Principal Clinical Psychologist

Thank you for expressing your interest in the above post, please find the following enclosures:

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The Vacancy Name / Number is principle Clinical Psychologist (IRC11566)

If you require assistance with your application please contact HR on 01555 842084.

Human Resources The State HospitalCarstairs Lanark ML11 8RP

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST 8b

Salary: 8b £47,562 - £58,799 plus High Secure Environment Allowance of £1226 and High Secure Responsibility Allowance of £2943.

Hours: Negotiable up to 10 sessions (37.5) hours per week.

Post details: Psychological Services at the State Hospital is a large and well resourced department in Scotland’s only high secure hospital. We currently offer a comprehensive psychological service for up to 120 patients. As well as ward based psychologists working in multi-disciplinary clinical teams with the responsibility for the assessment and delivery of individual treatments, there is a significant multi-disciplinary psychological therapy service (PTS). Current well developed Psychological Therapies include interventions for psychosis, personality difficulties, violence and sexual offending and addictive behaviour. The State Hospital psychology team is a member of the forensic matrix group and work with other forensic mental health psychology services in Scotland to develop and deliver psychological interventions to match the offending and mental health needs of our patients.

Clinical psychologists are also significantly involved in a number of hospital-wide strategies groups and initiatives; all senior staff are encouraged to take a role in these where appropriate to their interests and expertise.

We currently have a vacancy for an experienced forensic clinical psychologist to join our team. This person will take the lead role in the management of the group-based psychological therapies. The role requires significant clinical leadership as well as planning and organisational skill, the ability to work independently and to make proactive decisions about resource management.

In addition they will be responsible for the psychological service to one multi-disciplinary clinical team and will lead a small group of psychologists and psychological therapists working on that team.

The post holder must have an Interest in the development of psychological therapies in a forensic setting, experience of working with mentally disordered offenders and/or experience of working with complex difficulties such as psychosis or personality disorder. Skills in the assessment and management of risk of future harm using a structure professional judgement approach are also essential.

All applicants should show a keen interest in implementing the spirit of mental health legislation, ensuring an integrated care pathway for patients in their progress towards safe re-integration in the community and with a vision that will energise the development of a national forensic network in Scotland. You will be committed to the implementation of the philosophy of the equalities and diversities agendas.

Experience/Qualifications

The post holder will be a clinical psychologist with interest and/or experience of working in forensic mental health. Split or part time posts are a feature of our current service and we support flexible and family friendly working.

There are strong links with Glasgow and Edinburgh Clinical Psychology training programmes. We will actively encourage and support you in your continued Professional Development and research initiatives.

Interested? Prior visits are encouraged. If you would like an informal discussion, please contact Morag Slesser, Head of Psychological Services, on 01555 842055 or for an information pack, please contact Angela Slaven on 01555 842084 or e-mail jobs@tsh.scot.nhs.uk

Closing Date:

The closing date for application is Friday 13th October at 12pm.

**Please note if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks from the closing

date your application has been unsuccessful**

This post will also be advertised in SHOW/Job Centre

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title: Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Responsible to (insert job title): Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Department(s): Psychological Services

Directorate: Psychology

Operating Division: The State Hospital

Job Reference:

No of Job Holders: 1

Last Update (insert date):11th June 2009 (due for update 2017)

2. JOB PURPOSE

To provide psychological care to mentally disordered offenders within a high security forensic NHS setting. In particular, this job has three key responsibilities: As Designated Clinical Team Psychologist, to be responsible for providing consultancy and having responsibility for the psychological care of patients for the Clinical Team. Within Psychological Therapies, to be responsible for research as well as managing, developing, implementing and evaluating one or more of the psychological therapies available to our patients with a diagnosis of psychosis and personality disorder. Thirdly to perform corporate and professional duties. This involves the operational management and coordination of the group based psychological therapies within the service.

3. DIMENSIONS

Within Psychological Therapies, the postholder has Lead responsibility for one or more psychological therapy or therapies for psychosis or personality disorder in the hospital (the vast majority of patients in the hospital meet these criteria). The service aims to provide a menu of appropriate psychological interventions at different levels [intensive individual psychological therapy, group psychological therapy and group/individual psycho-education The management of these services involves

Developing evidence-based assessment and treatment protocols for staff involved in specific interventions for Psychosis, personality disorder or offending behaviour ensuring best practice via interpretation of national and local guidelines.

