Senior Clinical / Counselling Psychologist

Job Overview

• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychological needs of people using our services.
• To mentor, supervise and teach qualified and unqualified staff including studentso Promoting a psychological perspective both within teams and sharing with other colleagues
• Work collaboratively with team managers/ Clinical leads in the development and deliveringof effective serviceso The postholder will be expected to work flexibly within the serviceo To lead on complex and challenging cases and develop expertise within area of specialismo Participating in the recruitment and selection of staffo Leading on a specific service development projects

• To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work and care.
• To maintain high standards of care in all areas of practice in accordance with the HCPC Code of Conduct, professional guidelines and Trust Policies and Procedures.
• To act within the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act (2005). To be aware of and implement Safeguarding Adult and Child Protection Policies, Procedures and legislation.
• To carry out comprehensive psychological and cognitive assessments and formulation, plan implement and evaluate delivery of psychology interventions and consultations to support people with specific and complex needs.
• To actively involve people in developing and agreeing their own care plan, to act as an advocate and ensure that there is proper regard for their dignity, choice, self-esteem, racial, cultural, sexual and religious needs and preferences.
• To work creatively to adapt verbal and written communication to meet the needs of people who use our services.
• To undertake comprehensive risk assessments and develop effective risk management plans for people with complex needs.
• To establish and maintain effective partnerships and relationships with colleagues, other agencies, people who use services and their carers and support staff.
• To conduct and lead on clinical audit, quality assurance and research, maintaining current knowledge of research findings and development within specific care group.
• To develop and provide a range of specialist teaching/training packages which can be delivered to a range of multi-disciplinary audiences.
• To positively contribute to divisional and team developments in relation to all aspects of psychology practice.
• To lead on the supervision and Individual Performance Review/Appraisal of assistant psychologists as required.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate policies, protocols and care pathways.
• To contribute to initiatives to ensure that the diverse needs of people within the care group are addressed within local services and future developments.
• To act as practice assessor/supervisor/teacher in teaching, facilitating and supporting pre registration students and junior personnel and to participate in the audit of educational placements.
• To research national best practice and enable services to benchmark practice against nationally recognized standards - in partnership with people who use our services and their carers.
• Assist in appropriate staff recruitment and induction and contribute to the wider strategic plans regarding psychology recruitment.
• Conducting cognitive assessments and using the information to contribute to diagnosis and packages of care.
• Conducting neurodevelopmental assessments according to appropriate NICE Guidelines.

Essential

• Experience of working with people from across the life span with a range of mental health issues and cognitive profiles
• Experience across a range of psychological models including systemic, behavioural and individual therapeutic
• Demonstrable post registration/clinical experience and competency relevant to this care group.
• Experience of contributing to clinical practice/service development / project work.
• Experience of supervising assistant and trainee clinical psychologists
• Demonstrable interest/skill in a relevant specialist area.
• Driving License for community-based roles involving client visits it is essential to hold a driver's license and access to a vehicle

Essential

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology qualification or equivalent
• Completion of an appropriate clinical supervision course to enable supervision of trainees (or completion within 6 months of commencement in post)