Job summary
This post is for an 8b SLaM Clinical Implementation Lead for a new Wellcome funded study, SloMo2. SloMo is a digitally supported, cognitive-behavioural therapy for psychosis that improves fear of harm from others (or paranoia). This unique post will be integral to our mission of scaling up SloMo in SLaM, and the successful applicant will join a friendly and supportive interdisciplinary team.
We particularly encourage applications from communities who are underrepresented in the SLaM P&P workforce, includingpeople from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
- Train an initial cohort of trust therapists in SloMo, supported by the project leads, in a train the trainer model.
- Provide consultation and supervision of trust therapists delivering SloMo, particularly Assistant Psychologists, Clinical Associate Psychologists, and Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners.
- Promote therapist adoption of SloMo in routine care with the aim of delivery of n = 50 cases by December 2025.
- Liaise with project leads, software developers and local IT as appropriate to maintain the performance and safety of the SloMo software.
- Supervise the site Assistant Psychologist Researcher and Lived Experience Researcher to support data collection to a high standard, in line with study protocols, in liaison with the Study Coordinator.
- Oversee reporting and transfer of research data to project leads, in line with research governance approvals.
- Liaise with R&D regarding ethical amendments and portfolio recruitment.
- Collaborate with project leads and other site implementation leads to develop an automated training package and implementation logic model, as outputs of the study.
Please see detailed job description and person specification for further details.
About us
SloMo is a digitally supported, cognitive-behavioural therapy for psychosis that improves fear of harm from others (or paranoia). It works by targeting fast thinking habits and encouraging slow thinking, supporting people to find ways of feeling safer and living well. The SloMo2 study will investigate if SloMo therapy can be delivered in real world settings, by conducting a clinical investigation of its implementation, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness in three NHS Trusts.
SloMo consists of 11 sessions with a therapist, with delivery supported by an online therapy platform. This is synchronized with a mobile app, which assists management of worries in daily life. The SloMo software has been inclusively designed with people with lived experience of paranoia in psychosis, selected to be representative of our local communities. In our large, multi-centre RCT, SloMo was found to be efficacious, and highly engaging and deliverable, with improvements demonstrated in paranoia, worry, self-concept, quality of life and wellbeing, which were sustained over 6 months (Garety et al, 2021; Greenwood et al, 2021; Hardy et al, 2022; Ward et al, 2021). NICE recently recommended SloMo for use in the NHS whilst data is generated to address evidence gaps and inform future guidance (NICE, 2024). SloMo2 will investigate if the benefits identified in the SlowMo RCT can be translated to routine care. An automated training package to support further NHS spread will also be developed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
-
To provide psychological expertise in psychosis, specifically the implementation of SloMo therapy in SLaM.
-
To provide specialist assessment and clinical formulation to clients with paranoia.
-
To deliver an evidence based specialist psychological treatment, SloMo, monitor outcomes and personalise the intervention as required, according to the therapy protocol.
-
To be familiar with new developments in psychological treatments, and implement as appropriate.
-
To administer, interpret and record psychometric outcome assessments, including supervision of psychological practitioners and researchers.
-
To provide psychological reports, including relevant formulation, opinion and interventions, in order to inform referrers and, where appropriate, service users.
-
To liaise closely with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review psychology care plans.
-
To train, supervise and advise other therapists to deliver SloMo.
-
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.
-
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
-
To work as an independent and autonomous professional within HCPC and BPS guidelines, and the policies and procedures of the service, taking full responsibility for own work including treatment and discharge decisions.
-
To travel to and train, deliver or supervise therapy in community settings, homes, and GP surgeries as appropriate and across the Trust, and to travel to other meetings when required.
-
To contribute to the effective working of the SloMo team and clinical services involved and to a psychologically informed framework for the service area.
-
To communicate skilfully and sensitively complex and sensitive information with service users, families, primary and secondary care professionals and third sector workers, taking account of sensory and cultural barriers to communication.
-
To act as care co-ordinator for clients referred from GP practices, taking responsibility for treatment planning and reviewing psychology care plans as appropriate.
-
To co-ordinate (and chair) study team meetings to ensure effective functioning and review when appropriate.
-
To be aware of risk relating to self-harm and challenging behaviour amongst the client group, and follow trust policies relating to its management.
Teaching, training, and supervision
-
To organise and provide specialist training in SloMo to psychological practitioners in SLaM, and possibly other NHS trusts and nationally.
-
To organise and provide specialist SloMo supervision groups in SLaM.
-
To be familiar with the evidence base in recent developments in psychological interventions in psychosis, and use this literature to inform SloMo training.
-
To work closely with the SloMo site lead and other clinical implementation leads to develop SloMo and an automated training package.
-
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines. To receive specialist clinical supervision by attending supervision groups.
-
To contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills base within the SloMo team by maintaining an active awareness of current developments in psychosis and by implementing knowledge gained in practice.
-
To provide highly specialist psychological consultation and professional and clinical supervision to colleagues and others delivering SloMo and to contribute to a psychologically informed framework within the team.
Management, recruitment, policy and service development
-
To liaise with other agencies and service providers in relation to the provision of SloMo as appropriate to the role.
-
To provide professional leadership and service management and appraise more junior qualified psychologists, assistant psychologists and other professionals, as appropriate.
-
To participate in the recruitment process of junior staff, as appropriate.
-
To supervise the day to day work of more junior psychology staff in local study team.
-
To contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and developing the research and SloMo.
Research and service evaluation
-
To provide expertise in a highly specialist research area which will contribute to improving access, experience. and outcomes of psychological interventions in psychosis.
