Job summary
Adult Mental Health (AMH) Services assess and treat people aged between 18 to 65, offering a wide range of recovery focussed, evidence based interventions across both Inpatient and Community Care settings.
Our mission is to become a recognised centre of excellence in mental health and learning disability and one of our strategic aims is to deliver consistently high-quality care and treatment. How we support people when they are in crisis or have urgent needs plays a key role in achieving both of these aspirations.
Specialist psychological practice is an essential part of all Adult Mental Health Services and includes providing specialist assessment and formulation, evidence-based psychological therapies and psychological support to the rest of the service, including consultation, supervision and facilitation of team processes. This is delivered by qualified and professionally accredited Psychological Professionals embedded in multi-disciplinary teams throughout the directorate. Psychological Professionals also undertake research, audit and quality improvement activities and deliver teaching and training as core parts of their professional practice.
Please note that this post is offered at Band 8c subject to the job matching process
Main duties of the job
The post holder is an essential member of the Senior Leadership Team. Associate Clinical Directors/Strategic Leads, together with the Clinical and Service Directors, are responsible for the clinical and professional leadership of the directorate, holding particular responsibility for a professional discipline or area of practice. This post will provide professional leadership for Psychological Professions and clinical leadership for psychological practice across Acute Care
The post holder will provide strategic leadership and be responsible for the psychological aspects of policy development for Acute Care within Adult Mental Health Services.
As the Strategic Lead for Psychological Professions, the post holder will lead on the strategic, operational and clinical direction for the development and delivery of psychological practice across Community Care, which comprises of Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychological Therapies.
In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, to create a culture of compassionate leadership, in which staff understand their responsibilities and are inspired and enabled to provide excellent care.
To ensure that services are evidence based and outcomes focussed, with opportunities for innovation supported by research and evaluation.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will form part of the Senior Leadership Team within the directorate. Associate Clinical Directors/Strategic Leads, together with the Clinical and Service Directors, are responsible for the clinical and professional leadership of the directorate, each holding particular responsibility for a professional discipline or area of practice. This post will provide professional leadership for Psychological Professions and clinical leadership for psychological practice across Acute Care.
The post holder will be responsible for enabling professional and clinical leadership, including service and policy development, of psychological therapies provision across the Acute Care within Adult Mental Health Services. The post holder will be expected to hold a clinical caseload and provide specialist clinical advice and consultancy.
The post holder will provide strategic leadership and motivate psychology practitioners, assistants and trainees of their own and/or other professions. Alongside this, the post holder will be expected to undertake research, teaching and lecturing and will be responsible for the psychological aspects of policy development for Acute Care within Adult Mental Health Services.
The post holder will provide strategic clinical leadership and oversight as part of the Senior Leadership Team, holding collective responsibility for the quality, performance and development of the directorate with the rest of the senior leadership team under the overall accountability of the Service/Clinical Directors.
As the Strategic Lead for Psychological Professions, the post holder will lead on the strategic, operational and clinical direction for the development and delivery of psychological practice across Acute Care, which comprises of Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychological Therapies.
The post holder will hold a small clinical caseload of complex cases within their area of clinical practice.
In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, to create a culture of compassionate leadership, in which staff understand their responsibilities and are motivated to provide excellent care.
As a clinical leader and in collaboration with other leads, the post holder will be responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of adult mental health services, ensuring that care and treatment is coordinated around the needs of the person and integrated within adult mental health multidisciplinary, other Trust teams and our partner organisations.
In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, to act as an effective system leader to ensure that Adult Mental Health services are provided within an integrated network of services across the ICS.
To provide expert knowledge and to influence across the system in contributing to local strategies in the interests of improving outcomes for children and young people in Devon.
To ensure that services are evidence based and outcomes focussed, with opportunities for innovation supported by research and evaluation.
Working with the Strategic Workforce Business Partner and the Senior Leadership Team, to ensure the People Strategy addresses issues which are pertinent to the Psychological Professions workforce. To ensure that these professions within Adult Mental Health adhere to professional standards of practice and appropriate CPD is undertaken by staff.
To ensure there is an effective clinical supervision structure in place and supervision an appraisal is of a high quality. To ensure that all psychological professions staff maintain their professional registration.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will form part of the Senior Leadership Team within the directorate. Associate Clinical Directors/Strategic Leads, together with the Clinical and Service Directors, are responsible for the clinical and professional leadership of the directorate, each holding particular responsibility for a professional discipline or area of practice. This post will provide professional leadership for Psychological Professions and clinical leadership for psychological practice across Acute Care.
The post holder will be responsible for enabling professional and clinical leadership, including service and policy development, of psychological therapies provision across the Acute Care within Adult Mental Health Services. The post holder will be expected to hold a clinical caseload and provide specialist clinical advice and consultancy.
The post holder will provide strategic leadership and motivate psychology practitioners, assistants and trainees of their own and/or other professions. Alongside this, the post holder will be expected to undertake research, teaching and lecturing and will be responsible for the psychological aspects of policy development for Acute Care within Adult Mental Health Services.
The post holder will provide strategic clinical leadership and oversight as part of the Senior Leadership Team, holding collective responsibility for the quality, performance and development of the directorate with the rest of the senior leadership team under the overall accountability of the Service/Clinical Directors.
As the Strategic Lead for Psychological Professions, the post holder will lead on the strategic, operational and clinical direction for the development and delivery of psychological practice across Acute Care, which comprises of Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychological Therapies.
The post holder will hold a small clinical caseload of complex cases within their area of clinical practice.
