Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical/Counselling)

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The post-holder will join a new pathway commissioned to meet the needs of those with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS). In response to the healthcare needs reported by a proportion of people following infection with COVID-19, a national five-point plan has been published which includes the development of bespoke care pathways to complement existing primary, community and rehabilitation services.

A new service pathway has been developed across Manchester, Wigan, Salford, Bolton and Trafford which aims to address the well-being and mental health needs of people with PCS, many of whom will be living with significant functional impairment, uncertainty, and distress. This is an innovative role, working in partnership with Wigan, Wrightington & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), to improve how people affected by PCS can access high quality and evidence-based psychological therapies across Wigan and to contribute to a holistic care approach as part of WWL Post-COVID services.

The post-holder will join the existing GMMH PCS service that primarily delivers psychological therapies. The PCS team consists mostly of psychological wellbeing practitioners, cognitive-behavioural therapists and psychological therapists and incorporates a 'hub' of professionals representing Clinical Health Psychology, Neuropsychology and Pharmacy.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be supported by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist to deliver a PCS Psychology service within the WWL footprint. They will be providing highly specialist psychological assessment for people affected by PCS with co-morbid and often complex psychological needs as well as group therapy.

The post holder will be offering clinical supervision within the GMMH PCS service and will be providing psychological expertise to WWL keyworkers. They will provide expert advice and consultation to members of the primary health care team and secondary care services in the application of psychological theories, models and approaches. As required, they will be expected to undertake audit, research, and service development activities. The post holder will adhere to service standards for clinical activity and work within the procedures, protocols and guidelines for the service. They will provide psychological services in line with national clinical guidelines and in accordance with professional guidelines for conduct, performance and ethics.

The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary, and should be committed to equal opportunities. The service is committed to improving access for clients and offering flexible working hours for staff.

About us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over6,400members of staff, who deliver services from more than160locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact Denise Gleave, Recruitment & Retention Advisor 0161 358 1448 / email denise.gleave@gmmh.nhs.uk

Date posted

19 January 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£48,526 to £54,619 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

437-4932889

Job locations

Wigan and flexible

Manchester

M25 3BL


Job description

Job responsibilities

To carry an independent caseload and to deliver multi-theoretical psychological assessment/interventions to individuals and groups through the application of knowledge and skills acquired through Doctoral (or equivalent) training, ongoing CPD activities and clinical supervision.

To effectively manage a caseload of people experiencing a range of common and more complex mental health and psychological needs in the context of fluctuating and persistent health conditions, often resulting in emotional adjustment difficulties, health management problems and high levels of emotional distress,

To provide highly specialised psychological assessments of presenting needs, based on appropriate use, interpretation, and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources, including brief neuropsychological and psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service users care.

To undertake routine risk assessment in line with the agreed service protocol and to offer risk management for service users as necessary. To provide general advice to other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management.

To make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to service referral protocols, and where indicated refer unsuitable service users on to a relevant service or back to the referrer.

To develop and communicate the formulation of a service users presenting needs that takes account of an array of physical health, psychological and social factors. To arrive at an appropriate and informed intervention plan where there is likely to be a number of options available.

To be responsible for implementing and evaluating a range of psychological interventions for individuals and groups using evidence-based approaches.

To assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process.

To exercise an appropriate degree of autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment and treatment of service users in line with service standards and best practice guidance.

To adhere to service performance standards and expectations regarding clinical activity and demonstrated effectiveness.

To adhere to WWL NHS FT, GMMH NHS FT, Commissioning, and service requirements re: data collection.

To attend relevant meetings relating to performance monitoring and service developments.

To keep timely and coherent electronic records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols.

To work closely with other members of the wider GMMH PCS team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.

To work closely with key stakeholders in WWL and providers across the Wigan footprint. To provide holistic care as part of a joint or multi-disciplinary team approach and to represent a psychological perspective in care planning through attending appropriate clinical meetings across physical health and mental health settings.

To carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.

To liaise with other health and social care staff from a range of agencies in the care provided to service users as appropriate.

To provide specialist advice and consultation to other professionals/ individuals/groups /committees across Mental Health Trusts, Primary Care Trust and other voluntary agencies regarding service matters related to the practice and delivery of specific agreed therapeutic modalities and service provision.

To organise day-to-day activities in line with agreed job plan, to prioritise clinical workload and achieve expected service standards.

To contribute to the teaching and training of health professionals (across mental health and physical health) where appropriate. To provide regular individual or group clinical supervision to qualified clinical psychologists, high and low intensity psychological therapists, trainee therapists and other roles (e.g. WWL keyworkers) as appropriate. To ensure the maintenance and development of own skills in the areas of professional pre- and post-graduate teaching, training and clinical supervision. To employ a broad theoretical knowledge of psychology/mental health and specialist skills to develop and support the skills of others through the development and delivery of within service teaching and training. To ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to GMMH NHS Foundation Trust and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. HCPC, BABCP), and keep up to date on relevant national and international recommendations/guidelines (e.g. National Institute for Clinical Excellence, NHS England, World Health Organisation). To be aware of and keep up to date with advances in applied psychology, psychological therapies and mental health across the lifespan. To attend relevant forums, networks and webinars relevant to practitioner psychologists working in Post-COVID settings. To ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with Line Manager as part of the appraisal process, job planning and continuing professional development (CPD). To attend both clinical and managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with Line Manager. To participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. To keep up to date CPD records and ensure that the personal development plan maintains specialist knowledge of the latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments. To undertake such CPD activities as are required to maintain and enhance clinical skills necessary for the delivery of high-quality psychological therapy services. To participate in service improvement by highlighting issues and implementing changes in practice. To contribute, as appropriate, to innovative approaches and the development of best practice within the service.

