About this role
Job summary
Hertfordshire Partnership is an Outstanding Provider of Mental Health Services. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 1.0 wte 8B Lead Clinical Psychologist within the mental health liaison services at Lister General Hospital (LGH).
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a cutting edge service that has an excellent reputation within the trust and general hospitals. Psychology is highly valued by both the MHLT and general hospital wards/ specialities and is seen as a core component of service provision.
The Mental Health Liaison Service works at integrating physical and mental health care for people attending the general hospital. The aim is to provide a multidisciplinary approach in understanding people presenting with co-morbid mental and physical health difficulties within a general hospital setting.
Main duties of the job
The post holder/s will mainly focus on the provision of specialist assessment and intervention within a physical health context including the provision of psychology across hospital specialities, e.g. gastroenterology, diabetes, respiratory, dementia/frailty, and pain whilst also focusing on supporting with secondary care mental health presentations e.g. complex personality disorder. There is huge opportunity to engage in service development initiatives, provide teaching/training and consultation across the acute care context.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job description Job responsibilities
As the remit of the service is wide there is scope for the post holder/s to develop specific areas of specialism and expertise and to develop and follow their own initiatives. Examples of liaison initiatives include projects focused on reducing frequent attenders to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department based on a consultation model, group programmes for Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS), reflection work with acute general hospital staff and proactive psychological support for individuals at risk of lengthy hospital admissions. There is a keen focus on supervision, personal development and peer support opportunities.
This post would suit an HCPC registered Clinical or Counselling Psychologist with at least 4 years post qualification experience in mental health, preferably with experience of working in acute settings. The post would suit individuals wishing to work in a fast paced, energetic and creative mental health field at the cutting edge of integrated care. Experience in integrated care and physical health presentations, or experience in working with older people and frailty, will be a distinct advantage. However, we would also welcome applications from clinical/counselling psychologists aspiring to move fields or to expand their Clinical Health Psychology knowledge and skills.
HPFT is committed to its staff. You would also be joining a strong and established group of psychological therapists offering services within adult mental health. There are thriving special interest groups and we offer regular opportunities for ongoing professional development
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Essential
Good honours degree in psychology. Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Post-graduate doctorate in clinical psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS, or fully completed training as a Counselling Psychologist. Full-time post-registration experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment with clients with a range of psychological needs of a complex nature.
Desirable
Related academic qualifications to masters or doctorate level. Post-doctoral training in one or more additional specialised areas of psychological practice.
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Essential
Experience of working with moderate to severe mental health problems, including: medically unexplained symptoms, physical health problems, and personality difficulties Experience of working within MHLT or acute services Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for client's psychological care and treatment. Able to plan own workload; and coordinate with other relevant staff in the delivery of clinical service
Desirable
Familiarity with computing technology, including keyboard skills, and use of word-processing, e-mail, and internet software. Good presentation and teaching skills and ability to use multi-media materials for formal presentations to large groups.
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).
Employer details Employer name Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Lister General Hospital
Coreys Mill Lane
Stevenage
SG1 4AB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)