Implementation of assessment and treatment protocols (directly by postholder and indirectly through management and supervision of suitably qualified therapists)

Responsibility for the evaluation of effectiveness of the various protocols. Assigning and delegating work to the dedicated staff reporting to the post holder including PTS nurses,,

other Clinical Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists. Direct clinical supervision of Clinical Psychologists, Assistant and Trainee Psychologists, nurses and

Clinical Nurse Specialists who provide therapeutic input to the service Being responsible for supervision of a range of professionals providing input to the service (nurses, clinical

psychologists, a forensic psychologists and psychiatrists) Teaching and training of staff Responsibility for audit and service evaluation of own work and work of others involved in the PTS they

are responsible for including developing own research portfolio. Disseminate this information via publications and conferences in order to inform others working in this

highly complex and relatively under-researched area. To provide training in the protocols to other psychologists working with for Psychosis, Personality disorder

or offending beahviour in forensic settings. (disseminating evidence based practice and protocols) The postholder will line manage other clinicians within the PTS Service including psychologists,

assistant psychologists, nurse sessions.

As a designated clinical team psychologist having lead responsibility for overseeing psychological care to an adult forensic continuing care ward. This involves

providing consultancy to other professionals; supervising staff in delivery of therapies on the ward, supporting staff working with highly complex cases and issues

highly specialist psychological assessment of clients, formulation, intervention, and evaluation of all psychological therapies.

Providing evidence-based individual and group therapy to mentally disordered offenders on the ward. Undertaking risk assessments and risk management for individual clients and providing general advice to

other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management. Conducting neuropsychological assessment for clients referred to the Clinical Team.

In addition the postholder must take on addition corporate responsibilities as negotiated with the Head of Psychological Services

To coordinate and manage the group work psychological interventions Undertake a key role in the recruitment and supervision of other psychologists. To provide training to Glasgow and Edinburgh University Doctoral Clinical Training Courses. To be actively involved in the development of forensic training and the forensic network. To take a lead role in developing links (with regard benchmarking, clinical practice and research in

psychosis) with the three other Special Hospitals in the UK. To plan and maintain a CPD portfolio. To be aware of and conversant in legislative process in relation to mentally disordered offenders. To provide expert consultancy to external agencies such as the Scottish Executive, Scottish Prison Service

and other facilities for mentally disordered offenders such as the Orchard Clinic and Special Hospitals. the postholder must be cognisant of the budgetary constraints and work within them (particularly for

training expenses and human resource management) Postholder must be flexible and react to the needs of patients and the hospital as they arise Act independently and autonomously in their daily routine, e.g. make decisions regarding service issues or

ward work, organise own diary.

4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

Head of Psychological Services

Team lead psychologist

Assistant psychologist (0.5)

Clinical Nurse Specialists (1.5)

This job

Nursing staff(various)

Clinical psychologists

To provide specialist Forensic Clinical Psychological Services in collaboration with the multi-professional agencies represented in forensic psychiatry for Scotland and Northern Ireland that meet the assessed needs of mentally disordered offenders detained in the State Hospital under the statutes of Mental Health and Criminal Justice legislation.

To ensure the availability of appropriate psychological treatments for patients with mental illness, personality disorders and learning disabilities in the level of security commensurate with their assessed level of risk (dangerousness).

To provide the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time requires the department to collaborate with Psychological Services across Scotland and Northern Ireland at all levels of security to ensure an integrated care pathway for mentally disordered patients.

6. KEY RESULT AREAS

Service Management and Policy Development

Having lead responsibility for the management, development, implementation and evaluation of at least one psychological therapy for psychosis or personality disorder.

As part of the above to manage a multi-dimensional service which ultimately aims to ensure that all those patients who have a diagnosis of psychosis or personality disorder in the hospital (the vast majority) are assessed for suitability for psychological interventions in the hospital, and where that need is identified, ensure that they are provided with a suitable intervention.

To develop their service area with an aim to ensure best practice through interpretation of national guidelines (eg SIGN, QIS), professional standards (BPS) and hospital policies and procedures.

