Applied Psychologist

Are you someone looking to start a career in one of the UKs most respected mental health trusts?

Would you like to do a job that makes a difference every day?

We are seeking a Clinical Psychologist to join the Devon Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disorder team (FIND) based at Easby House, Langdon Hospital in Dawlish Devon.

FIND aims to reduce length of stay for secure care patients with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability (LD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and reduce the use of out of area or specialist placements. This involves direct work with patients (e.g. intervention, specialist assessment, case management) as well as indirect work with staff teams (e.g. consultation, training, supervision).

FIND undertakes gatekeeping assessments for individuals with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability (LD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), monitors transitions between levels of security and oversees patients placed outside their home area. They also provide specialist clinical advice and recommendations on the most appropriate care pathways and sequencing of treatment for each individual.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact Beverley Geary, Principal Clinical Psychologist (07805587706 / Beverley.geary2@nhs.net).

Job description

The principal purpose of the job is to improve the psychological health and wellbeing of people under the ForensicIntellectualNeurodevelopmentalDisorder (FIND) Service and provide peer support to psychologists in the Community Forensic Services and wider secure services directorate.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of work in forensic learning disability / autism / ABI services and work with people with severe and complex needs

Experience of providing teaching, training and supervision

Experience, and/or training in diversity awareness and social inequality

Experience of providing a range of complex assessments, formulation and therapies to address forensic as well as mental health and/or neurodiversity difficulties.

Experience of completing thorough assessment and risk assessment of individuals with complex need.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Broad knowledge of Forensic services; and of the services in the NHS where clinical psychology is commonly applied.
• Extensive knowledge of the knowledge base, skills and practice of Clinical Psychology
• Knowledge of the policy context of services to DPT.
• Significant understanding / knowledge of working with service users with neurodiversity
• An understanding of government policy / strategies with regard to services for people with learning disability, autism and ABI
• A good understanding of safeguarding adults/children, the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and the CPA process.
• Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills
• Skills in managing conflict, negotiation & achieving consensus in complex situations in the pursuit of agreed strategic aims

Ability to integrate complex data; make highly skilled evaluations and decisions; and take a long-term perspective.

Ability to reflect and critically appraise own and others performance.

Organisation and time management skills. Ability to prioritise and work responsively and flexibly to manage individual, supervisee and organizational goals.

Ability to work autonomously, seeking guidance as necessary

Good communication skills when presenting / facilitating to varying groups of people

Desirable

• Project management skills or experience

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Clinical or Counselling or Forensic Psychologist (D.Clin.Psychol. or equivalent), eligible for Chartered Clinical Psychologist Status in the British Psychological Society OR Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology as accredited by the HPC (or equivalent qualifications as assessed by the HPC) OR Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent as assessed by the HPC).
• Registration with HCPC regulatory body.
• IT Skills

Desirable

• Further training or equivalent experience in relevant psychological therapies (e.g. MBT, CAT, DBT)

Further training or experience in delivering training programmes

About the employer

About DPT

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.