Job summary
Eating Disorders Highly Specialist Principal Clinical / Counselling Psychologist or Psychological Therapist
This post is responsible for ensuring the systematic provision of high-quality comprehensive specialist psychological input to the Adults Community Eating Disorders Service in Bedfordshire and Luton which works with people with severe and complex eating disorders.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be an experienced clinical or counselling psychologist or qualified and accredited psychological therapist with a substantial knowledge and skill in the field of eating disorders and will directly provide highly specialist psychological assessments, formulations and therapies, specialist risk assessments and advice on risk management, and the provision of psychological advice and consultation to others involved in service user care including Voluntary and Community Sector partners. The post holder will understand and lead on application of truly evidence based practice at the appropriate level of specialism ie severity and complexity in the client group, application of psychology in their settings and systems, application in varied pathways - outpatient, intensive community treatment, longstanding eating disorders, trauma informed care, co production and expertise by experience etc and building the best quality eating disorder services for our population across teams and settings as partner including primary care, acute care, VCSE partnerships, integration with physical healthcare.
About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will clinically supervise the work of assistant psychologists, trainee psychologists, psychologists and other multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues, and contribute to the line management of team colleagues. They will be expected to make a senior contribution, supporting the Clinical and Operational Lead, to the planning, delivery, evaluation and review of the CEDS offer.
The post holder will formulate and undertake clinical audit, service evaluation, service development and research activities (including using the Quality Improvement approach) as agreed with the Clinical Lead and senior management, and contribute strongly to strategic service development in Bedfordshire.
The post holder will directly contribute to the positive working environment within the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will require a high degree of professional autonomy and self-management, and will be required to account for their professional practice through appraisal and audit. They may also be required to undertake disciplinary, capability or sickness processes as necessary.
Service users will be seen at a variety of sites across the county of Bedfordshire and Luton and the postholder will be expected to travel and provide clinics throughout the county to meet the service needs and for clinical supervision and MDT meetings. Travel to in-patient services outside the county may also be necessary. The service user group seen by the post holder includes those with high levels of distress, for example suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviour, and histories of trauma and abuse. The post holder will hold responsibility for agreeing case and workload levels, and systems of monitoring quality of practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will clinically supervise the work of assistant psychologists, trainee psychologists, psychologists and other multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues, and contribute to the line management of team colleagues. They will be expected to make a senior contribution, supporting the Clinical and Operational Lead, to the planning, delivery, evaluation and review of the CEDS offer.
The post holder will formulate and undertake clinical audit, service evaluation, service development and research activities (including using the Quality Improvement approach) as agreed with the Clinical Lead and senior management, and contribute strongly to strategic service development in Bedfordshire.
The post holder will directly contribute to the positive working environment within the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will require a high degree of professional autonomy and self-management, and will be required to account for their professional practice through appraisal and audit. They may also be required to undertake disciplinary, capability or sickness processes as necessary.
Service users will be seen at a variety of sites across the county of Bedfordshire and Luton and the postholder will be expected to travel and provide clinics throughout the county to meet the service needs and for clinical supervision and MDT meetings. Travel to in-patient services outside the county may also be necessary. The service user group seen by the post holder includes those with high levels of distress, for example suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviour, and histories of trauma and abuse. The post holder will hold responsibility for agreeing case and workload levels, and systems of monitoring quality of practice.
Person Specification
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualification and HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist (clinical or counselling) via post-graduate doctorate training (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) OR Qualification and registration as a Nurse (NMC), Occupational Therapist (HCPC), Social Worker (SWE) or Doctor (GMC) plus advanced formal training (preferably accredited) in one or more psychotherapeutic models evidence based adult eating disorder (eg Cognitive Behaviour Therapy/CBT - BABCP) OR Postgraduate training, qualification and accreditation (BABCP) as an adult Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist plus specialist formal training in CBT for eating disorders plus knowledge and experience of health and social care including NHS values.
- Formal training in clinical supervision of psychologists, psychological therapists, assistants and trainees working in an adult eating disorder service. CPD requirement for current registration is met.