To have an overview of all the cases in the hospital; e.g. managing referrals, completing needs analysis that apply to their PTS area of responsibility.

To ensure that there is a variety of psycho-social and personality disorder interventions available – namely group and individual psycho-education programmes, and group and individual psycho-therapy programmes for their areas of responsibility

Have full responsibility for the development of assessment and treatment protocols to be used with patients with a diagnosis of psychosis and personality disorder who are referred to their area of responsibility. This involves either developing the protocols personally or supervising others suitably qualified personnel in doing so.

Ensuring that all those patients who are referred into their service are offered a pre-assessment visit in order to ascertain suitability for treatment as indicated by the referral criteria..

Ensuring that all those patients who are accepted into the service undertake detailed assessments according to the assessment protocol leading to a formulation that incorporates all the complex information gathered from personal and third party interview, file review, and psychometrics and draws on a range of theoretical and therapeutic models

Ensuring that when appropriate, patients are offered the appropriate interevntion (either in individual or group settings) on the basis of the assessment and formulation that and is directed at alleviating their distress and/ or addressing their maladaptive/risk behaviours associated with their psychosis or personality disorder.

To monitor service delivery and evaluate the effectiveness of the various interventions. As this is a service for which there is no identified ‘best practice’ for mentally disordered offenders, the postholder is expected to conduct research and evaluation and keep abreast of current practice in order to develop best practice guidelines and contribute to the literature in this area.

To exercise responsibility for the systematic governance of psychological practice within their area of responsibility within the Psychological therapies Service.

Responsible for managing all the files of patients referred to their service. To report to and provide expert psychological opinion to senior management regarding matters relating to

their area of responsibility within the PTS Service and provide expert advice to senior management regarding related issues.

To ensure effective, efficient and economic utilisation of resources (staff involvement, time dedicated by staff, supervision) in respect of their area of the PTS Service.

To chair the appropriate Steering Groups related to their area of the PTS service To participate as a senior clinician in the development of a high quality, responsive and accessible service

for clients with the ward/service, including advising both service and professional management on those aspects of the service where psychological and/or organisation matters need addressing

To exercise delegated responsibility for managing the psychological resources available to the ward and their areas of PTS responsibility both in terms of psychological staff and psychological materials employed in the assessment and the treatment of patients.

Patient Care, organisation and Planning To provide a Clinical Psychology service to mentally disordered offenders with complex needs in a

maximum secure setting. This involves taking lead responsibility for the delivery of psychological care to

patients on the ward. This involves highly specialised psychological assessment, formulation, and delivery of individual and group, evidence based interventions and evaluations of interventions

Providing highly specialist psychological assessment based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources including psychological, neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with mentally disordered offenders, family members, nursing staff and others involved in the client’s care.

To make highly skilled evaluations and formulations leading to decisions about treatment options taking into account evidence based theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the individual

Ensuring, coordinating and monitoring the provision of a psychological care package as derived from the formulation either through individual clinical psychology work, referral to Psychological Therapies, joint-working within the team or the supervision of other members of staff who provide the intervention

To be responsible for implementing and coordinating a range of psychological interventions for mentally disordered offenders, both individually and in groups, within and across teams employed individually and in synthesis, adjusting and refining psychological formulations drawing upon different explanatory models and maintaining a number of provisional hypotheses.

To lead and manage complete programmes of care (individual or group) developed from an evidence-base, and where there is an absence of evidence, to develop these in a methodological manner consistent with the standards of the hospital. .

To exercise full responsibility and autonomy for the treatment of and discharge of patients receiving psychological care within the service/team.

To undertake risk assessment and risk management for each mentally disordered offender and to provide both general and specialist advice for psychologists and other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and risk management.

To make complex neuropsychological assessments of patients with complex developmental and forensic backgrounds involving choosing appropriate assessments, interpreting results and making recommendations about the implications for management and, if appropriate, rehabilitation. To make referrals to the Specialist Neuropsychology Service as appropriate.

Acting as a conduit to the Psychological Therapies Service: matching the needs of patients to the criteria for each Therapy; having an overview of sequencing of therapies and progress made.

