcare and other staff in the multidisciplinary teams and to staff from other parts of the service.
• To keep up to date all records in relation to CPD and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.
• To provide specialist training as required.
• To be aware of and adhere to Trust policies and procedures, including supervision and performance appraisal procedures.

Person Specification Qualifications & Experience Essential

• Doctoral Clinical or Counselling Psychology qualification (or in final year of training) or equivalent
• Eligible for HCPC practitioner psychologist registration
• Basic competence in core psychological assessment, formulation and intervention skills
• Teaching and training of psychology and other staff
• Knowledge of more than one psychological therapy
• Basic competence in neuro-psychological assessment
• Knowledge of legislation and its implications for clinical practice

Desirable

• Relevant specialist CPD qualification
• Clinical supervision experience
• Post-qualification training in psychological therapy
• Accredited psychological therapist
• Evidence of specialist interest in working with adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties during training
• Experience of using CBT with working age adults
• Clinical audit work in specialist area

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

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