The Adult Eating Disorders service is a large well-established service with an experienced multidisciplinary team of clinicians. The post holder would be working in the outpatient team. The team works with a caseload of approximately 200 clients with severe eating disorders from the 5 boroughs that the Trust serves.

Evidence-based psychological therapy models are well regarded within the service. The team enjoys agile working so there is the opportunity to do some work from home but there is an expectation of face to face sessions when it is clinically indicated so the ability to travel to our main base at Springfield and other Trust locations is essential. There is opportunity for joint working, monthly in house CPD meetings, a robust induction and excellent supervision.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an experienced clinical / counselling psychologist (registered with the HCPC) to work in our friendly service and focus on the implementation and expansion of the FREED pathway. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and passionate about working with a range of clients in the 18-25 age range (some of whom are difficult to engage). The post is substantive and full-time (37.5 hours per week).

The role involves managing all young adult referrals and some transition liaison with our colleagues in the Child & Adolescent ED service. The psychologist will join the 'FREED mini team' to track all referrals for 18 to 25-year olds and conduct an 'engagement call' within 48 hours of a referral being received. The postholder will endeavour to maintain the enthusiasm for FREED within the team and beyond (building links with relevant services and universities), through training and regular updates/liaison. You will provide supervision to qualified and non-qualified staff and work with the FREED champion to provide assessment and evidence-based treatment for FREED patients.

The role will require good organisation skills, creative thinking/problem solving, as well as leadership and passion. Ideally the post holder will have experience of working with people with eating disorders but we welcome applications from those who have worked in other specialities who can transfer their skills to an eating

About us

We offer a number of excellent staff benefits and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. Some of our benefits are highlighted here:

• Generous pay, pensions and leave, we offer a comprehensive pay, pensions and leave package which is dependent on the role and length of service.
• Work life balance, we support a range of flexible options, such as: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, compressed hours and working from home.
• Career development, There are plenty of opportunities to progress your career and we support your development through a number of programmes such as mentoring, coaching, positive people management, collective leadership and other talent programmes
• Subsidised car parking - You can park at any of our sites at a reduced rate of £20/month.
• NHS discounts, with discounts up to 10% from a variety of well-known retail brands though Health Service Discounts website.

Other benefits include:

• Eye examinations
• Looking after your health
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car lease scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Childcare vouchers
• Staff restaurants
• Free gym membership

Job description Job responsibilities

Core Clinical Function

• To manage all referrals accessing the service via the FREED pathway, including initial triage and subsequent allocation
• To lead and participate in a weekly FREED Huddle in the South West London locality, bringing together all clinicians involved in the FREED service delivery

• To work as part of the broader multi-disciplinary team
• To provide specialist psychological assessments of new patient referrals to the service of clients presenting with emotional distress and challenging behaviours as a result of their eating disorder and other difficulties based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.

• To act as case manager (care co-rdinator) for clients accepted into the service for treatment taking full clinical responsibility for clients on his/her caseload.
• To formulate and implement plans for the formal psychological treatment and/or management of a clients mental health problems, based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the clients problems, and employing methods based upon evidence of efficacy, across the full range of care settings.

• To maintain a defined caseload and to use judgement in formulation and implementation of highly specialised plans for the clients care and to design and implement specific evidence-based therapy programmes, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E), MANTRA and SSCM (as appropriate) and to evaluate these plans of care.

• To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the individual, family or group.

• To provide highly specialist knowledge/advice to clients with an eating disorder including information regarding physiological implications of an eating disorder.
• To undertake risk assessment and risk management of all clients as necessary.
• To be aware of the serious physical health risks associated with eating disorders and to take appropriate action to monitor the physical health of clients in conjunction with the clients GP and other professionals in the Primary Health Care team.
• To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner, directly with clients, carers/relatives and other healthcare professionals complex and potentially emotive information regarding the clients difficulties, treatment and prognosis.
• To have experience of and utilise appropriately therapeutic skills and approaches as appropriate with clients. To be able to reformulate the problems and difficulties on a regular basis with the client, family members and anyone else involved in the care and adjust the theray plan accordingly
• To provide reports of work undertaken with clients.

• To maintain up to date clinical records, ensuring client confidentiality is maintained.

• To develop and report on treatment plans and progress reports as appropriate.

• To ensure clinical practice is based on research evidence and to participate in clinically relevant research projects and audits within the service.

• Lead and actively take part in comprehensive assessment, care planning, treatment and review of care in line with the CPA Process.

• Lead in the continuing development of a high quality service and contribute to local emergency plan, team risk assessment etc. that is underpinned by evidence based practice, care pathways / packages and NICE and DH Guidance

• Identify, assess and manage clinical and non-clinical risks / hazards in your area through the completion of the relevant risk assessments and the implementation of risk treatment plans for inclusion in the local and Trusts risk registers through the Risk Management department.
• Understand and utilise Health and Social Care commissioned services, demonstrating an empathetic approach of Fairer Access to Care Services

Core Non-Clinical Function

• To continuously review the implementation of the FREED service model and care package, advising the Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders (Adults) on its progress, and identifying any areas for improvement or opportunities for further service development.

• To be responsible for ensuring that required core outcome data are collated and reported back to the FREED Network.

• To proactively engage with the FREED project and join the ongoing FREED supervision groups.
• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary meetings i.e. referral / review / business / handover.

• In conjunction with the Service Lead, take a lead role in clinical service development and review.

• Identify aspects of the service which need to be improved and implement appropriate changes in conjunction with the Service Lead.

• Participate with the Service Lead for the recruitment of employees in accordance with Trust Recruitment Policy and NHS Safer Recruitment Guidelines. Ensure that appropriate corporate and departmental Induction is undertaken immediately following appointment and that staff records that are retained are accurate and up-to-date.

• In conjunction with the Service Lead, work within the available budget of the service and attend regular Performance Management meetings.

• Provide clinical leadership and professional expertise to the team.

• Provide clinical expertise and support to the Commissioning Panels (Health & Social Care)

• Participate in SI investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures plus any relevant investigations in line with Trust policies.

Person Specification Training and Qualifications Essential

• Qualification in a core mental health profession (mental health nursing, occupational therapy, clinical/counselling psychology, systemic psychotherapy) and professional registration (with e.g. NMC, HCPC, UKCP)
• Trained in the use of MANTRA, CBT-ED, SSCM or other evidence-based eating disorders therapy approach

Experience Essential

• Prior experience of working within a mental health setting Working knowledge of the Care Programme Approach
• Prior experience of providing supervision/appraisal to registered/un-registered colleagues
• The ability to act clearly in times of crisis and to act as a role model to team members.
• The ability to organise own work schedules and work to tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Knowledge & experience of specialist assessment, intervention/treatment of eating disorders

Knowledge & Skills Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equality principles and practice.
• Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration
• Well developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS
• Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups
• Detailed knowledge of eating disorders including psychological and behavioural factors.

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

294-EDS-4575819-JB