Providing consultancy to the Clinical Team and ward-based staff on psychological matters. This includes providing highly specialist psychological formulations of patient’s experiences and making them accessible to other team members. This entails being able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to other professionals, in an appropriate and understandable manner.

Attendance at weekly Clinical Team Meetings and providing written reports. Report writing, including Annual and Intermediate Review Reports, Court Reports, reports for the Scottish

Executive, Parole Board and Mental Health Tribunals. Working with the Psychology Department to monitor psychological need, agree priorities for service

delivery and help provide a hospital-wide forensic clinical psychology service. To practice and promote multi-disciplinary working. To act as care-co-ordinator within a CPA construct, where appropriate, taking responsibility for the

initiation, planning and review of care plans. This involves monitoring patient progress and suggesting new interventions and sequencing.

Taking on role as therapist for CBT for Psychosis as part of the service carrying a small caseload of individual clients (this involves the assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation process as outlined above for working with clients on the ward)

Taking on the role as facilitator, running group psychological interventions for psychosis.

Staff Management, Training and Supervision

To be responsible for recruitment of members of the PTS teams they are responsible for To be responsible for identifying training needs of all staff involved in the PTS they are responsible for and

to provide training (either personally or by recruiting experts in the area) To be responsible for work allocation to and direct psychological supervision of members of staff involved

in the PTS they are responsible for (clinical psychologists, trainee psychologists, assistant psychologists,

clinical nurse specialists, nurses) and to undertake appraisals and personal development plans for those members that are line managed by them.

To provide regular clinical supervision to Clinical Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Forensic Psychologists Psychiatrists and Nurses involved in the PTS Service they are responsible for.. In the absence of direct supervision of these therapists, to be responsible for the provision of supervision from suitably qualified personal (either from within the core team or from the external consultant)

To provide teaching and training on psychological issues to other professionals in the hospital. To manage the workload of assistant psychologist on the ward To provide clinical placements for trainee clinical psychologists, ensuring that they acquire the necessary

clinical and research skills to doctoral level where appropriate, and competencies and experience to contribute effectively to good psychological practice, and contributing to the assessment and evaluation of these competencies.

To provide specialist advice, consultations and training and (where required) clinical supervision to other members of the clinical team for their provision of psychologically based interventions to help improve client’s functioning.

To disseminate information regarding psychological aspects of psychosis at national conferences and workshops, through formal presentations and posters. .

To gain additional highly specialist experience and skills relevant to clinical and forensic psychology and/or service (as agreed with line manager)

To provide teaching to the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Training Courses.

Research and Development/Service evaluation

To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other team members

To carry out research in the area of of PTS that they are responsible for e.g. developing the area of best practice with regard clinical assessment and intervention.

To supervise others undertaking research To generate and undertake new and innovative research in relevant clinical areas (part of this to be

undertaken by developing links with other special hospitals in order to develop a national research strategy) To maintain a high level of expertise in research methods To generate new areas of research which seek to increase knowledge in psychology and clinical and

forensic practice To organise, convene and present original clinical relevant research at conferences and workshops. Evaluate the progress of patients in therapy through the use of psychometrics and individually tailored

measures Evaluate the effectiveness of the PTS Service that they are responsible for through service evaluation and

audit

Working within a professional framework

Following HCPC and British Psychological Society Professional Code of Conduct To be available to attend BPS Committees and AGMs To develop psychology policies and procedures for the delivery of care To be a mentor for students to the hospital and to be a source of knowledge and advice to junior

psychologists To actively participate in the clinical supervision process. In particular this means receiving regular

fortnightly supervision and providing supervision to Clinical, Forensic, trainee, assistant psychologists,

Clinical Nurse Specialists, ward nurses etc. To take a lead role in developing links (with regard benchmarking, clinical practice and research in

psychosis) with the three other Special Hospitals in the UK Continued attendance at Scottish Forensic Clinical Psychology Group to maintain links with other Forensic

Clinical Psychologists Continued attendance at Psychologists interested in Psychosis networks in Scotland and Northern England To contribute to the National Network in terms of enhancing psychology input to patients and providing an

integrated care pathway through different levels of security. To liaise with and provide expert advice on psychological matters to external agencies such as the Scottish