- Substantial experience of working as a qualified psychologist / psychological therapist in a multi-disciplinary team for adults with Eating Disorders. Highly developed experience of assessment, formulation and treatment with people (and families/carers) with eating disorders and complex mental health needs. Experience of leading and participating in Quality Improvement, audit, evaluation activities. Experience managing other staff Substantial experience in working within at least two therapy modalities (CBT and one other). Substantial experience of the application of psychology in different cultural contexts. Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care. Experience of supervising professional and clinical practice of qualified and unqualified staff Experience of liaison and joint work with other statutory agencies
- Highly developed knowledge of the theory and practice of at least two specialised psychological therapies with adult clients with eating disorders and complex mental health needs Able to provide a highly specialist clinical service, including specialist assessments, formulation and therapy from at least two therapeutic modalities, work with carers and families and indirect work eg consultation with partner providers Able to supervise trainee and assistant psychologists and members of other staff groups. Able to design and deliver teaching/training programmes to a range of staff groups. Understanding and willingness to work in an integrated system including NHS, local authority, VCSE partners etc. Communication & Relationship skills: Able to provide & receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information in a highly emotive and sometimes hostile atmosphere, in a range of relationships and settings. Able to use highly specialist skills of empathy to overcome barriers to understanding and acceptance. Analytical & judgemental skills: Able to draw upon a broad theoretical knowledge base in the analysis of highly complex facts or situations to arrive at appropriate formulations. Able to compare and select from a range of treatment options, based on formulation. Planning and organisational skills: Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload. Ability to work creatively, co-operatively, reliably and consistently as an independent practitioner, as a mentor and supervisor, and in multi-disciplinary and team settings. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Research & Guidance: Up to date knowledge of psychological research and national guidance relevant to the client groups. Knowledge of legislation and its implications for clinical practice with the client groups. Cultural awareness: Aware of the potential impact of discrimination & disadvantage on mental health. Able to provide a cultural competent service Flexibility: Able to be flexible and adapt approach according to need. Capacity to work effectively and reflectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Able to work to professional guidelines. Must be capable of accountability for own work, of autonomous clinical practice, of being guided by precedent and of working towards defined results.
Desirable
- Leadership training Quality improvement training Other relevant specialist training/qualification, especially family / systemic therapy Training and qualification in research methodology
- Experience of developing and delivering specialist training programmes and/or supervision of other staff groups. Experience of contributing to policy and service development Working with interpreters.
- Physical skills: Driving Information resources: Competent use of other IT packages e.g. PowerPoint, Excel and Access, RiO Able to record and report on as required clinical information. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Flexibility Knowledge of adapting therapies people with eating disorders Able to innovate on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Research Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis.
Person Spec
Essential
- Qualification and HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist (clinical or counselling) via post-graduate doctorate training (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) OR Qualification and registration as a Nurse (NMC), Occupational Therapist (HCPC), Social Worker (SWE) or Doctor (GMC) plus advanced formal training (preferably accredited) in one or more psychotherapeutic models evidence based adult eating disorder (eg Cognitive Behaviour Therapy/CBT - BABCP) OR Postgraduate training, qualification and accreditation (BABCP) as an adult Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist plus specialist formal training in CBT for eating disorders plus knowledge and experience of health and social care including NHS values.
Desirable
- Physical skills: Driving Information resources: Competent use of other IT packages e.g. PowerPoint, Excel and Access, RiO Able to record and report on as required clinical information. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Flexibility Knowledge of adapting therapies people with eating disorders Able to innovate on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Research Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis.
Person Specification
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualification and HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist (clinical or counselling) via post-graduate doctorate training (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) OR Qualification and registration as a Nurse (NMC), Occupational Therapist (HCPC), Social Worker (SWE) or Doctor (GMC) plus advanced formal training (preferably accredited) in one or more psychotherapeutic models evidence based adult eating disorder (eg Cognitive Behaviour Therapy/CBT - BABCP) OR Postgraduate training, qualification and accreditation (BABCP) as an adult Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist plus specialist formal training in CBT for eating disorders plus knowledge and experience of health and social care including NHS values.
