Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Early Intervention)

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join the OASIS teams in Croydon and Lewisham. The role is available in two different formats -

1. Newly qualified applicants will be offered a preceptorship. This will start at Band 7 full time, progressing to 4 days at Band 8a after one year, conditional on progression targets being met.

2. Applicants with relevant experience at Band 7 or 8a will be offered 4 days at band 8a.'

Roles will be substantively based in one of either Croydon or Lewisham however may include work across either borough based upon the needs of the team.

OASIS is a preventative mental health service, working with young people (aged 14-35) identified as being at high risk of developing psychosis. The needs and priorities of OASIS' clients are extremely varied, so working in the team you will develop both specialist skills in working with unusual experiences, as well as more general therapeutic skills. For this reason, the role will be well suited to an applicant who enjoys flexibly drawing on a range of different therapeutic approaches. The work and development of the successful candidate would be supported by excellent CPD opportunities.

Main duties of the job

This role will include providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for people at risk of developing psychosis and engaging in family and carer work.A key aspect of our work isdestigmatisingandnormalisingthe experiences of our clients. This is informed by our perspective that unusual experiences (or symptoms associated with psychosis) are often entirely understandable responses to the experiences people have had in their lives, and contexts in which they live. The right candidate for this role will share this perspective on unusual experiences. In keeping with this, the role will include opportunities to link up with localorganisationswith the goal of working together to increase awareness and decrease stigma related to psychosis and mental health more generally.

The post requires psychological knowledge and abilities relevant for working with At-Risk Mental States and First Episode Psychosis, as well as experience of delivering evidence-based interventions in the context of complex presentations in early intervention. Excellent communication skills are required in order to promote early detection across the borough, and to maintain established links with GPs, child and adolescent mental health teams, other primary and secondary services, and a range of third sector organisations. The candidate should be skilled in engaging young people from diverse backgrounds, in a way that is highly sensitive to their needs, yet creative and inventive where appropriate.

About us

We are a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, key workers, researchers, and a team leader. OASIS provides care over a two year period, during which time clients have access to psychological therapy, medical and pharmacological consultation and treatment where appropriate, and practical support around such issues as housing, finances and engaging in work or education.An important aspect of the role would therefore be working alongside non-psychologymembers of the team, providing psychologically informed input and consultation.

Our early detection work is aimed at promoting early detection across the boroughs, and is undertaken with a range of community and faith organisations, GPs, child and adolescent mental health services, other primary and secondary services and a range of third sector organisations. Our purpose in this respect is to raise awareness of mental health problems - particularly psychosis - and increase the accessibility and acceptability of services for young people.

Given strong links between our clinical service and a world leading program of research into prodromal psychosis at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), the post-holder will also have opportunities to be involved in psychological research, as well as delivering teaching sessions and the supervision of MSc students.

Date posted

09 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£58,698 to £65,095 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

334-LAM-5158735-JC-A-B

Job locations

Croydon and Lewisham OASIS

Queens Resource Centre

London

CR0 2PR

Job description

Job responsibilities

KR 1 Clinical and Client Care

To provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) criteria, primarily: offering up to 24 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks as appropriate.
To administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi-structured assessment tool.
To provide culturally appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required, including structured family therapy/family intervention following a theoretical model.
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
To occasionally act as key worker for an small number of clients,taking responsibility for regular monitoring (either by phone or in person), initiating planning and review meetings, and in some cases supporting with practical matters such as housing or finances.

KR 2 Contributing to team or service clinical functioning

To contribute to the effective working of the OASIS Team,and to a psychologically informed framework for the service.
To contribute to the team or services delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
To be proactive in challenging discrimination and support the development of culturally competent services.
To liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review care plans, as well as in promoting the OASIS service.
Participate in team seniors meetings, and contribute to the ongoing development of the OASIS service. (8a only)

KR 3 Policy and service development

To contribute to the Early Detection Programme (service promotion) in Croydon and Lewisham, through liaising closely with other services working with young people in the borough. This includes primary care, community mental health services, colleges and universities, and various other third sector organisations.
To develop relationships with NHS and non-NHS services within Croydon and Lewisham, with the aim of raising awareness of the early warning signs of psychosis and to ensure referrals are made to OASIS at the earliest opportunity.
To implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and to propose improvements or beneficial changes.
To promote service user involvement within the team, and to contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
To contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects.

KR 4 Care or management of resources

To take care of, and use carefully, the Trusts equipment and physical resources.
To ensure that the post-holder has sufficient resources by estimating future needs and requesting or ordering supplies as needed.

KR 5 Management and supervision

To be responsible for the allocation and/or clinical supervision of the work of an assistant psychologist or MSc clinical placement student if required, under supervision from a more senior psychologist.
To supervise Trainee Clinical and Counselling Psychologists after completion of the relevant Courses Supervision Training.
To supervise Band 7 psychologists (8a only)

KR 6 Teaching and Training

To deliver occasional teaching on prodromal psychosis, early intervention, and psychological approaches if required; predominantly at Masters level.
To provide occasional specialist training in psychological approaches to care to other professions as appropriate.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.

