Eating Disorders: Senior Psychologist/CBT Therapist

Job summary

We are excited to advertise a part-time Band 8a maternity cover in the ELFT Community Eating Disorder Service (https://www.elft.nhs.uk/services/east-london-eating-disorder-service-adults). We are seeking a Senior Psychologist or CBT Therapist to join our expanding team of psychologists, therapists, clinical associates in psychology, and dietitians.

The post will support people meeting diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder whose relationship with food, eating and body image significantly affects their health and wellbeing. The role will focus on those with moderate impact on physical health.

The successful candidate will take a senior role in daily service operations: screening referrals, completing assessments, developing treatment plans, holding a caseload, and supporting the team. They will contribute to the development and management of a FREED-informed model of care across East London, working into IAPT services, supporting primary care networks, and liaising with St Ann's Specialist Eating Disorders Service.

This is a leadership role within a vibrant, progressive team. Applicants should have experience supporting people with eating difficulties, but we are equally interested in your unique skills and qualities. We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health services, carers, or those with strong connections to the boroughs we serve.

Main duties of the job

1. 1. To oversee a senior role in the daily operations of the eating disorder service, supporting the team in screening referrals, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and managing a clinical caseload effectively.

   2. To manage all referrals coming through our self-referral portal, providing updates to the Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders (Adults) on its progress, while identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for further service enhancements.

   3. To ensure the production of accurate and timely documentation, overseeing the maintenance of comprehensive records for all service users in accordance with your Professional Code of Conduct and Trust policies.

   4. To take the lead in the ongoing development of a high-quality service, contributing to local emergency plans and team risk assessments, all grounded in evidence-based practice, care pathways, and adhering to NICE and Department of Health Guidance.

   5. To work closely with the Service Lead in the development and implementation of operational and clinical policies, contributing to the formulation and review of appropriate guidelines.

   6. To maintain a clinical caseload, delivering evidence-based therapies in line with NICE guidelines.

   7. To provide clinical supervision and line management to team members, including psychologists, therapists, clinical associates in psychology, and peer support workers.

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 responsibilities

1. To hold a senior position in the daily operation of the eating disorder service and to support the team in screening referrals, carrying out assessments, developing treatment plans and maintaining a clinical caseload.

2. To manage all referrals accessing the service through our self-referrals portal (both FREED and non-FREED cases), and to continuously review the implementation of the FREED-informed service model and care package, advising the Clinical Lead for Eating Disorders (Adults) on its progress, and identifying any areas for improvement or opportunities for further service development

3. To produce accurate and timely documentation, conduct and manage the maintenance of accurate and timely documentation / records on all service users in line with your Professional Code of Conduct and Trust policy

4. Lead in the continuing development of a high quality service and contribute to local emergency plan, team risk assessment etc. that is underpinned by evidence based practice, care pathways / packages and NICE and DH Guidance

5. Work closely with and assist the Service Lead with development and implementation of operational / clinical policies contributing to the formulation and review of appropriate policies

6. Responsible for the coordination and management of the FREED and Community project in providing a safe, effective and therapeutic clinical service, ensuring the delivery of high quality community mental health care packages.

7. To hold a clinical caseload and to offer evidence based therapies in line with NICE guidelines.

8. To provide clinical supervision and line management for other members of staff such as psychologists, therapists, clinical associates in psychology and peer support workers.