Senior Psychological Therapist

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Psychological Therapist to join our team at the Trauma and Dissociation Service at the Maudsley Hospital.

The TDS specialises in the assessment and treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders. We are a national service offering second opinions and new forms of treatment for people with complex presentations. The TDS is part of the Psychological Medicine Older Adults Directorate (PMOA). The service takes referrals from GP's, CMHTs and senior clinicians nationally and locally and Self-Funded referrals.

The staff are based at the Maudsley Hospital with some remote working. The staff team consists of a Consultant Psychiatrist, Principle Clinical Psychologist, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Honorary Therapists and a Business Manager.

We have a holistic approach to therapy with our patients using a range of person centred therapeutic modalities with specific focus on attachment repair.

TDS provides a range of therapeutic modalities including the NICE guidelines recommended treatments for PTSD within an individual and group setting. Interventions include Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Lifespan Integration (LI), psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy [CBT] for complex needs, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Trauma Focussed Therapy, Integrative Therapy.

We welcome applications from those who wish to job share / work part-time

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work alongside the multidisciplinary team to contribute to the delivery of high quality, assessment and treatment of people with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders.

To provide a highly specialist psychotherapy/psychological therapy assessment service to patients with PTSD, complex PTSD and dissociative disorders as well as associated psychological difficulties. This includes specialist assessment, second opinion assessments, outreach assessments, care planning, implementation and producing assessment reports.
To co-facilitate Sensorimotor Groups. To offer individual therapy (using a variety of therapeutic models as required by the service)
To contribute to enabling other staff, service users and carers from diverse backgrounds to flourish by working to create a psychologically safe environment.
To undertake service evaluation, audit and research.
To work as an autonomous professional within HCPC/BACP/UKCP/BPC/APC/BABCP guidelines and codes of conduct and guided by principles and policies or procedures of the service, taking responsibility for interpreting policies within defined parameters.
To agree outcomes/results with clinical/professional lead and to decide how they are best achieved.

They will therefore need to be someone with good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, and who has a flexible approach to work and enjoys working independently and as part of a team.

About us

SLAM iscommitted to ensuring our staff get the most out of their benefits package and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. There is an extensive range of excellent benefits for you and your family. We want you to feel like you are part of a close knit team at SLaM. It's important to us that you valued and appreciated and that are why we have a comprehensive benefits package on offer

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,flexible working and support a range of flexible options, such as: part-time working and job sharing.
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
Car lease,our staff benefits from competitive deals to lease cars
Accommodation,our staff benefits fromkeyworker housing available which is available on selected sites
NHS discounts,with discounts up to 10% from a variety of well-known retail brands though Health Service Discounts website.

Other benefits include:

Counselling services
Wellbeing events
Long service awards
Cycle to work scheme
Season ticket loan
Childcare vouchers
Staff restaurants

We look forward to receiving your application.

Date posted

12 September 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£58,698 to £65,095 a year Per Annum Inc

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share

Reference number

334-PMOA-1903828-BT

Job locations

1st Floor Outpatient Department Maudsley Hospital

Denmark Hill, Camberwell

London

SE5 8AZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide highly specialist psychotherapy/psychological therapy assessments, second opinions, and group/individual therapy for clients in the PTSD/Trauma pathway nationally including NICE recommended therapies and alongside other specialist interventions. This will include some of the following psychological interventions/trainings: Psychological stabilisation, EMDR, Tf-CBT, Sensorimotor Therapy, experience of relational based therapies appropriate for complex PTSD (e.g. Internal Family Systems training), experience of individual and group work.
To provide culturally appropriate professional interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required.
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
To act as care coordinator within the team taking responsibility for the coordination of the patients care plan and range of interventions.
To contribute to the effective working of the team or service and to a psychotherapeutically 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 advise other members of the service on specialist psychotherapeutic care of patients.
To liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review care plans.
To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence-based practice and/or currently understood best practice-based evidence, in individual work and work with other team members.
To implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and to propose improvements or beneficial changes.
To contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects.
To contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
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.
To identify any aspects of the service within own service area, which need to be improved and to advise service and professional managers accordingly.
Supervision may need to supervise trainees, honorary staff, or band 7 staff when necessary.
Consultation as required by service need, such as phone call advice to potential referrers or other enquiries to the service.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.
To participate in symposiums, conferences, grand rounds, or any other training events required.
Undertake any CPD and training required to ensure you can conduct clinical work appropriately.
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.
To initiate, undertake, support, and supervise regular complex service evaluation and audits.
To provide expertise in a specialist research area which will contribute to the pathway for PTSD/Trauma.
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychotherapist/psychological therapist according to HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BPC/BABCP and Trust guidelines.
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BCP/BABCP and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.
To comply with HCPC/BACP/UKCP//APC/BCP/BABCP Standards of Ethics and Proficiency and ensure professional development in line with these.
To adhere to the HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BPC/BABCP. Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.

