Psychological PractitionerNHS

Job summary

The post-holder will provide low-intensity psychologically informed interventions to patients in the South Sefton area as an extension of the Primary Care Network GP Practices. The post holder will work with a diverse caseload, and should be committed to equal opportunities. This position will align with the Health and Wellbeing Coach Additional Role Reimbursement Role.

The post-holder will be required to conduct psychological assessments, develop structured formulations and deliver psychologically informed, evidence-based interventions under the supervision of an experienced qualified psychological professional. This will include interventions appropriate to presenting need such as cognitive behavioural techniques, solution-focused approaches and mindfulness-based skills.

Main duties of the job

1. Complete psychological assessments, structured formulations and delivery of, psychological interventions.

2. Build healthy and meaningful working relationships with colleagues from different professions in various settings.

3. Assessment, understanding and supporting formulation, planning, organising, reviewing and delivering recovery-oriented and evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of service users, as agreed with the supervising clinician(s). This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards.

4. To forge strong and healthy connections between physical and mental health care within a community setting as part of a holistic approach.

5. Engage with clinical supervision with a named member of qualified psychology staff to take place on a weekly basis to facilitate their work and ensure safe practice.

6. Assist in the development, design and implementation of programme and project work. To assist in the administration and interpretation of outcome related measures, collation and recording of statistics and production of relevant reports.

7. To engage with relevant CPD associated with the job role in order to feel confident in day-to-day practice.

Job description

South Sefton Primary Care Network (SSPCN) is seeking a Psychological Practitioner Health and Wellbeing Coach to deliver high-quality, low-intensity, psychologically informed support to people referred through GP practices across South Sefton. This is a Band 5, full-time role (37.5 hours per week), based across the South Sefton Primary Care area assigned. The post holder will work with adults aged 18+ who are at risk of, experiencing or recovering from mental health difficulties. The role aligns with the Health and Wellbeing Coach Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme framework and combines psychologically informed practice with personalised health coaching to improve wellbeing, resilience, self-management and health-related outcomes.

Role purpose

Working under the regular supervision of a qualified psychological professional, the post holder will undertake psychological assessments, develop collaborative and structured formulations, and deliver time-limited, evidence-based interventions matched to individual need. Approaches may include cognitive behavioural techniques, solution-focused methods, mindfulness-based skills and other appropriate psychologically informed models within the competence of a Band 5 practitioner. Assessment and intervention will be person-centred, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and formulation-driven, taking account of psychological, physical, social and environmental factors. The post holder will also use health coaching approaches to help people identify what matters to them, set personalised goals and build confidence in managing their health and wellbeing.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Complete holistic biopsychosocial and psychological assessments using clinical interviews, observation, information from relevant others and, where appropriate, standardised outcome measures or psychometric tools.
• Develop shared psychological formulations, including structured approaches such as the 5 Ps or CBT models, and review these formulations through supervision as needs change.
• Deliver planned, low-intensity psychological interventions on an individual basis and potentially co-deliver group interventions and wellbeing sessions.
• Use health and wellbeing coaching skills to support behaviour change, lifestyle modification, resilience and self-management through collaborative, personalised goal setting.
• Build effective therapeutic relationships, explain confidentiality clearly, obtain informed consent and communicate sensitively with people, families, carers and professionals.
• Complete collaborative risk assessments, risk formulations and management plans in accordance with local policy, escalating or seeking support where required.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns involving children or adults, following organisational and statutory procedures.
• Review progress and outcomes with patients, determine when further intervention may not be helpful, and support safe discharge, onward referral or follow-up planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely and appropriate electronic clinical records, including assessment documentation, progress notes, outcome measures, supervision records and discharge correspondence.
• Manage and prioritise a varied caseload, plan appointments and administrative time, organise an effective diary and work safely within lone-working procedures.

