Psychological Practitioner

1. Complete psychological assessments, structured formulations and delivery of, psychological interventions.

2. Build healthy and meaningful working relationships with colleagues from different professions in various settings.

3. Assessment, understanding and supporting formulation, planning, organising, reviewing and delivering recovery-oriented and evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of service users, as agreed with the supervising clinician(s). This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards.

4. To forge strong and healthy connections between physical and mental health care within a community setting as part of a holistic approach.

5. Engage with clinical supervision with a named member of qualified psychology staff to take place on a weekly basis to facilitate their work and ensure safe practice.

6. Assist in the development, design and implementation of programme and project work. To assist in the administration and interpretation of outcome related measures, collation and recording of statistics and production of relevant reports.

7. To engage with relevant CPD associated with the job role in order to feel confident in day-to-day practice.

seeking a Psychological Practitioner Health and Wellbeing Coach to deliver

high-quality, low-intensity, psychologically informed support to people

referred through GP practices across South Sefton. This is a Band 5, full-time

role (37.5 hours per week), based across the South Sefton Primary Care area

assigned. The post holder will work with adults aged 18+ who are at risk of,

experiencing or recovering from mental health difficulties. The role aligns

with the Health and Wellbeing Coach Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme

framework and combines psychologically informed practice with personalised

health coaching to improve wellbeing, resilience, self-management and

health-related outcomes.

Role purpose

Working under the regular supervision of a

qualified psychological professional, the post holder will undertake

psychological assessments, develop collaborative and structured formulations,

and deliver time-limited, evidence-based interventions matched to individual

need. Approaches may include cognitive behavioural techniques, solution-focused

methods, mindfulness-based skills and other appropriate psychologically

informed models within the competence of a Band 5 practitioner. Assessment and

intervention will be person-centred, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and

formulation-driven, taking account of psychological, physical, social and

environmental factors. The post holder will also use health coaching approaches

to help people identify what matters to them, set personalised goals and build

confidence in managing their health and wellbeing.

Main duties and

holistic biopsychosocial and psychological assessments using clinical

interviews, observation, information from relevant others and, where

appropriate, standardised outcome measures or psychometric tools.

Develop

shared psychological formulations, including structured approaches such as the

5 Ps or CBT models, and review these formulations through supervision as needs

change.

Deliver

planned, low-intensity psychological interventions on an individual basis and potentially

co-deliver group interventions and wellbeing sessions.

Use

health and wellbeing coaching skills to support behaviour change, lifestyle

modification, resilience and self-management through collaborative,

personalised goal setting.

Build

effective therapeutic relationships, explain confidentiality clearly, obtain

informed consent and communicate sensitively with people, families, carers and

professionals.

Complete

collaborative risk assessments, risk formulations and management plans in

accordance with local policy, escalating or seeking support where required.

Recognise

and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns involving children or

adults, following organisational and statutory procedures.

Review

progress and outcomes with patients, determine when further intervention may

not be helpful, and support safe discharge, onward referral or follow-up

planning.

Maintain

accurate, timely and appropriate electronic clinical records, including

assessment documentation, progress notes, outcome measures, supervision records

and discharge correspondence.

and prioritise a varied caseload, plan appointments and administrative time,

organise an effective diary and work safely within lone-working procedures.

Multidisciplinary and

partnership working

The post holder will work as an active member

of the multidisciplinary team and maintain constructive relationships with

SSPCN GP practices, ARRS colleagues, primary and community mental health teams,

social care, education, housing, benefits services, voluntary, community and

faith organisations, and other partners involved in a persons care. They will

contribute relevant clinical information, report progress and outcomes, support

shared decision-making and help people access the most appropriate pathway. The

role requires confidence in communicating complex, sensitive or potentially

contentious information, including where people are distressed or face barriers

to understanding or engagement. Communication must be clear, compassionate,

respectful and adapted to individual need.

Supervision and professional

development

The post holder will prepare for and

participate fully in weekly clinical supervision with a named qualified

psychological professional, as well as relevant group supervision, line

management and appraisal processes. They will respond to supervisory guidance,

maintain appropriate supervision records and use reflection to develop clinical

skills, evaluate their practice and maintain safe professional boundaries. They

are expected to engage in continuing professional development, apply learning

from relevant higher education and training, remain aware of their own

wellbeing and fitness to practise, and seek timely support when clinical

information is incomplete, complex or conflicting.

Clinical governance and safe

practice

Provide

care in accordance with evidence-based practice, NICE guidance, local and

national policies, clinical governance requirements and relevant professional

codes of ethics and conduct.

Understand

and apply legal and ethical principles relevant to mental health care,

including confidentiality, consent, capacity, safeguarding and appropriate

information sharing.

Maintain

patient confidentiality and comply with information governance, record-keeping

and data protection requirements.

Use

electronic patient record systems and approved digital communication platforms

competently and in line with organisational policies.

Work

in accordance with health and safety requirements, report unsafe practice and

contribute to a culture in which concerns can be raised appropriately.

equality, diversity and inclusion, challenge discriminatory practice and

recognise the effects of difference, inequality and social circumstances on

health and access to care.

Service improvement and

evaluation

The post holder will contribute to the

continuing development of the Psychological Practitioner role and the wider

service. This may include supporting programme and project work, gathering and

interpreting outcome data, collecting service-user feedback, maintaining

activity records, contributing to reports and presentations, taking part in

clinical audit and service evaluation, and sharing learning with colleagues.

They may undertake literature reviews, critically appraise research and

contribute to training events, steering groups or service-development

discussions when requested. All activity must comply with relevant ethical and

governance requirements.

The person we are looking for

You will bring psychological knowledge and

practical skills developed through an appropriate postgraduate, counselling or

related qualification and relevant continuing professional development. You

will be able to apply theory to practice within the boundaries of the role,

develop trusting therapeutic relationships and communicate with empathy,

clarity and professionalism. You should be able to assess and interpret complex

information, consider different options, make proportionate recommendations

with supervisory support and recognise when to escalate concerns. Strong

organisation, accurate documentation, digital confidence and the ability to

work both independently and collaboratively are essential. You will be

comfortable working across GP practices and community settings, managing

competing demands and contributing positively to a developing service. A

commitment to compassionate, non-discriminatory, recovery-focused and

evidence-based care is central to the role.

Accountability and

organisational context

The post holder will be managerially

accountable to the Line Manager/Service Lead and professionally accountable to

the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Lead. South Sefton PCN aims to strengthen and

sustain general practice, support collaborative working across member

practices, develop integrated and place-based care, improve patient access and

experience, build effective links with community partners and make appropriate

use of digital technology. Our values are making a difference in the right way,

acting with enthusiasm and positivity, and behaving with care and compassion.

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate these values consistently in

their work with patients, colleagues and partner organisations.

We are a collaborative partnership of 19 GP practices working alongside community, mental health, social care and voluntary sector organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population. We are committed to delivering proactive, personalised and coordinated care, with a strong focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities and supporting people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Our workforce includes GPs, Nurses, Advanced Practitioners, Clinical Pharmacists, Paramedics, Social Prescribing Link Workers, Care Coordinators and other specialist roles who work together to develop innovative services to meet the needs of our communities. We are passionate about transforming healthcare through collaboration, continuous improvement & population-focused care.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values:

We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills, share ideas & contribute to the ongoing evolution of primary care services.

Qualifications

Experience

Personal