-
To actively participate, where appropriate, in the development of SloMo as a service through initiating, undertaking, and supervising complex service evaluation and audit.
-
To provide research advice and supervision to staff within the local study team.
-
To support best practice in data collection and management and assist other staff in the implementation of same.
-
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.
General Responsibilities
-
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with HCPC requirements 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 contribute to the strategic development and implementation of new initiatives e.g. national guidelines, particularly the NICE EVA.
-
To comply with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and ensure professional development in line with the HPC Standards for Continuing Professional Development and Standards of Proficiency. To adhere to the BPS Psychologys Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.
-
To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, in line with professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.
-
To ensure that all services provided are acceptable and accessible to the diverse communities we serve.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
-
To provide psychological expertise in psychosis, specifically the implementation of SloMo therapy in SLaM.
-
To provide specialist assessment and clinical formulation to clients with paranoia.
-
To deliver an evidence based specialist psychological treatment, SloMo, monitor outcomes and personalise the intervention as required, according to the therapy protocol.
-
To be familiar with new developments in psychological treatments, and implement as appropriate.
-
To administer, interpret and record psychometric outcome assessments, including supervision of psychological practitioners and researchers.
-
To provide psychological reports, including relevant formulation, opinion and interventions, in order to inform referrers and, where appropriate, service users.
-
To liaise closely with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review psychology care plans.
-
To train, supervise and advise other therapists to deliver SloMo.
-
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.
-
To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
-
To work as an independent and autonomous professional within HCPC and BPS guidelines, and the policies and procedures of the service, taking full responsibility for own work including treatment and discharge decisions.
-
To travel to and train, deliver or supervise therapy in community settings, homes, and GP surgeries as appropriate and across the Trust, and to travel to other meetings when required.
-
To contribute to the effective working of the SloMo team and clinical services involved and to a psychologically informed framework for the service area.
-
To communicate skilfully and sensitively complex and sensitive information with service users, families, primary and secondary care professionals and third sector workers, taking account of sensory and cultural barriers to communication.
-
To act as care co-ordinator for clients referred from GP practices, taking responsibility for treatment planning and reviewing psychology care plans as appropriate.
-
To co-ordinate (and chair) study team meetings to ensure effective functioning and review when appropriate.
-
To be aware of risk relating to self-harm and challenging behaviour amongst the client group, and follow trust policies relating to its management.
Teaching, training, and supervision
-
To organise and provide specialist training in SloMo to psychological practitioners in SLaM, and possibly other NHS trusts and nationally.
-
To organise and provide specialist SloMo supervision groups in SLaM.
-
To be familiar with the evidence base in recent developments in psychological interventions in psychosis, and use this literature to inform SloMo training.
-
To work closely with the SloMo site lead and other clinical implementation leads to develop SloMo and an automated training package.
-
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines. To receive specialist clinical supervision by attending supervision groups.
-
To contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills base within the SloMo team by maintaining an active awareness of current developments in psychosis and by implementing knowledge gained in practice.
-
To provide highly specialist psychological consultation and professional and clinical supervision to colleagues and others delivering SloMo and to contribute to a psychologically informed framework within the team.
Management, recruitment, policy and service development
-
To liaise with other agencies and service providers in relation to the provision of SloMo as appropriate to the role.
-
To provide professional leadership and service management and appraise more junior qualified psychologists, assistant psychologists and other professionals, as appropriate.
-
To participate in the recruitment process of junior staff, as appropriate.
-
To supervise the day to day work of more junior psychology staff in local study team.
-
To contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and developing the research and SloMo.
Research and service evaluation
-
To provide expertise in a highly specialist research area which will contribute to improving access, experience. and outcomes of psychological interventions in psychosis.
-
To actively participate, where appropriate, in the development of SloMo as a service through initiating, undertaking, and supervising complex service evaluation and audit.
-
To provide research advice and supervision to staff within the local study team.
-
To support best practice in data collection and management and assist other staff in the implementation of same.
-
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.
General Responsibilities
-
To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with HCPC requirements 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 contribute to the strategic development and implementation of new initiatives e.g. national guidelines, particularly the NICE EVA.
-
To comply with the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and ensure professional development in line with the HPC Standards for Continuing Professional Development and Standards of Proficiency. To adhere to the BPS Psychologys Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.
-
To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, in line with professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.
-
To ensure that all services provided are acceptable and accessible to the diverse communities we serve.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, or equivalent, and HCPC registered,
Desirable
- Post-qualification Postgraduate Diploma in CBT for psychosis/Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or equivalent specialist experience
Experience
Essential
- Worked in an 8a role in adult mental health services with people with psychosis.
Desirable
- Training, supervision, or delivery of digitally supported therapies for severe mental health problems
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and skills in CBT for psychosis.
- Knowledge and skills in supervision and training of other mental health professionals.
Desirable
- Training and supervision of low intensity psychological practitioners to deliver psychological interventions for psychosis (e.g. MHWPs, CAPs, APs).
- Knowledge and skills in digitally supported therapies for severe mental health problems.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, or equivalent, and HCPC registered,
Desirable
- Post-qualification Postgraduate Diploma in CBT for psychosis/Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or equivalent specialist experience
Experience
Essential
- Worked in an 8a role in adult mental health services with people with psychosis.
Desirable
- Training, supervision, or delivery of digitally supported therapies for severe mental health problems
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and skills in CBT for psychosis.
- Knowledge and skills in supervision and training of other mental health professionals.
Desirable
- Training and supervision of low intensity psychological practitioners to deliver psychological interventions for psychosis (e.g. MHWPs, CAPs, APs).
- Knowledge and skills in digitally supported therapies for severe mental health problems.
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