Executive, the Scottish Prison Service, Universities etc. Maintain CPD portfolio Identify training needs and plan CPD accordingly Attend Workshops and Conferences to enhance skill base. Attend to other CPD activities, e.g. Guided reading To work within the provisions of the State Hospital Health and Safety policy To ensure that at all times a safe and secure environment is maintained through involvement in audit and

acting on concerns To ensure that hospital policies and procedures are understood and adhered to at all times To ensure that the highest standards of clinical and research record keeping are adhered in accordance with

professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Hospital policies and procedures To report to the Director any matter relating to the safety of the environment or any breach of security. To act at all times in a responsible and safe manner and encourage a warm and welcoming environment for

patients, visitors and others staff

To be noted:

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager.

This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information.

7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

Computer PC to create clinical records, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and other documents. In addition, it may be used to facilitate literature searches, accessing online journals and the transmitting and receiving of patient or organisation related information

To routinely use highly specialist neuropsychological and psychometric test equipment in order to inform psychological assessment, to assist in the diagnosis of organic illness, cognitive functioning and to inform patient’s treatment plans. Testing requires developed sensory and hand-eye co-ordination/dexterity and manipulation of fine test materials.

To routinely use a range of expert psychometric measures including self report questionnaires, diagnostic assessment schedules, structured clinical interviews to inform psychological assessment including measures that assess mental disorder, substance abuse, personality disorder and risk.

7b. SYSTEMS Dictating or typing clinical notes and reports Using Microsoft Word to create patient clinical records, reports and file reviews and for the creation of other

organisation documents. Using SPSS, a statistical software package, to record and update information on patients involved in the

Psycho-Social Interventions for Psychosis Service and analyse data for research or audit purposes. Using Microsoft Power Point to create presentation Using paper based record systems to record patient information Using Microsoft Outlook for e-mail messaging which a standard means of communication within the Trust

8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK

Within the department, the postholder has been designated the Designated Clinical Team Psychologist for a continuing care ward and one of the leads for psychological therapies. They will be responsible to one of the team lead psychologists. Within this role the postholder is expected:

To work autonomously and independently to meet the needs of the ward and the service. They are responsible for their own time management, for prioritising their workload, their assessments and interventions, and for meeting deadlines, e.g. case review reports.

To take full responsibility for the interpretation of professional, national and local guidelines and policies To act as Chairperson of the PTS Steering Group that they are responsible for.. To take responsibility for the delegation of workload to members of the PTS team that they are

responsible for. To take responsibility for the ongoing supervision and review of the work undertaken by multi-

disciplinary members of the PTS team that they are responsible for ; to line manage those staff that work directly to them. (other psychologists, assistant psychologists, trainees etc)

Hold Clinical Governance capacity to ensure and monitor the PTS Service that they are responsible for. To take full responsibility for working with patients with the most complex psychological needs (e.g.

severe mental illness and personality disorder) To be individually accountable for all of own clinical decisions To be party to budgetary demands and applications relevant to the PTS that they are responsible for. In common with all clinical psychologists, to be responsible for consulting with clinical supervisor, in

accordance with good practice guidelines. To receive an Individual Performance Review from line manager (team lead psychologist) and in so doing

identify personal development and training needs, agree a personal development and training plan, set individual objectives in line with hospital objective, review objectives and performance regularly and review workload.

In common with all clinical psychologists, to be responsible for consulting with peers as required Responsible for sustaining the Psycho-Social Interventions for Psychosis Service and for the capacity of

the service

9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

Lead of at least one aspect of the Psychological therapy service

To be autonomous and fully responsible within this role. Meetings are held with the Team Lead and Head of Psychological services to update them on progress and developments. Clinical work is allocated and devised autonomously.

To make decisions about recruitment of staff. To make decisions regarding the allocation of work to team members. To make judgements about identifying and meeting the training needs of team members. To make decisions regarding the supervision needs of the team members. To make decisions regarding the referral criteria used to determine patient’s suitability for intervention.

