Psychological Therapist - Obesity/Weight Management

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Provision of a psychological service to patients and carers referred to the obesity pilot clinic under the direction of the supervising psychological practitioner and BHRUT MDT
2. To provide timely, safe and evidence-based assessment and treatment of a set target of patients who will be referred for psychological therapy during the pilot period
3. Attending the obesity pilot clinic case reviews, team meetings, and all required MDT forums in which referrals and current cases are discussed in an MDT setting.
4. To be responsible for the planning and prioritisation of own workload and activities
5. To deliver/co-facilitate groups for patients and carers if required.

Clinical Skills

1.    To provide a specialist evidence-based psychological therapy service for people living with obesity

2.    To deliver/co-facilitate groups for patients referred to the obesity clinic when required,

3.    To be a member of the obesity clinic multi-disciplinary team providing a psychologically informed perspective, formulations and advice.

4.    To be capable of working in clinical situations which require concentration and which may involve distressing or emotionally demanding circumstances or where there is risk.

5.    To effectively triage, signpost and manage complexity, such as safeguarding and risk concerns.

6.    To maintain and update client records in accordance with Trust and professional guidelines.

7.    To support the team in management of the waiting lists, this includes telephone call reviews, preparing clients for MDT discussion and for assessment.

8.    The post holder may be required to demonstrate their own duties to others.

9.    To receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice     guidelines and Trust policy.

10.  To prepare test materials and visual aids as required. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

Computer/Administration

·       To Adhere to RIO and BHRUT guidelines when inputting data. 

·       To maintain up to date notes and data.

Communication

1.    To develop a rapport and a therapeutic relationship with servicers users and their carers/families within appropriate boundaries of the role.

2.    To develop effective communication (face to face and on the telephone) with other professionals and staff members.

3.    To work closely with the MDT in the obesity clinic and showing skill in communicating sensitive clinical information

4.    To work closely with CHPS professional manager, clinical supervisor and head of service and to be an important member of the wider CHPS service.

5.    To communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

6.    To demonstrate empathy with patients, carers and families and colleagues.

7.    To develop negotiating skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.

8.    To escalate informal complaints if unable to resolve in the first instance where possible.

9.    To form relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have some communication difficulties.

10. To contribute to discussions relating to caseload management by discussing own and others input around client’s needs contributing to a well-co-ordinated care plan.

11. To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support to resolve.

12.  To attend relevant meetings including staff meetings.

Training

1.     Ensure that own knowledge and skills are constantly updated.

2.     Actively participate in clinical supervision.

3.     Actively participate in line management supervision.

4.     Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within the agreed time scale.

5.     Undertake mandatory training as required.

6.     Undertake Rio and BHRUT electronic systems training as required.

7.     To keep up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good practice in psychological therapies

8.     To develop the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided.

9.     To develop the ability to reflect on practice with clinical supervisor.