South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Practitioner Psychologist, Psychotherapist & Psychological Therapist
About the role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 8a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist to join the LEO team, in the role of Highly Specialist Psychological Therapist. The role is on a permanent contract, on a part time basis: three days per week (22.5 hours). LEO is a team for people aged 18-65 in Lambeth who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, and as such sits within SLaM's early intervention for psychosis services. This role represents an excellent opportunity for someone to engage in rich and meaningful direct clinical work with clients and their families, as well as further developing existing abilities relating to supervision, leadership and service development.
Main duties of the job
Delivery of individual and family interventions in the context of first episode psychosis, primarily within the framework of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), while drawing on other models and approaches where appropriate, and ensuring that interventions are delivered in such a manner that is both equitable and trauma informed.
-Supporting MDT staff in psychological formulation and case conceptualisation. Contributing to ensuring that the team's work as a whole is psychologically informed where possible, and that psychological perspectives are visible and influential in day to day work at LEO.
-Management and supervision relating to the team's pathway for "low intensity" psychological interventions.
-Supervision of more junior psychology staff, including clinical psychologists in training.
-Contributing in innovative ways to service development in LEO, to ensure that the team continues be informed by new developments in the field and as such remains a reference point for other services of its kind.
About us
LEO is a nationally and internationally regarded team for early psychosis, having been one of the first of its kind in the UK. An enthusiastic and caring multidisciplinary team is comprised of psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, vocational workers, an advanced practitioner and a team leader. A well-established psychology team includes two family interventions therapists. The primary approach for individual therapy in the team is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), while clinicians are encouraged to draw upon a range of evidenced approaches. Given high rates of trauma in psychosis groups, our work is trauma informed throughout. In addition, LEO has a well-established pathway for "low intensity" interventions, ensuring more timely access to therapeutic approaches, and a regular program of therapeutic groups. As a service, we are committed to increasing the accessibility and acceptability of care, and in ensuring that services are delivered equitably.
About the location:
LEO has excellent community links and works alongside other services in Lambeth, which is a diverse, multicultural borough. We are based at 190 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DL - a short walk from Vauxhall overground station and Oval or Kennington tube stations, as well as being on several bus routes.
Benefits:
Some of our benefits are highlighted here:
- Generous pay, pensions and leave
- Work life balance
- Career development
- Car lease
- Accommodation
- NHS discounts
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Client Care- Provide specialist psychological assessments, formulations and interventions for clients within the LEO Service, including individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
- Deliver culturally appropriate psychological interventions for clients, families and carers.
- Assess, monitor and manage risk, developing appropriate risk management plans.
- Contribute to the effective functioning of the multidisciplinary team and promote psychologically informed practice.
- Support the delivery of accessible, inclusive and culturally competent services.
- Challenge discrimination and contribute to equality-focused service development.
- Provide specialist psychological advice and consultation to colleagues and partner agencies.
- Liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals to develop and review care plans.
- Apply research, theory and evidence-based practice to clinical work and service delivery.
- Implement policies and procedures and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
- Participate in projects that support service development and quality improvement.
- Engage service users in the planning and delivery of local services.
- Provide clinical supervision and support to trainee and junior psychologists.
- Contribute to recruitment, appraisal and development processes where appropriate.
- Deliver teaching and training to psychology trainees and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Support the development and sharing of psychological knowledge and best practice.
- Maintain high standards of clinical record keeping, report writing and electronic data management.
- Contribute to audits, service evaluations, outcome measurement and research activities.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based developments within the service.
- Participate in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
- Maintain compliance with HCPC standards, BPS guidelines and Trust policies.
- Keep up to date with developments in psychological practice, legislation and mental health care.
- Travel across Trust sites and community settings as required.
- Manage challenging or distressing situations professionally and in line with Trust policies.
- Work flexibly, including occasional late clinics or weekend commitments where required.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for the detailed job description and main responsibilities of the role.