To make judgements regarding the development and implementation of the service across the hospital. To make decision regarding the monitoring and evaluating of the service and how to adapt the service as a

result of this evaluation To make decisions about research strategy. To be responsible deciding what the type assessment, formulation and intervention protocols are used in

this service. As a therapist in the PTS Service, the postholder must make highly complex judgements which require the

analysis and interpretation of complex information e.g the relationship between an individual’s mental disorder and their offending behaviours and make decisions regarding which level of intervention would best meet their presenting needs.

Designated Clinical Team Psychologist

The postholder will continually be required to made decisions and judgements about a wide range of factors, e.g.: Appropriate means of assessment; the psychological needs of the patient; suitability for treatment; progress made during treatment at various points during treatment, and the need for further work, alternative interventions or discharge; the purpose of challenging behaviours and possible responses from the Clinical Team; choosing an appropriate intervention; adapting interventions to meet the needs of the patient; evaluating the level and type of risk that a patient may pose using a range of information sources and from this producing a risk management plan; evaluating the appropriateness of interventions and adapting or changing as necessary; evaluating the performance of others through supervision; managing the sequencing of a range of psychological interventions.

The postholder is fully responsible and autonomous for the clinical psychology input to a continuing care Ward.

New initiatives for working within the ward can be devised and implemented in consultation with the CTM and approval sought from the Head of Psychology.

The postholder will continuously be expected to make highly complex judgements about assessment, intervention, management and future risk which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options about patient need and care. These sources may contain discrepant information. They must be prepared to defend these judgments to colleagues and other professionals who may hold divergent views.

To make decisions about the appropriate allocation of psychological work to assistant and/or trainee psychologists and other disciplines conducting psychological work

To make decisions regarding how to most appropriately provide supervision to assistant and trainee psychologists.

To make decisions regarding how to most appropriately provide supervision and consultation to other disciplines conducting psychological work

To make decisions regarding how to most effectively consult and constructively convey information regarding psychological aspects of a patients care to other disciplines or agencies

To make judgements regarding the impact of data protection policy development and information policy development upon psychology services, and vice versa; and to then decide how to communicate this to the multidisciplinary committees involved

10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

Working with extremely complex, disturbed and mentally disordered individuals who may be hostile about or resistant to intervention for a number of reasons. Building positive therapeutic relationships is a key step towards a successful intervention but engaging a patient may be extremely challenging particularly if their mental disorder or prior negative experiences of mental health facilities creates suspicion and/or paranoia.

Managing the referrals to the PTS that they are responsible for – the referral criteria are based upon best

practice guidelines (i.e. SIGN and NICE guidelines) and thus at any one time the number of referrals may place great demands on the resources available. Managing the resources to meet this ongoing demand requires very skilful strategic planning and resource management.

Working within Mental Health and Criminal Justice Legislation and to this end holding a duty of care not only to the patient but to the public.

The post holder may find themselves in conflict with the other members of the multi-disciplinary clinical team regarding a patient’s needs or care plan. The post holder must be able to manage and solve such challenging conflicts.

Developing protocols for treatment in the absence of best practice for this specialist population. To be an agent of change with such complex patients Taking responsibility for Risk Assessment and Risk Management Being constantly aware that you may be called to provide expert testimony in court Being at risk of hostile/challenging behaviours To ensure human rights principles are adhered to within clinical practice and conduct.

11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

To communicate effectively with patients, managers, relatives and carers, multidisciplinary hospital team members, members of psychology dept, non-clinical staff, professional visitors and individuals from external health, social services, prison and voluntary agencies. To do this with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills

To conduct formal presentation to groups in public, professional and academic settings requiring use of multi media presentation aids

To liaise with professionals external to the Trust in order to enhance patient assessment or to develop an appropriate support and supervision package to meet patient need on discharge.

To communicate with multidisciplinary team members in order to obtain information essential to psychological formulation and treatment; and to provide information and consultation to colleagues regarding complex psychological aspects of patient care.

To communicate sensitively with patients during assessment and treatment, displaying empathy, reassurance and understanding and in so doing, developing a therapeutic relationship

Apply expert interpersonal communication and counselling skills to overcome barriers to engagement in the therapeutic process including patient resistance and overt hostility and verbal aggression. This therefore requires the use of techniques to enhance motivation, to diffuse potential aggression, and to sensitively challenge.