To travel to Trust premises for service meetings, training, home visits as appropriate and when required.

To be aware of risk relating to aggressive and challenging behaviour amongst the client group and follow trust policies relating to its management.
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide highly specialist psychotherapy/psychological therapy assessments, second opinions, and group/individual therapy for clients in the PTSD/Trauma pathway nationally including NICE recommended therapies and alongside other specialist interventions. This will include some of the following psychological interventions/trainings: Psychological stabilisation, EMDR, Tf-CBT, Sensorimotor Therapy, experience of relational based therapies appropriate for complex PTSD (e.g. Internal Family Systems training), experience of individual and group work.
To provide culturally appropriate professional interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required.
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
To act as care coordinator within the team taking responsibility for the coordination of the patients care plan and range of interventions.
To contribute to the effective working of the team or service and to a psychotherapeutically 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 advise other members of the service on specialist psychotherapeutic care of patients.
To liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review care plans.
To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence-based practice and/or currently understood best practice-based evidence, in individual work and work with other team members.
To implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and to propose improvements or beneficial changes.
To contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects.
To contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
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.
To identify any aspects of the service within own service area, which need to be improved and to advise service and professional managers accordingly.
Supervision may need to supervise trainees, honorary staff, or band 7 staff when necessary.
Consultation as required by service need, such as phone call advice to potential referrers or other enquiries to the service.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.
To participate in symposiums, conferences, grand rounds, or any other training events required.
Undertake any CPD and training required to ensure you can conduct clinical work appropriately.
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.
To initiate, undertake, support, and supervise regular complex service evaluation and audits.
To provide expertise in a specialist research area which will contribute to the pathway for PTSD/Trauma.
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychotherapist/psychological therapist according to HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BPC/BABCP and Trust guidelines.
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BCP/BABCP and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.
To comply with HCPC/BACP/UKCP//APC/BCP/BABCP Standards of Ethics and Proficiency and ensure professional development in line with these.
To adhere to the HCPC/BACP/UKCP/APC/BPC/BABCP. Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.

To travel to Trust premises for service meetings, training, home visits as appropriate and when required.

To be aware of risk relating to aggressive and challenging behaviour amongst the client group and follow trust policies relating to its management.
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Post-graduate qualification in either psychology or psychotherapy. (A/I)
Registered with the HCPC as practitioner psychologist or accepted psychotherapy body. (A/I)
Doctoral level qualification in clinical psychology or counselling psychology or equivalent qualification in psychotherapy or CCST in medical psychotherapy or equivalent relevant experience. (A/I)

Desirable

Post-doctoral training in one or more additional specialized areas of psychological practice. (A/I)

Experience

Essential

Substantive experience in working with trauma/dissociation at a secondary/tertiary trauma service or equivalent. (A/I)
Significant post- qualification experience of working with complex PTSD and Dissociation. (A/I)
Experience of racial awareness/diversity training (A/I)
Psychological and or psychodynamic therapy: appropriate level of competence in treating patients offering time-limited therapy with a range of patients with complex mental health problems. (A/I)
Experience in assessing patients with complex needs suffering from complex trauma, dissociative disorder and or personality disorders. (A/I)

Desirable

Experience of working with Personality Disorders (A/I)
Experience of working with individuals with dissociative disorders. (A/I)

