Senior Assistant PsychologistNHS

Job summary

There is an exciting opportunity to join the Multiple Admissions Pathway Project in Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes, based in Hillrise. The MAP pathway is amultidisciplinary team who work using dialogical and systemic principles based on the open dialogue approach. This intensive pathway works within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team (NMHT) for those who have experienced repeated crisis and require additional support. It is transdiagnostic supporting those with psychosis, complex emotional needs (CEN) and mood conditions often alongside addictions and neurodiversity. We are looking for a enthusiastic dynamic individual who works well in a team. It would be well suited for someone with experience of working with people with severe mental health difficulties and a natural empathic stance.

Main duties of the job

To support and enhance the professional psychological care of users of the service, providing psychological assessments and interventions within the scope appropriate to level of experience and training, and to undertaking related tasks to enhance assessment, intervention and evaluation within the care group. To work independently with work managed and goals agreed and reviewed through regular supervision by an HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist. To support the running of the open dialogue informed network meetings and participate in these alongside supporting family therapy sessions.

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities As part of the MAP team, you will work closely with the two neighbourhood mental health teams in East Sussex and enhance the care delivered to those in crisis with complex needs and a history of multiple admissions. The MAP team uses an open dialogue informed approach to support clients and aims to reduce inpatient admissions.

Clinical

1. To undertake assessments and interventions (including neuropsychological tests, self report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews of clients, family members and others involved in the clients care).

2. To assist in the development of psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service.

3. To formulate and deliver care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems within settings where there may be a hostile atmosphere, challenging behaviour or high levels of expressed emotion.

4. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic network meetings.

5. To compile risk histories to inform care plans, risk and crisis plans.

6. To work with other team members to improve care practices and the quality of life of clients.

7. To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings.

8. To support the delivery of evidence based psychological interventions for clients.

9. To carry out other clinical and administrative tasks as appropriate to the post holders grade.

10. To be up to date with both de-escalation, physical breakaway and PMVA techniques appropriate to the service environment.

Administration

1. To establish and maintain records and statistics concerning the service.

2. To be acquainted with, implement and maintain all relevant Trust and Psychology and Psychological Therapies policies and procedures.

3. To report immediately any incidents affecting staff, users or visitors on health service property in accordance with Trust policies.

4. To maintain and manage systems for stock control of Psychology tests, test materials and other equipment.

Professional Issues

1. To abide by the BPS code of Conduct and Ethics and the Division of Clinical Psychology Professional Practice Guidelines.

2. To maintain confidentiality in line with Trust policy

3. To participate in clinical and professional audit.

4. To participate in and contribute to Quality Assurance initiatives.

5. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.

About us

The NHS is changing and with more emphasis on community-based care there's never been a better time to join us. Over the next three years, community mental health services are going to be undergoing a real transformation and you could be part of these exciting developments. Our community mental health teams will become part of a much more integrated network of services and our mental health clinicians will be central in driving the changes, in close partnership with our primary and third sector colleagues.

We recognise that working in mental health can be stressful so we prioritise staff welfare, providing regular supervision, reflective practice, mentoring, and any other support that our clinicians need to ensure their wellbeing.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact Dr Sally McGuire Principal Psychologist (Lead for MAP Wealden, Eastbourne and Lewes) to learn more about the role.