KR 7 Record-keeping and Information Governance

To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.

KR 8 Research and development

To undertake regular complex service evaluation, audits or research relevant to service needs.

KR 9 Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development

To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines.
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with BPS and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements and the HCPC Standards for Continuing Professional Development.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.
To comply with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency, and ensure professional development in line with these.
To adhere to the BPSs Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.

KR10 General

To travel to different sites within Croydon and Lewisham, and across SLaM for meetings and liaisonas appropriate. This includes pathway-wide psychology meetings, CPD events, specialist supervision, teaching, training, and other commitments as they arise.
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situationsand to support others involved in such situations.

Job description

Job responsibilities

KR 1 Clinical and Client Care

To provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) criteria, primarily: offering up to 24 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks as appropriate.
To administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi-structured assessment tool.
To provide culturally appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required, including structured family therapy/family intervention following a theoretical model.
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
To occasionally act as key worker for an small number of clients,taking responsibility for regular monitoring (either by phone or in person), initiating planning and review meetings, and in some cases supporting with practical matters such as housing or finances.

KR 2 Contributing to team or service clinical functioning

To contribute to the effective working of the OASIS Team,and to a psychologically informed framework for the service.
To contribute to the team or services delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
To be proactive in challenging discrimination and support the development of culturally competent services.
To liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review care plans, as well as in promoting the OASIS service.
Participate in team seniors meetings, and contribute to the ongoing development of the OASIS service. (8a only)

KR 3 Policy and service development

To contribute to the Early Detection Programme (service promotion) in Croydon and Lewisham, through liaising closely with other services working with young people in the borough. This includes primary care, community mental health services, colleges and universities, and various other third sector organisations.
To develop relationships with NHS and non-NHS services within Croydon and Lewisham, with the aim of raising awareness of the early warning signs of psychosis and to ensure referrals are made to OASIS at the earliest opportunity.
To implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and to propose improvements or beneficial changes.
To promote service user involvement within the team, and to contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
To contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects.

KR 4 Care or management of resources

To take care of, and use carefully, the Trusts equipment and physical resources.
To ensure that the post-holder has sufficient resources by estimating future needs and requesting or ordering supplies as needed.

KR 5 Management and supervision

To be responsible for the allocation and/or clinical supervision of the work of an assistant psychologist or MSc clinical placement student if required, under supervision from a more senior psychologist.
To supervise Trainee Clinical and Counselling Psychologists after completion of the relevant Courses Supervision Training.
To supervise Band 7 psychologists (8a only)

KR 6 Teaching and Training

To deliver occasional teaching on prodromal psychosis, early intervention, and psychological approaches if required; predominantly at Masters level.
To provide occasional specialist training in psychological approaches to care to other professions as appropriate.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.

KR 7 Record-keeping and Information Governance

To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.

KR 8 Research and development

To undertake regular complex service evaluation, audits or research relevant to service needs.

KR 9 Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development

To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines.
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with BPS and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements and the HCPC Standards for Continuing Professional Development.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.
To comply with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Standards of Proficiency, and ensure professional development in line with these.
To adhere to the BPSs Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.

KR10 General

To travel to different sites within Croydon and Lewisham, and across SLaM for meetings and liaisonas appropriate. This includes pathway-wide psychology meetings, CPD events, specialist supervision, teaching, training, and other commitments as they arise.
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situationsand to support others involved in such situations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Doctoral level qualification in clinical or counselling psychology, or equivalent.
Registered with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, or anticipating registration on completion of professional training in the near future. (A/I)

Desirable

o(8a only) Evidence of further post-doctoral qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in a CBTp/FI).

Experience

Essential

oExperience of receiving clinical supervision across a range of client needs. (A/I)
oExperience of delivering CBT-based psychological assessment and intervention with clients experiencing a range of complex needs, within the context of at-risk mental state and/or early intervention for psychosis. (A/I)
oExperience of working with families and carers, and of delivering family therapy following a theoretical model. (A/I)
oExperience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience. (A/I)
o(8a only) Experience providing clinical supervision (A/I)

Desirable

oExperience of working with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) client group. (A/I)
oExperience of developing and carrying out research projects. (A/I)

Knowledge

Essential

oKnowledge of psychological assessment and intervention with clients experiencing a range of psychological needs of a complex nature in early psychosis (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of psychological assessment and clinical psychometrics. (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health issues, child and adult protection, and equalities. (A/I/R)
oDoctoral level knowledge of psychological research methodology and complex statistical analysis. (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of factors affecting acceptability and accessibility of mental health care, particularly for young people. (A/I/R)