To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate Trust Operational Manager or Clinical Lead.

To understand and comply with all Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

To understand the Trusts Strategic Goals and how they can be supported.

To understand the need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and adhere to all principles in effective safeguarding.

To carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Equal Opportunities, Equality and Diversity and dignity in care/work policies and principles.

To avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with colleagues, service users, members of the public and all stakeholders.

To only access information (whether paper, electronic, or, in another media) which is authorised as part of the duties of the role.

Not to communicate, inside or outside the NHS, information relating to patients, services users, staff, contractors or any information of a commercially sensitive nature, unless done in the normal course of carrying out the duties of the post and with appropriate permission.

To maintain high standards of quality in corporate and clinical record keeping ensuring information is always recorded accurately, appropriately and kept up to date.

To ensure day-to-day activities embrace sustainability and reduce the impact upon the environment by minimising waste and maximising recycling; saving energy; minimising water usage and reporting electrical faults, water leakages or other environmental concerns to the facilities department or line manager.

To take reasonable care of personal health and safety and the health and safety of others at work.

To contribute to the control of risk and to report any incident, accident or near miss.

To protect service users, visitors and employees against the risk of acquiring health care associated infections.

To take responsibility for your own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn in line with appraisal and supervision.

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

Staff benefits

Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years

Excellent pension

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Wellbeing programme

Blue Light Card Discounts

Job description

Job responsibilities

To carry an independent caseload and to deliver multi-theoretical psychological assessment/interventions to individuals and groups through the application of knowledge and skills acquired through Doctoral (or equivalent) training, ongoing CPD activities and clinical supervision.

To effectively manage a caseload of people experiencing a range of common and more complex mental health and psychological needs in the context of fluctuating and persistent health conditions, often resulting in emotional adjustment difficulties, health management problems and high levels of emotional distress,

To provide highly specialised psychological assessments of presenting needs, based on appropriate use, interpretation, and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources, including brief neuropsychological and psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service users care.

To undertake routine risk assessment in line with the agreed service protocol and to offer risk management for service users as necessary. To provide general advice to other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management.

To make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to service referral protocols, and where indicated refer unsuitable service users on to a relevant service or back to the referrer.

To develop and communicate the formulation of a service users presenting needs that takes account of an array of physical health, psychological and social factors. To arrive at an appropriate and informed intervention plan where there is likely to be a number of options available.

To be responsible for implementing and evaluating a range of psychological interventions for individuals and groups using evidence-based approaches.

To assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process.

To exercise an appropriate degree of autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment and treatment of service users in line with service standards and best practice guidance.

To adhere to service performance standards and expectations regarding clinical activity and demonstrated effectiveness.

To adhere to WWL NHS FT, GMMH NHS FT, Commissioning, and service requirements re: data collection.

To attend relevant meetings relating to performance monitoring and service developments.

To keep timely and coherent electronic records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols.

To work closely with other members of the wider GMMH PCS team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.

To work closely with key stakeholders in WWL and providers across the Wigan footprint. To provide holistic care as part of a joint or multi-disciplinary team approach and to represent a psychological perspective in care planning through attending appropriate clinical meetings across physical health and mental health settings.

To carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.

To liaise with other health and social care staff from a range of agencies in the care provided to service users as appropriate.

To provide specialist advice and consultation to other professionals/ individuals/groups /committees across Mental Health Trusts, Primary Care Trust and other voluntary agencies regarding service matters related to the practice and delivery of specific agreed therapeutic modalities and service provision.

To organise day-to-day activities in line with agreed job plan, to prioritise clinical workload and achieve expected service standards.

To contribute to the teaching and training of health professionals (across mental health and physical health) where appropriate. To provide regular individual or group clinical supervision to qualified clinical psychologists, high and low intensity psychological therapists, trainee therapists and other roles (e.g. WWL keyworkers) as appropriate. To ensure the maintenance and development of own skills in the areas of professional pre- and post-graduate teaching, training and clinical supervision. To employ a broad theoretical knowledge of psychology/mental health and specialist skills to develop and support the skills of others through the development and delivery of within service teaching and training. To ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to GMMH NHS Foundation Trust and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. HCPC, BABCP), and keep up to date on relevant national and international recommendations/guidelines (e.g. National Institute for Clinical Excellence, NHS England, World Health Organisation). To be aware of and keep up to date with advances in applied psychology, psychological therapies and mental health across the lifespan. To attend relevant forums, networks and webinars relevant to practitioner psychologists working in Post-COVID settings. To ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with Line Manager as part of the appraisal process, job planning and continuing professional development (CPD). To attend both clinical and managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with Line Manager. To participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. To keep up to date CPD records and ensure that the personal development plan maintains specialist knowledge of the latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments. To undertake such CPD activities as are required to maintain and enhance clinical skills necessary for the delivery of high-quality psychological therapy services. To participate in service improvement by highlighting issues and implementing changes in practice. To contribute, as appropriate, to innovative approaches and the development of best practice within the service.

