Practitioner Psychologist, Band 8a

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The Psychology Department is led by the Chief Psychological professions Officer and the post has close working relationships with other psychologists in the psychology department, as well as multi-disciplinary colleagues.  The post will liaises with other psychologists in the region, nationally and with third sector organisation.

The post holder will be required:

Clinical

- Direct clinical intervention through the application of a range of psychological theories and models to analyse, understand and interpret complex situations and behaviours in order to formulate solutions and treatment which is tailored to individuals’ needs. This requires the capacity to engage in intense concentration for prolonged periods of time.

- Although the post holder acts autonomously and is professionally accountable for their own practice, in common with all clinical psychologists undertakes regular supervision.

- To work proactively and preventatively with the MDT to identify and intervene early in psychological concerns or distress. To also work with more complex cases appropriate for a physical health acute setting and to working jointly and consultatively with other colleagues. For example, with patients or families who have extreme difficulty in accepting their diagnosis or making necessary lifestyle changes, patients who have co-morbid mood difficulties or other psychological factors that affect adjustment, adherence and living well with their diagnosis.

- Effective communication of highly complex, contentious, delicate and often unwelcome information to patients, carers and staff within a highly emotive atmosphere, in a rapidly changing context. This involves working alone with patients who may be in a highly emotional or distressed state and requires a high level of skilled communication.

- Provide specialised advice, supervision and consultation on care, therapy, and psychological aspects of health to multidisciplinary teams, staff groups, and patient groups.

- Responsibility for managing own time, planning of patient clinics and other clinical work. Organising workload of, and supervising trainees / students / psychology assistants where appropriate.

- Responsibility for maintaining clear and accurate patient records in the department and in hospital health care records, including letter writing and reports to other health care colleagues and other relevant agencies.

- Application of current evidence based interventions in clinical psychology.

- There will be a frequent requirement for intense concentration during individual and group sessions and exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. This includes occasionally dealing with verbally or physically aggressive patients.

- Although the post holder acts autonomously and is professionally accountable for their own practice, in common with all applied psychologists, undertakes regular clinical supervision.

Policy and Service Development

 -Provider of professional advice to health community on psychological factors relating to physical health, e.g. adjusting to diagnosis, accessing investigations/treatment, adherence to treatment and end of life issues.

 -Implement policies and service developments in line with government directives.

- Identify service needs, setting up new initiatives which will enhance patient care outcomes.

Teaching/training

- Deliver specialist psychology teaching /training to doctoral and applied psychology trainees and psychology colleagues. The may include supervision.

- Teaching psychological aspects of physical health to other healthcare professionals within specialist services.

- Use appropriate information technology to support teaching and training e.g. powerpoint.

Research and Development activity

- To undertake applied clinical research and audit programmes, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies with the aim of improving health outcomes of patients their families and carers. This utilises reflective scientist-practitioner and doctoral level research skills.

- Supervision of Assistant Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Trainees in research and development.

- Offer consultation to other professionals with reference to research or audit-based activity.

- Regularly carry out evaluation of clinical intervention and making adjustments indicated by this.

- Comply with Clinical Governance requirements.

CPD

- Participate in current Trust performance / development review systems (e.g. appraisal).

 -Responsibility for maintenance and development for own professional skills based.

- Remain abreast of recent developments in relevant areas of psychology through personal study and attendance at workshops / conferences.

- Actively participate in local and national special interest groups.