Desirable

o(8a only) Knowledge of different models of clinical supervision (A/I)

Skills

Essential

oSkills in delivering psychological therapy in a culturally competent manner suited to the client. (A/I/R)
oTo select and administer specialist psychological assessments, interpreting and integrating complex data that require analysis, interpretation and comparison, drawn from several sources. (A/I/R)
oTo communicate complex information skilfully and sensitively with clients, carers and colleagues, taking in to consideration barriers to communication including sensory sensitivities, emotional difficulties, cultural differences and hostility to or rejection of information. (A/I/R)
oTo plan and schedule assessment and interventions for individual clients, carers and groups. (A/I/R)
oTo plan allocation of tasks to assistant psychologists or MSc students as appropriate. (A/I/R)
oTo be skilled in the administration of psychometric and neuropsychological tests, including those that require complex manipulation of test materials. (A/I/R)
oWell-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data. (A/I/R)

Desirable

oSkills in providing supporting teaching and training to psychologists or others to other professional groups. (A/I)
o(8a only) Skills in using clinical supervision to support junior members of the psychology team, being able to identify gaps in clinical skills and areas of difficulty they might be having (A/I)

Abilities

Essential

oAbility to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to effective team functioning and holding team roles. (A/I/R)
oAbility to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate. (A/I/R)
oAbility to maintain concentration and to remain in restricted positions for long periods during observations, assessments and psychological interventions, and to deal with unexpected interruptions or changes during these. (A/I)
oAbility to manage emotionally stressful situations such as working with victims of abuse or trauma, or with people who engage in severe self-harming or aggressive behaviour. (A/I)

Desirable

oCommitment to continuing professional development, to partnership working and to reflective clinical practice. (A/I)
oAbility to develop and use complex multi-media materials for presentations in public, professional and academic meetings. (A/I)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Doctoral level qualification in clinical or counselling psychology, or equivalent.
Registered with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, or anticipating registration on completion of professional training in the near future. (A/I)

Desirable

o(8a only) Evidence of further post-doctoral qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in a CBTp/FI).

Experience

Essential

oExperience of receiving clinical supervision across a range of client needs. (A/I)
oExperience of delivering CBT-based psychological assessment and intervention with clients experiencing a range of complex needs, within the context of at-risk mental state and/or early intervention for psychosis. (A/I)
oExperience of working with families and carers, and of delivering family therapy following a theoretical model. (A/I)
oExperience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience. (A/I)
o(8a only) Experience providing clinical supervision (A/I)

Desirable

oExperience of working with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) client group. (A/I)
oExperience of developing and carrying out research projects. (A/I)

Knowledge

Essential

oKnowledge of psychological assessment and intervention with clients experiencing a range of psychological needs of a complex nature in early psychosis (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of psychological assessment and clinical psychometrics. (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health issues, child and adult protection, and equalities. (A/I/R)
oDoctoral level knowledge of psychological research methodology and complex statistical analysis. (A/I/R)
oKnowledge of factors affecting acceptability and accessibility of mental health care, particularly for young people. (A/I/R)

Desirable

o(8a only) Knowledge of different models of clinical supervision (A/I)

Skills

Essential

oSkills in delivering psychological therapy in a culturally competent manner suited to the client. (A/I/R)
oTo select and administer specialist psychological assessments, interpreting and integrating complex data that require analysis, interpretation and comparison, drawn from several sources. (A/I/R)
oTo communicate complex information skilfully and sensitively with clients, carers and colleagues, taking in to consideration barriers to communication including sensory sensitivities, emotional difficulties, cultural differences and hostility to or rejection of information. (A/I/R)
oTo plan and schedule assessment and interventions for individual clients, carers and groups. (A/I/R)
oTo plan allocation of tasks to assistant psychologists or MSc students as appropriate. (A/I/R)
oTo be skilled in the administration of psychometric and neuropsychological tests, including those that require complex manipulation of test materials. (A/I/R)
oWell-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data. (A/I/R)

Desirable

oSkills in providing supporting teaching and training to psychologists or others to other professional groups. (A/I)
o(8a only) Skills in using clinical supervision to support junior members of the psychology team, being able to identify gaps in clinical skills and areas of difficulty they might be having (A/I)

Abilities

Essential

oAbility to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to effective team functioning and holding team roles. (A/I/R)
oAbility to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate. (A/I/R)
oAbility to maintain concentration and to remain in restricted positions for long periods during observations, assessments and psychological interventions, and to deal with unexpected interruptions or changes during these. (A/I)
oAbility to manage emotionally stressful situations such as working with victims of abuse or trauma, or with people who engage in severe self-harming or aggressive behaviour. (A/I)

Desirable

oCommitment to continuing professional development, to partnership working and to reflective clinical practice. (A/I)
oAbility to develop and use complex multi-media materials for presentations in public, professional and academic meetings. (A/I)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).