To address and explore with patients distressing and traumatic personal experiences (e.g. child abuse, bereavement, violent and sexual offences) in a supportive and contained manner, and therefore work within a highly emotive atmosphere.

Share complex psychological formulations and information with the patient which must be provided in a comprehensible manner. This is particularly essential with a forensic client group where learning disabilities, head injury affecting cognitive functioning and literacy problems are common.

To also communicate therapeutically with patients in group formats, and in doing sensitively and constructively manage the conflict and distress that often arises

To communicate with carers regarding the complex psychological aspects of patients’ care, and to also provide therapeutic input as appropriate.

To communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, complex and sensitive information to a range of people (patients, colleagues, carers, visitors) with a range of cognitive abilities.

12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Physical Demands

There is a requirement to undertake relevant, mandatory training in breakaway techniques, Control and restraint techniques and management of violence and aggression training.

There is an occasional requirement to exert intense physical effort throughout the period of work There is a requirement for the use of standard keyboards skills There is a requirement to sit in a restricted position for substantial periods of time during clinical

sessions or when inputting at a keyboard on a daily basis (eg writing reports) There is an occasional requirement to drive to external meetings, training events and agencies/service

providers.

Mental Demands

Frequent intense concentration and effort whilst providing psychological care and treatment to patients in maximum security. This includes vigilance to possible aggressive or challenging behaviours during face-to-face meetings, following the patient’s responses to questions and adapting the psychological intervention to meet their needs simultaneously.

The complexity involved in using the broad knowledge of various psychological tools and interventions, derived from various models, to provide a tailored psychological intervention to the patient. This often has to be done ‘on the spot’ in response to patient need.

Frequent requirement for intense concentration over many consecutive hours when formulating and writing detailed assessments and clinical reports (eg risk assessments)

There is a requirement to provide expert psychological evidence through providing reports and appearing as an expert witness at Tribunals, Appeals Hearing and in Court. The postholder must maintain professionalism, intense concentration and active participation within the court proceedings under stressful circumstances involving cross examination.

There is a constant need to maintain awareness of security, including an awareness of procedures and any indications of risk. The post holder must maintain constant vigilance during patient contacts and within hospital grounds

Emotional Demands

Frequent and prolonged exposure to highly distressing or highly emotional circumstances due to the nature of the client group, e.g. abusive and traumatic backgrounds, nature and details of index and previous offences. In addition, the postholder will be exposed to the challenging, and often hostile, behaviours of these patients. This can be extremely demanding and has repercussions for the postholder in terms of their own emotional response, coping abilities and the risk of vicarious traumatisation.

Providing appropriate supervision and support for other members of staff who are exposed to the same client group.

Suggesting and adopting mechanisms for the maintenance and support of staff who are exposed to these environmental conditions.

There is also a requirement to access regular and appropriate supervision in order to manage the emotional demands of the work and thereby ensure the provision of a high standard of psychological care to patients

Environmental Demands This is a High secure Mental Health environment that cares for mentally disordered offenders

who are assessed as posing a grave and immediate danger to themselves and the public. This involves being the subject of searching and security procedures, responsibility for keys and working in a restrictive, locked environment.

Exposure to physical and verbal aggressive behaviour of patients and carers. As for all clinical staff working within the maximum security setting there is frequent exposure to

verbally and physically aggressive behaviour and the continuous risk of being severely, violently assaulted or taken hostage by patient/s. Many patients detained within the hospital are considered highly dangerous, posing a considerable risk of violence.

Members of staff are required to carry personal alarms within each hospital building. The alarm system does not cover the hospital grounds where scope for controlling emergency situations and direct access to help is more limited.

Exposure to hazards (ie patient saliva and bodily fluids, HIV, Hep B, C)

13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

Minimum required to undertake the role.

