233831 Clinical Psychologist - Older Adults

The Older Person’s Psychology Service (TOPPS) is a strong and supportive team, who are committed to improving the mental health needs of older adults living in Dumfries and Galloway. The TOPPS team consists of dedicated staff skilled in a range of psychological models including CBT, Systemic, ACT, IPT and EMDR. The team has regular staff meetings and supervision and CPD are well supported.

This post is a split post between the community and one Specialist inpatient older adult ward based at Midpark Hospital, Dumfries; Cree Ward. Cree Ward specialises in organic presentations.

Cree ward strives to provide excellent standards of safe and effective person-centred care in line with best practice guidelines. To do so they have embedded strong professional relationships within the multidisciplinary team, valuing the key knowledge, skills and experience each of the MDT stakeholders bring to the clinical setting. The ward recognises that effective team participation lies at the heart of positive patient outcomes. The team work in a dynamic way to support timely assessments, working effectively and efficiently to ensure there are no delays or barriers to the discharge process. To work in such a dynamic way the team welcome the opportunity to engage in clinical supervision, sharing skills, knowledge and valuing the importance of ongoing learning, reflection and evidencing therapeutic interventions are based on current best practice guidelines.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary team whilst shaping the direction and contribution of the clinical psychologist role within the ward in supporting positive outcomes for; patient, carers and staff. The ward strongly values the contribution of Psychology.

The post holder would also have responsibility for managing the day-to-day referral management system of the Older Person’s Psychology Service (TOPPS) to patients, carers, referral agencies, CMHT and others with a broad range of often complex mental health needs in a geographic area. A small caseload of community cases focused on assessing mental health needs within this context and to formulate and deliver responsive highly specialist psychological interventions at individual and systemic levels.

The post holder would also supervise clinical psychology and psychological therapy staff in the specified area, contribute to service development and manage aspects of their work as directed by the Lead of Older Adult Psychology.

The post has dedicated CPD and supervision time. Flexible working arrangements may be considered. Up to 29.7 hours per week are available for the post.

Dumfries & Galloway is situated in the South West of Scotland and the department has a complement of over 90 staff, with Clinical Psychologists in all major specialities. It is a friendly, supportive and lively place to work. We have strong links with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling Universities and take trainees from both Clinical Psychology and Masters courses. We also provide placements and supervision for CBT Therapists.

Informal enquiries/visits are welcomed. To arrange a visit or for further information please contact Dr Gillian Bowie Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Lead for Older Adult Services on 01387 244495 Dept of Psychological Services & Research, Mountainhall Treatment Centre, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4AP

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INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES

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DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND – Some of our posts may require you to undergo a criminal records check. Changes as of the 1 April 2025 to the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership now sees more roles requiring PVG that may not have needed this check in the past. If you are successful in this role you will be notified which level of check is required by the recruitment team. If you would like to read more information please visit: Disclosure levels - mygov.scot

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITYNHS Dumfries and Galloway is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Dumfries and Galloway welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.

PUBLIC PROTECTIONPublic protection practice encompasses the recognition and management of risk in order to prevent or reduce harm to children, (including unborn babies), young people and adults. All public protection legislation, and NHS Dumfries and Galloway (NHSDG) policies and guidance are founded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights, and the principles of these Conventions underpin all NHSDG core business.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOMNHS Dumfries and Galloway has a legal obligation to ensure that it does not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is without exception granted by the UK Border Agency. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category.

WORK VISAIf you require a Work Visa, please check to see if you and the vacancy you are applying for are eligible by visiting the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visaIt is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or if you require a work visa that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form. We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.

UNITED KINGDOM REGISTRATIONNHS Dumfries & Galloway are unable to support OSCE Training for international nurses for vacancies.Vacancies requiring professional registration require full United Kingdom registration with the appropriate council (eg NMC, HCPC, GMC, GDC etc).