Knowledge

Essential

Post Graduate level knowledge of psychological research methodology and complex statistical analysis. (A/I/References)
Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS/UKCP. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of psychological assessment clinical psychometrics. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health issues. (A/I/References)
Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments. (A/I)
Practitioner level knowledge of at least two models of therapy and knowledge of the theoretical and evidence base for them. (A/I/References)
Awareness of racial and diversity issues through attendance of relevant training. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies for traumatized and personality disordered clients. (A/I/References)
Good knowledge of models of intervention for PTSD and dissociation (A/I)
Knowledge of and experience in providing other psychotherapeutic models of treatment. (A/I)

Skills

Essential

Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management of PTSD, complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. (A/I)
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. (A/I)
Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups. (A/I)
Advanced practitioner skills in at least one model of psychological therapy for PTSD and complex PTSD/Borderline Personality Disorder. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, highly technical and sensitive information to clients, families and colleagues. (A/I)
Complex methods of psychological assessment and interventions frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. (A/I/References)
Well developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data.

Abilities

Essential

Ability to work independently and manage work to agreed timescales (A/I)
Ability to pursue research in clinical psychology /psychotherapy (A/I)
Ability to work independently as an autonomous practitioner with appropriate level of clinical and managerial supervision. (A/I)
Has completed a minimum of 18 months post qualification CPD to develop clinical and/or research skills relevant to specialist area as agreed in the Personal Development Plan. (A/I/References)
Ability to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate, to support and maintain clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material and/or challenging behaviour. (A/I/References)
Commitment to continuing professional development, to partnership working and to reflexive clinical practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Post-graduate qualification in either psychology or psychotherapy. (A/I)
Registered with the HCPC as practitioner psychologist or accepted psychotherapy body. (A/I)
Doctoral level qualification in clinical psychology or counselling psychology or equivalent qualification in psychotherapy or CCST in medical psychotherapy or equivalent relevant experience. (A/I)

Desirable

Post-doctoral training in one or more additional specialized areas of psychological practice. (A/I)

Experience

Essential

Substantive experience in working with trauma/dissociation at a secondary/tertiary trauma service or equivalent. (A/I)
Significant post- qualification experience of working with complex PTSD and Dissociation. (A/I)
Experience of racial awareness/diversity training (A/I)
Psychological and or psychodynamic therapy: appropriate level of competence in treating patients offering time-limited therapy with a range of patients with complex mental health problems. (A/I)
Experience in assessing patients with complex needs suffering from complex trauma, dissociative disorder and or personality disorders. (A/I)

Desirable

Experience of working with Personality Disorders (A/I)
Experience of working with individuals with dissociative disorders. (A/I)

Knowledge

Essential

Post Graduate level knowledge of psychological research methodology and complex statistical analysis. (A/I/References)
Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS/UKCP. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of psychological assessment clinical psychometrics. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health issues. (A/I/References)
Comprehensive knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments. (A/I)
Practitioner level knowledge of at least two models of therapy and knowledge of the theoretical and evidence base for them. (A/I/References)
Awareness of racial and diversity issues through attendance of relevant training. (A/I/References)
Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies for traumatized and personality disordered clients. (A/I/References)
Good knowledge of models of intervention for PTSD and dissociation (A/I)
Knowledge of and experience in providing other psychotherapeutic models of treatment. (A/I)

Skills

Essential

Skills in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment, intervention and management of PTSD, complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. (A/I)
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. (A/I)
Skills in providing consultation to other professional and non-professional groups. (A/I)
Advanced practitioner skills in at least one model of psychological therapy for PTSD and complex PTSD/Borderline Personality Disorder. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, highly technical and sensitive information to clients, families and colleagues. (A/I)
Complex methods of psychological assessment and interventions frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. (A/I/References)
Well developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data.

Abilities

Essential

Ability to work independently and manage work to agreed timescales (A/I)
Ability to pursue research in clinical psychology /psychotherapy (A/I)
Ability to work independently as an autonomous practitioner with appropriate level of clinical and managerial supervision. (A/I)
Has completed a minimum of 18 months post qualification CPD to develop clinical and/or research skills relevant to specialist area as agreed in the Personal Development Plan. (A/I/References)
Ability to identify and employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate, to support and maintain clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material and/or challenging behaviour. (A/I/References)
Commitment to continuing professional development, to partnership working and to reflexive clinical practice.

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).