Clinical / Counselling/Health Psychologist

Job summary

This post is part of a team providing high quality, compassionate psychological care for patients living with and beyond cancer, especially for those coping with more complex issues relating to their diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment. The main responsibilities include:

• Individual assessment, (in-patients and out-patients), on care pathways for cancer.
• Tailored interventions, (1:1 and group), helping prepare for complex treatments and associated decision-making, enhancing long term adjustment and coping with aftermath issues such as trauma, fatigue, depressive reactions, fears of recurrence, engaging with surveillance plans and appropriate self-care.
• Training and supervision of professional colleagues (1:1 and group) related to psychological aspects of cancer care.
• Working in partnership with former service users in a co-production model of service delivery

The post holder(s) will work closely with other health care professionals (including specialist nurses, the cancer physiotherapist, dietitians, support workers) and is part of a wider group of ASCR psychologists with whom day-to-day liaison is part of the role.

NBT is linked to the north of region Doctoral Training Programme in Clinical Psychology based at University of Bath, offering placements for trainees and contributing to teaching. There are close research links with all three local universities (Bristol, UWE, and Bath) and collaborative liaison with University of Bristol Hospitals Trust.

Main duties of the job

• To provide specialist 1:1 and group-based interventions with adults living with and beyond cancer
• Integrate workflow with Psychology colleagues in this specialist area and others as appropriate, working collaboratively with case management arrangements within the team.
• To provide 1:1 clinical supervision psychology to colleagues (e.g. assistant psychologist, trainee) and other health professionals
• To maintain flexibility for cross-cover as may be required to support the overall safety and continuity of services
• To provide advice, consultation and training on psychological care (e.g. adjustment to illness, treatment decision-making, trauma) for other health care professionals
• To maintain up-to-date records of clinical work, outcome, audit, and other data on direct patient work and other activities, as appropriate and in accordance with NBT and professional guidelines
• To participate in service development and research projects, working collaboratively with other team members and in accordance with any additional practice guidance
• To be aware of and adhere to Trust and departmental policies and procedures and the professional practices for psychologists at NBT.
• To liaise with other disciplines and agencies working in the specialism to promote effective interventions and ensure best practice.
• To participate in training programmes, within the Trust as required.
• To undertake job planning and performance review for professional development with the Line Manager.

About us

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.