To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate Trust Operational Manager or Clinical Lead.

To understand and comply with all Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

To understand the Trusts Strategic Goals and how they can be supported.

To understand the need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and adhere to all principles in effective safeguarding.

To carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Equal Opportunities, Equality and Diversity and dignity in care/work policies and principles.

To avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with colleagues, service users, members of the public and all stakeholders.

To only access information (whether paper, electronic, or, in another media) which is authorised as part of the duties of the role.

Not to communicate, inside or outside the NHS, information relating to patients, services users, staff, contractors or any information of a commercially sensitive nature, unless done in the normal course of carrying out the duties of the post and with appropriate permission.

To maintain high standards of quality in corporate and clinical record keeping ensuring information is always recorded accurately, appropriately and kept up to date.

To ensure day-to-day activities embrace sustainability and reduce the impact upon the environment by minimising waste and maximising recycling; saving energy; minimising water usage and reporting electrical faults, water leakages or other environmental concerns to the facilities department or line manager.

To take reasonable care of personal health and safety and the health and safety of others at work.

To contribute to the control of risk and to report any incident, accident or near miss.

To protect service users, visitors and employees against the risk of acquiring health care associated infections.

To take responsibility for your own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn in line with appraisal and supervision.

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

Staff benefits

Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years

Excellent pension

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Wellbeing programme

Blue Light Card Discounts

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Post-qualification experience as a practitioner psychologist within the NHS.
  • Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients across a range of settings including primary care, community, and in-patient, and with expert knowledge in of common mental health difficulties.
  • Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups across the lifespan, with a wide variety of presenting problems that reflect a full range of clinical severity. To include experience of providing psychological assessment and interventions for clients with physical health conditions.
  • Experience of providing supervision.
  • Experience of audit and service evaluation within psychological services.

Desirable

  • Experience of working as a Practitioner Psychologist in a physical health setting.
  • Experience of working in multi-agency and multi-disciplinary settings as a practitioner psychologist.
  • Experience in teaching, training or supervision of non-psychology staff.
  • Experience of the application of psychological therapy in diverse cultural and ethnic contexts.

Qualifications

Essential

  • British Psychological Society Accredited Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counselling Psychology.
  • Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a 'Practitioner Psychologist'.
  • Eligibility for British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist Status.

Desirable

  • Accredited membership of a professional psychological therapy body.
  • Additional further training and qualifications in a range of therapeutic models (e.g. CBT, IPT, CAT) and in the use of specific psychometric and/or neuro-psychological assessment tools.
  • Completion of appropriate supervision training.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree standard in a subject enabling the post holder to demonstrate psychological mindedness, e.g. psychology, social sciences or health.

Desirable

  • Qualification/study of Health Psychology.
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Post-qualification experience as a practitioner psychologist within the NHS.
  • Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients across a range of settings including primary care, community, and in-patient, and with expert knowledge in of common mental health difficulties.
  • Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups across the lifespan, with a wide variety of presenting problems that reflect a full range of clinical severity. To include experience of providing psychological assessment and interventions for clients with physical health conditions.
  • Experience of providing supervision.
  • Experience of audit and service evaluation within psychological services.

Desirable

  • Experience of working as a Practitioner Psychologist in a physical health setting.
  • Experience of working in multi-agency and multi-disciplinary settings as a practitioner psychologist.
  • Experience in teaching, training or supervision of non-psychology staff.
  • Experience of the application of psychological therapy in diverse cultural and ethnic contexts.

Qualifications

Essential

  • British Psychological Society Accredited Doctoral Degree in Clinical/Counselling Psychology.
  • Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as a 'Practitioner Psychologist'.
  • Eligibility for British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist Status.

Desirable

  • Accredited membership of a professional psychological therapy body.
  • Additional further training and qualifications in a range of therapeutic models (e.g. CBT, IPT, CAT) and in the use of specific psychometric and/or neuro-psychological assessment tools.
  • Completion of appropriate supervision training.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree standard in a subject enabling the post holder to demonstrate psychological mindedness, e.g. psychology, social sciences or health.

Desirable

  • Qualification/study of Health Psychology.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address

Wigan and flexible

Manchester

M25 3BL


Employer's website

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address

Wigan and flexible

Manchester

M25 3BL


Employer's website

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead

Dr Gillian Fairclough

gillian.fairclough@gmmh.nhs.uk

Date posted

19 January 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£48,526 to £54,619 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

437-4932889

Job locations

Wigan and flexible

Manchester

M25 3BL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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