In line with the transformation work in Bedfordshire and Luton, the Complex Needs Service are developing a Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) offer to complement the existing DBT service provision and offer choice of evidence-based treatments. The service is being set up by an experienced MBT Supervisor within the service in consultation with the Clinical Lead. There is an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Psychologist or Psychological Therapist to improve access and treatment for people with complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of 'personality disorder'.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will have experience and training in delivering psychological therapies to complex client groups and commitment to further training in MBT. The ideal candidate would also have accreditation in an evidence-based psychological therapy for people with complex emotional needs and/or be an accredited MBT Practitioner. The successful candidate will be committed to the supervised delivery of psychological therapy and to uphold the mechanisms of governance for a dedicated Complex Needs service. They will also be committed to working collaboratively with service users, carers, and colleagues to create a psychologically safe environment that enables the delivery of effective treatment.

The successful candidate will be required to participate in weekly peer supervision, and will offer specialist advice, supervision, training, and consultation to other professionals and teams to support effective and efficient psychologically-informed care and treatment across the BLMK integrated care system. We would welcome interest from candidates who are committed to co-producing the development of the care pathway through participation in clinical research, audit and/or quality improvement projects.

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Job description Job responsibilities

We are simultaneously advertising for an 8a position in the MBT offer: newly/early qualified psychologists could be appointed at Band 7 under a preceptorship to work towards requirements for Band 8a, subject to satisfactory completion of preceptorship process. Please see separate advert if this opportunity appeals and is appropriate for you.

Interviews to be scheduled for Tuesday 4th April 2023

For further details contact:

Or Patrick Grove (Principal Clinical Psychologist), telephone 01582 709074, patrick.grove2@nhs.net

Person Specification Education/ Qualification/ Training Essential

• Core Mental Health Profession (e.g. Social Worker; Occupational Therapist; CPN; Psychologist)
• Current HCPC/NMC registration
• Training in an evidence-based psychological therapy

Desirable

• Further training in evidence-based therapies for people with a diagnosis of ''personality disorder'' (eg: Mentalization Based Treatment or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)
• Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) Practitioner accreditation from the Anna Freud Centre.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

• Knowledge of NICE guidelines for management and treatment of 'personality disorder'; awareness of relevant research and its implications for clinical practice.
• Knowledge and skills in an evidence-based therapy for people with complex emotional needs who may have a diagnosis of ''personality disorder'' (eg: MBT, DBT, CBT)
• Knowledge and understanding of recent legislation and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management in relation to the welfare of adults with mental health difficulties and a diagnosis of 'personality disorder' and their friends/families (including children).
• Ability to apply an understanding of diversity, difference and rights to interactions with people with complex emotional needs and a diagnosis of 'personality disorder
• Knowledge of, and ability to, operate within professional and ethical guidelines
• Knowledge of, and ability to work with, issues of confidentiality and consent
• Knowledge of, and ability to assess, mental capacity
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and flexibly across services
• Ability to analyse and manage complex multifactorial clinical information from a range of sources integrating it into a formulation utilising a biopsychosocial model
• Ability to undertake a dynamic risk assessment and develop a safety plan in collaboration with service users
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of risk management practice with service users who have a diagnosis of ''personality disorder''.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written.
• Ability to deal with highly stressful situations arising with service users, carers and staff
• Sensitivity to and ability to deal with hostility and antagonism in a constructive manner
• Ability to sensitively and effectively communicate complex and highly sensitive information.
• Ability to effectively manage endings and service transitions which may evoke strong emotions and reactions for service users
• Ability to recognise own limits and seek appropriate support and supervision
• Ability to organise own workload effectively, prioritising a complex range of tasks and responsibilities to meet agreed deadlines.
• Good IT skills and sound understanding of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate carepathways
• Demonstrable skills in clinical outcome evaluation, audit, research and/or clinical governance.

Experience Essential

• Substantial clinical experience working with people with a diagnosis of 'personality disorder' as a member of a multi-disciplinary community mental health team.
• Experience of conducting psychologically informed/generic assessments, group interventions, risk assessments, mental state assessments, safety planning and crisis intervention
• Knowledge and experience of working with people with comorbid mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance misuse and psychosis.
• Experience of using psychological interventions with people with 'personality disorder' (DBT/CBT/MBT)
• Experience of using outcome measures in clinical practice
• Experience, skills and ability to liaise effectively with other agencies and professionals
• Experience of teaching/training others
• Active participation in co-produced service planning and delivery

Desirable

• Post-qualification experience of autonomously managing a caseload in a community mental health setting.
• Experience of supervising staff and/or students

Other Essential

• Non-judgmental stance toward self, colleagues and service users
• Warm, empathic and able to build constructive and collaborative relationships with service users and colleagues
• Able to adopt a respectful, culturally sensitive approach to service users, families, carers, colleagues and other professionals.
• Self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Team player
• Emotionally resilient and able to sensitively and effectively cope with stressful situations including staff and /or organisational problems, child abuse, family breakdown, serious mental ill health, verbal abuse and hostility/aggression.
• Able to endure prolonged periods of concentration for extended therapy and skills training sessions.
• Able to collaboratively engage service users with the treatment model & options
• Able to tolerate and regulate own anxiety and frustration when working autonomously
• Able to support others to tolerate and manage their anxiety and frustration.
• Capable of reflective practice, and able to enable other teams/individuals to engage in reflective practice.
• Able to work within Professional guidelines.
• Full understanding of, and commitment to, Equal Opportunities
• To practice in accordance with the Code of Conduct as outlined by the relevant professional or accreditation body.
• Willingness and ability to travel between sites across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and occasionally, London.
• Driver's license and access to a vehicle insured for business use.
• Sickness (or attendance) record that is acceptable to the Trust: to be checked at interview. Will need to be declared medically fit by the Occupational Health Department to perform the duties of the post.

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

363-LB5090454