7/8a Applied Psychologist Development Post in At Risk Mental State

Job summary

We are pleased to offer either a development post for a newly qualified Applied Psychologist (Clinical/ Counselling/ Forensic) with an interest working with individuals who are at risk of developing psychosis in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) and working initially at band 7, working towards the competencies of an 8a. You may also already be an experienced band 7 psychologist and wish to progress to a band 8a without the need for the development process.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner, who is able to work flexibly and creatively with people who are at-risk of developing psychosis within our At Risk Mental State (ARMS) pathway within EIP.

This is an exciting opportunity as we are expanding and developing our ARMS provision within each of our four EIP teams (Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall) across the Black Country. There is one full time equivalent (FTE) post for 8a/7 Applied Psychologists, in which 0.5 FTE time would be dedicated to each of the four teams. We can also accommodate practitioners who are looking for part time hours. Please state your preferred location in your application.

If you work with hope, optimism, compassion and inclusivity at the heart of your practice, we welcome your application.

Main duties of the job

You will be a qualified psychologist with relevant training and/or experience of working with people with psychosis, with willingness to commit to further training to deliver effective interventions to individuals and their families. ARMS is a multidisciplinary specialist service for individuals aged 14-35 who are identified as being at risk of developing psychosis, and their families. There is a strong emphasis on team working, with the opportunity to collaborate, supervise, and provide consultation to your colleagues. We work with a broad range of presentations including unusual experiences, such as hallucinations, unusual beliefs, paranoia, as well as trauma, complex emotions, stigma, social isolation and substance misuse difficulties.

The post holder will work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team in the At Risk Mental State (ARMS) pathway within Early Intervention in Psychosis Services to support the care and recovery of clients within the service and their family and carers.

The post holder will be primarily expected to contribute towards the delivery of high quality evidence-based psychological assessment, formulations and interventions for people experiencing at-risk mental states, who may present with complex mental health, social, and relational difficulties, as well as issues such as substance and alcohol use. The post holder will also be expected to support the delivery of family interventions within the service.

About us

The Black Country EIP service is comprised of four EIP teams located in Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. We are expanding and developing our ARMS provision so there will be an ARMS team within each locality.

Join us here at the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) and be a part of something new and exciting.

BCHFT are committed to investment in our Psychology staff so you will have access to a psychology specific dedicated CPD budget to support your professional growth, including postgraduate diploma training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing. There will be opportunities to gain further specialist training, develop leadership and supervision skills, and be involved in service development projects and research trials.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to join a welcoming and friendly team, and network of psychologists.
• Interesting and varied clinical work to establish yourself as a clinician and to develop and consolidate your skills.
• Exciting opportunities to help shape the delivery of services
• A culture of supporting and helping each other to grow and be our best
• A chance to make a real difference to people's lives
• A creative and forward-thinking environment