Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

Direct clinical intervention through the application of a range of psychological theories and models to analyse, understand and interpret complex situations and behaviours in order to formulate solutions and treatment which is tailored to individuals needs.  This requires the capacity to engage in intense concentration for prolonged periods of time.

In collaboration with senior psychologists and the multi-disciplinary team develop and deliver highly specialist programmes of psychological assessment and intervention (including advice and consultancy to other professionals) tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families with a broad range of the most complex psychological difficulties in managing and adjusting to their condition in order to improve their psychological and/or physical wellbeing.

Contributing to safe discharge planning and community follow-up plans, taking the lead on matters of cognition and psychological well-being for adults.

Although the postholder acts autonomously and is professionally accountable for their own practice, in common with all clinical psychologists, receives regular clinical supervision in accordance with good practice guidelines.

Being referred the most complex cases for which standard therapeutic approaches may not be appropriate and which other colleagues cannot deal with. For example, patients may have significant barriers to communication, sensory loss and cognitive difficulties. 

Effective communication of highly complex, contentious, delicate and often unwelcome information to patients, families and colleagues, within a highly emotive atmosphere, in a rapidly changing context.  This involves working alone with patients who may be in a highly emotional or distressed state and could present with physically and verbally challenging behaviour (and assessing and managing patients with sensory and/or cognitive impairment). This requires a high level of interpersonal and communication skills. This may require confronting rigidly held unrealistic beliefs and expectations.

Provide highly specialised advice and consultation on care, therapy, and psychological aspects of physical health to multidisciplinary teams, staff groups, patients and carers. This may involve such things as motivating patients who could lack insight into their difficulties.

Respond to requests for consultation on staff and organisational issues

Responsibility for managing own time, planning of patient’s clinics and patient/carer groups.  Organising the workload of doctoral clinical psychology trainees and psychology assistants.

Use of neuropsychological/psychometric assessment tools requiring dexterity, speed and accuracy, with narrow margin for error.  Interpretation of assessment results, requiring the use of analytical and reasoning skills. This could involve considering complex inter-related issues, such as possible effects of on-going treatment, physical health, mood and anxiety levels.

Responsibility for maintaining clear and accurate patient records in the department and in hospital health care records, including writing and word processing letters and reports to outside medical and other referrers.

Although the post holder acts autonomously and is professionally accountable for their own practice, in common with all Clinical Psychologists undertakes regular guided reflective practice with a (senior) colleague in accordance with good practice guidelines (often referred to as clinical supervision).

Policy and Service Development 

Implement policies and service developments in line with government directives.

Identify service needs, setting up new initiatives which will enhance patient care outcomes.

Teaching / Training 

Clinical supervision of doctoral clinical psychology trainees / students / Assistant Psychologists. 

In depth knowledge and experience of psychological aspects of health care and teaching methods.

Teaching psychological aspects of physical health to other healthcare professionals within specialist services.

 Research and development 

To regularly undertake applied clinical research and audit programmes, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies with the aim of improving health outcomes of patients their families and carers. This utilises reflective scientist- practitioner and doctoral level research skills.

Supervision of Assistant Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Trainees in research and development.

Offer consultation to other professionals with reference to research or audit-based activity.

Additional Contact:

Dr Aileen Thomson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lead for Neurology Psychology  - [email protected] 0300 422 8523