In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, to create a culture of compassionate leadership, in which staff understand their responsibilities and are motivated to provide excellent care.
As a clinical leader and in collaboration with other leads, the post holder will be responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of adult mental health services, ensuring that care and treatment is coordinated around the needs of the person and integrated within adult mental health multidisciplinary, other Trust teams and our partner organisations.
In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, to act as an effective system leader to ensure that Adult Mental Health services are provided within an integrated network of services across the ICS.
To provide expert knowledge and to influence across the system in contributing to local strategies in the interests of improving outcomes for children and young people in Devon.
To ensure that services are evidence based and outcomes focussed, with opportunities for innovation supported by research and evaluation.
Working with the Strategic Workforce Business Partner and the Senior Leadership Team, to ensure the People Strategy addresses issues which are pertinent to the Psychological Professions workforce. To ensure that these professions within Adult Mental Health adhere to professional standards of practice and appropriate CPD is undertaken by staff.
To ensure there is an effective clinical supervision structure in place and supervision an appraisal is of a high quality. To ensure that all psychological professions staff maintain their professional registration.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment Knowledge of the principles of Care Co-ordination Extensive knowledge of the application of psychology in the context of complex mental health problems and inpatient services Knowledge of the policy context of specialist psychological services and professional guidelines. Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of person and institutional discrimination Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), The Community Care Act (1990), The Human Rights Act (1998), The National Service Framework and Clinical Governance Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and prevention plans. Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients/service users who have a range of presenting conditions Skills in coordinating highly-sensitive, complex care packages/plans Skills & Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver psychological therapy teaching and assessing Confidence and Ability to practice autonomously as a professional and or as part of a multi-disciplinary team Ability to utilise digital technology to enhance patient/service user care packages.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Ability to use a range of communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and cares who may be distressed or have limited communication skills Able to produce complex written information in a variety of formats for varied audiences Ability to administer and interpret a range of evidence based / standardised assessment tools Ability to analyse complex information to solve problems and draw conclusions Imagination, determination and a questioning attitude Ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care Ability to fulfil leadership responsibilities Well-developed prioritisation skills Enthusiasm, flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines A problem solving approach to professional practice Sufficient level of health and general fitness Advanced conflict resolution skills required Ability to travel across the Trust operating area Willingness to undertake further training as agreed with supervisors Highly skilled in specialist interventions with the client group. Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills including risk assessment. Evidence of leading or participating in quality improvement initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Significant and in-depth post qualifying clinical experience, minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience at a senior position Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of people with complex mental health needs across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community and inpatient. Evidence of leading effectively at a senior level in a multi-disciplinary health and social care setting (mental health) Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies Experience of engaging in service development activities Evidence of promoting research, evidence-based practice, clinical excellence and quality approaches to support outcome focused care Experience in facilitating learning within clinical practice Experience of managing, supervising and supporting teams
Qualifications
Essential
- Practitioner Psychologist currently registered with the HCPC and trained to Doctoral level or equivalent. Or Psychological Therapist, trained to Masters level with additional post-qualification training and accredited with an appropriate body regulated by the Professional Standards Agency.
Desirable
- Further training or experience of working in Community Mental Health Settings
- Further training in at least one additional psychological therapy/relevant specialist area of practice. Further training or experience in clinical and service leadership
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment Knowledge of the principles of Care Co-ordination Extensive knowledge of the application of psychology in the context of complex mental health problems and inpatient services Knowledge of the policy context of specialist psychological services and professional guidelines. Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of person and institutional discrimination Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), The Community Care Act (1990), The Human Rights Act (1998), The National Service Framework and Clinical Governance Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and prevention plans. Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients/service users who have a range of presenting conditions Skills in coordinating highly-sensitive, complex care packages/plans Skills & Ability to develop, coordinate and deliver psychological therapy teaching and assessing Confidence and Ability to practice autonomously as a professional and or as part of a multi-disciplinary team Ability to utilise digital technology to enhance patient/service user care packages.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Ability to use a range of communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and cares who may be distressed or have limited communication skills Able to produce complex written information in a variety of formats for varied audiences Ability to administer and interpret a range of evidence based / standardised assessment tools Ability to analyse complex information to solve problems and draw conclusions Imagination, determination and a questioning attitude Ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care Ability to fulfil leadership responsibilities Well-developed prioritisation skills Enthusiasm, flexibility and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines A problem solving approach to professional practice Sufficient level of health and general fitness Advanced conflict resolution skills required Ability to travel across the Trust operating area Willingness to undertake further training as agreed with supervisors Highly skilled in specialist interventions with the client group. Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills including risk assessment. Evidence of leading or participating in quality improvement initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Significant and in-depth post qualifying clinical experience, minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience at a senior position Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of people with complex mental health needs across the full range of care settings, including outpatient, community and inpatient. Evidence of leading effectively at a senior level in a multi-disciplinary health and social care setting (mental health) Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory agencies Experience of engaging in service development activities Evidence of promoting research, evidence-based practice, clinical excellence and quality approaches to support outcome focused care Experience in facilitating learning within clinical practice Experience of managing, supervising and supporting teams
Qualifications
Essential
- Practitioner Psychologist currently registered with the HCPC and trained to Doctoral level or equivalent. Or Psychological Therapist, trained to Masters level with additional post-qualification training and accredited with an appropriate body regulated by the Professional Standards Agency.
Desirable
- Further training or experience of working in Community Mental Health Settings
- Further training in at least one additional psychological therapy/relevant specialist area of practice. Further training or experience in clinical and service leadership
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