- Formal training in clinical supervision of psychologists, psychological therapists, assistants and trainees working in an adult eating disorder service. CPD requirement for current registration is met.
- Substantial experience of working as a qualified psychologist / psychological therapist in a multi-disciplinary team for adults with Eating Disorders. Highly developed experience of assessment, formulation and treatment with people (and families/carers) with eating disorders and complex mental health needs. Experience of leading and participating in Quality Improvement, audit, evaluation activities. Experience managing other staff Substantial experience in working within at least two therapy modalities (CBT and one other). Substantial experience of the application of psychology in different cultural contexts. Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care. Experience of supervising professional and clinical practice of qualified and unqualified staff Experience of liaison and joint work with other statutory agencies
- Highly developed knowledge of the theory and practice of at least two specialised psychological therapies with adult clients with eating disorders and complex mental health needs Able to provide a highly specialist clinical service, including specialist assessments, formulation and therapy from at least two therapeutic modalities, work with carers and families and indirect work eg consultation with partner providers Able to supervise trainee and assistant psychologists and members of other staff groups. Able to design and deliver teaching/training programmes to a range of staff groups. Understanding and willingness to work in an integrated system including NHS, local authority, VCSE partners etc. Communication & Relationship skills: Able to provide & receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information in a highly emotive and sometimes hostile atmosphere, in a range of relationships and settings. Able to use highly specialist skills of empathy to overcome barriers to understanding and acceptance. Analytical & judgemental skills: Able to draw upon a broad theoretical knowledge base in the analysis of highly complex facts or situations to arrive at appropriate formulations. Able to compare and select from a range of treatment options, based on formulation. Planning and organisational skills: Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload. Ability to work creatively, co-operatively, reliably and consistently as an independent practitioner, as a mentor and supervisor, and in multi-disciplinary and team settings. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Research & Guidance: Up to date knowledge of psychological research and national guidance relevant to the client groups. Knowledge of legislation and its implications for clinical practice with the client groups. Cultural awareness: Aware of the potential impact of discrimination & disadvantage on mental health. Able to provide a cultural competent service Flexibility: Able to be flexible and adapt approach according to need. Capacity to work effectively and reflectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Able to work to professional guidelines. Must be capable of accountability for own work, of autonomous clinical practice, of being guided by precedent and of working towards defined results.
Desirable
- Leadership training Quality improvement training Other relevant specialist training/qualification, especially family / systemic therapy Training and qualification in research methodology
- Experience of developing and delivering specialist training programmes and/or supervision of other staff groups. Experience of contributing to policy and service development Working with interpreters.
- Physical skills: Driving Information resources: Competent use of other IT packages e.g. PowerPoint, Excel and Access, RiO Able to record and report on as required clinical information. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Flexibility Knowledge of adapting therapies people with eating disorders Able to innovate on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Research Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis.
Person Spec
Essential
- Qualification and HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist (clinical or counselling) via post-graduate doctorate training (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) OR Qualification and registration as a Nurse (NMC), Occupational Therapist (HCPC), Social Worker (SWE) or Doctor (GMC) plus advanced formal training (preferably accredited) in one or more psychotherapeutic models evidence based adult eating disorder (eg Cognitive Behaviour Therapy/CBT - BABCP) OR Postgraduate training, qualification and accreditation (BABCP) as an adult Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist plus specialist formal training in CBT for eating disorders plus knowledge and experience of health and social care including NHS values.
Desirable
- Physical skills: Driving Information resources: Competent use of other IT packages e.g. PowerPoint, Excel and Access, RiO Able to record and report on as required clinical information. Physical skills: Competence in advanced IT packages including keyboard skills. Flexibility Knowledge of adapting therapies people with eating disorders Able to innovate on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Research Doctoral level knowledge of research design and methodology, including complex multivariate data analysis.
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).