Four year Undergraduate degree in Psychology (awarding Graduate Basis for Registration) Minimum level 3 year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (postgraduate study, research and supervised

clinical practise) Six years post-doctoral experience of working as a Clinical Psychologist (consultant criteria) Extensive experience of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis. Doctoral level knowledge of a range of psychological models and experience of applying these in practice. Doctoral level knowledge of research methods, design and analysis, and interpretation. Doctoral level training in the selection, administration and interpretations of neuropsychological

assessments Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training Maintain CPD (supervision, relevant conferences/workshops, keeping up-to-date with literature) and

keeping record of this in CPD Log Holding Chartership from the British Psychological Society and holding Practising Certificate Well developed skills in effective written and oral communication, required to convey both technical and

sensitive information to patients, families and other professionals Experience of psychological assessment and treatment with a wide variety of client groups and a range of

presenting problems, including severe mental illness and personality disorder Experience of establishing and conducting group psychological therapy Extensive experience of psychological assessment and treatment within a forensic setting Experience of conducting research and service evaluation Knowledge and experience of selecting, administering and interpreting psychometric assessments including

validated questionnaires, or structured interviews Experience of providing consultation to other professionals Experience of teaching and training Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Experience of a range of clients, presentation and models of therapy Responsible and caring attitude. Motivated and committed to work with patients with a serious mental illness, forensic needs and learning

disabilities. Knowledge of legislation relevant to patient care Court skills, e.g., writing of legal reports, giving of expert testimony. Completion of training to be a Clinical supervisor to Doctoral Trainee Clinical Psychologists State Hospital Trust induction training including training in security and safety procedures and

communication procedures. Training in breakaway techniques and if appropriate, in the management of violence and aggression

Maintenance of up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and professional guidelines in order to provide the highest quality of service to patients

14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom the job description applies.

Job Holder’s Signature:

Head of Department Signature:

Date:

Date:

8b – Clinical PsychologistPERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Desirable

Qualification Attainments/ experience

HCPC registered clinical psychologist or equivalentExperience of forensic settings(Advanced training in two or more therapy modalities.Training and Professional knowledge acquired through degree,experience postgraduate degree supplemented by short specialistcourses clinical supervision and further specialist training)

SMI and PD experienceBPS registrationHCPC forensic

Cognitive / biological assessment experience including learning difficulties

Training and experience in the identification of cognitive impairmentExperience of working with individuals with cognitive difficulties

Experience of cognitive testing and analysis of results

Research experience Doctorate level research experienceEvidence of carrying out research from development of project to writing up

Service Evaluation

Knowledge of psychological theory/knowledge

Evidence of using psychological theory in practice (through case or other work) (presentation)

Recognises challenges of forensic services

Recognises limitations of theory and evidence base / critical thinking

Able to critically analyse evidence base Able to think critically about psychological methods, theory and practice

Evidence of ability to assess and formulate highly complex cases

Able to demonstrate (through example) an assessment and case formulation of a highly complex case with two or more significant problems (interview/exercise)

Evidence of therapeutic skills in group and individual work

Demonstrates (though example) therapeutic excellence to help individuals change

Evidence of understanding of forensic practice

Understands the moral and ethical challenges in therapeutic work with offenders.Demonstrates understanding of psychological theory in risk assessment and management of high risk offenders

Demonstrates competence in risk assessment and management

Supervisor experience Evidence of supervising other delivering psychological interventionsUnderstanding of the role that CP/HS practitioners have in working in the NHS

ConsultancyHighly complex cases

Essential Desirable

Strategic developmentUnderstanding of legislation

Evidence of clinical leadership skills Ability to motivate othersAbility to resolve difficulties in personal relationshipsPersonal resilienceEvidence of significant project delivery including projects where leadership of others was required Able to evidence support and development of othersEvidence of forward thinking and creativity in relation to service development

Evidence of management and organisational skills

Ability to manage an aspect of a service, plan delivery and monitor results

Evidence of positive MDT working Evidence of good MDT working (self)Promotes good MDT working in othersDemonstrates ability to use the consultancy role within an MDT to implement care plans

Understanding of transference and counter-transference Evidence of non-paranoid thinkingEvidence of understanding the “total institution” effect

Evidence of reflective practice Able to demonstrate use of reflective practice in supervisionUnderstanding CP role in the governance process

Able to give examples of cp role in governance of psychological services Refers to all of Efficiency, safety and effectiveness

Excellent written and analytical skills Ability to write excellent EnglishAbility to write conciselyAbility to present a written argument

Teaching and training Has experience of teaching and training others in psychological therapyExperiencing of designing and delivering training