Multidisciplinary and partnership working

The post holder will work as an active member of the multidisciplinary team and maintain constructive relationships with SSPCN GP practices, ARRS colleagues, primary and community mental health teams, social care, education, housing, benefits services, voluntary, community and faith organisations, and other partners involved in a persons care. They will contribute relevant clinical information, report progress and outcomes, support shared decision-making and help people access the most appropriate pathway. The role requires confidence in communicating complex, sensitive or potentially contentious information, including where people are distressed or face barriers to understanding or engagement. Communication must be clear, compassionate, respectful and adapted to individual need.

Supervision and professional development

The post holder will prepare for and participate fully in weekly clinical supervision with a named qualified psychological professional, as well as relevant group supervision, line management and appraisal processes. They will respond to supervisory guidance, maintain appropriate supervision records and use reflection to develop clinical skills, evaluate their practice and maintain safe professional boundaries. They are expected to engage in continuing professional development, apply learning from relevant higher education and training, remain aware of their own wellbeing and fitness to practise, and seek timely support when clinical information is incomplete, complex or conflicting.

Clinical governance and safe practice

• Provide care in accordance with evidence-based practice, NICE guidance, local and national policies, clinical governance requirements and relevant professional codes of ethics and conduct.
• Understand and apply legal and ethical principles relevant to mental health care, including confidentiality, consent, capacity, safeguarding and appropriate information sharing.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance, record-keeping and data protection requirements.
• Use electronic patient record systems and approved digital communication platforms competently and in line with organisational policies.
• Work in accordance with health and safety requirements, report unsafe practice and contribute to a culture in which concerns can be raised appropriately.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, challenge discriminatory practice and recognise the effects of difference, inequality and social circumstances on health and access to care.

Service improvement and evaluation

The post holder will contribute to the continuing development of the Psychological Practitioner role and the wider service. This may include supporting programme and project work, gathering and interpreting outcome data, collecting service-user feedback, maintaining activity records, contributing to reports and presentations, taking part in clinical audit and service evaluation, and sharing learning with colleagues. They may undertake literature reviews, critically appraise research and contribute to training events, steering groups or service-development discussions when requested. All activity must comply with relevant ethical and governance requirements.

The person we are looking for

You will bring psychological knowledge and practical skills developed through an appropriate postgraduate, counselling or related qualification and relevant continuing professional development. You will be able to apply theory to practice within the boundaries of the role, develop trusting therapeutic relationships and communicate with empathy, clarity and professionalism. You should be able to assess and interpret complex information, consider different options, make proportionate recommendations with supervisory support and recognise when to escalate concerns. Strong organisation, accurate documentation, digital confidence and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. You will be comfortable working across GP practices and community settings, managing competing demands and contributing positively to a developing service. A commitment to compassionate, non-discriminatory, recovery-focused and evidence-based care is central to the role.

Accountability and organisational context

The post holder will be managerially accountable to the Line Manager/Service Lead and professionally accountable to the Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Lead. South Sefton PCN aims to strengthen and sustain general practice, support collaborative working across member practices, develop integrated and place-based care, improve patient access and experience, build effective links with community partners and make appropriate use of digital technology. Our values are making a difference in the right way, acting with enthusiasm and positivity, and behaving with care and compassion. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate these values consistently in their work with patients, colleagues and partner organisations.

About us

We are a collaborative partnership of 19 GP practices working alongside community, mental health, social care and voluntary sector organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population. We are committed to delivering proactive, personalised and coordinated care, with a strong focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities and supporting people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Our workforce includes GPs, Nurses, Advanced Practitioners, Clinical Pharmacists, Paramedics, Social Prescribing Link Workers, Care Coordinators and other specialist roles who work together to develop innovative services to meet the needs of our communities. We are passionate about transforming healthcare through collaboration, continuous improvement & population-focused care.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values:

• Making a Difference in the Right Way delivering high-quality, safe & effective care that places patients at the centre of everything we do.
• Acting with Enthusiasm and Positivity embracing innovation, teamwork and opportunities to improve services for our patients & staff.
• Behaving with Care and Compassion treating patients, colleagues and partners with kindness, respect & understanding.

We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills, share ideas & contribute to the ongoing evolution of primary care services.