Clinical Psychologist (Neuro)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a large and dynamic Department of Adult Psychological Professionals to provide specialist Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology services to patients diagnosed and living with Motor Neuro Disease (MND) and their families.  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is rare but rapid progressive neurodegenerative condition that results in loss of limb function, swallowing and breathing. There are approx. 180 individuals living with MND in the regional neurosciences area.

The MND association has commissioned a 4-year clinical psychology programme to increase access to specialist Clinical Psychology support for people living with and affected by MND, while generating evidence to inform best practice guidelines and gain national investment. The post holder will be required to shape the delivery of specialist Clinical Psychological care for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) and their families.

The successful candidate will need a doctorate level training in clinical psychology (or equivalent), and to have at least commenced additional qualifications in neuropsychology (i.e. QICN) or equivalent experience to obtain registration on the BPS Specialist Register in Clinical Neuropsychology.

Main duties of the job

The role is to provide highly specialist clinical psychology and neuropsychology input to patients living with MND and their families,  This will include neuropsychological assessments, as well as providing highly specialist psychological assessment and therapy and offering advice and consultation on clients’ psychological care to other health professionals and non professional carers.

Objectives

The key objectives of the posts are to:

• Provide timely, specialist psychological input to people with MND and their carers.
• Support the multidisciplinary team (MDT) through supervision, consultation, and training.
• Increase access to psychological interventions and cognitive / behavioural management strategies.
• Conduct specialist neuropsychological assessment to inform treatment options, behavioural management and decision-making processes for patients and their families.
• Evaluate service outcomes to inform future commissioning and guideline development.

For consistency, the MNDA has stipulated that role cannot be part-time or a job-shared. Each MND specialist Clinical Psychologist will contribute to the MND Association Clinical Psychology forum, which will provide peer support and contribute to national service development.

Staffing and Governance

The successful candidate for this post will have doctorate level training in clinical psychology, experience in neuropsychological diagnostic assessment/ neurorehabilitation disability management approaches, experience of working effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.  Ideally the successful candidate will have specialist experience of working with common mental health problems in patients with physical health problems, neuro-degenerative conditions (e.g. MND), and project managing service-related audit and evaluations.

This post would best suit clinical psychologists with neuropsychology experience. We welcome applications from those who have the requisite experience as a qualified clinical psychologist and who have an interest in neuropsychology.

Evaluation and Data Collection

The post holder will be required to collect quantitative and qualitative outcome data using standardised measures such as PHQ, GAD, Session Rating Scale (SRS), Outcome Rating Scale (ORS), and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire.  Evaluation will assess impact on individuals, carers, and MDT functioning.

Continual Professional Development

The Department of Psychological Professions is a well-established department with a commitment to service innovation as well as research. We have established services for a wide range of long-term conditions, working with multi-disciplinary teams in physical health care settings and treating patients in their own homes.

The Department is committed to clinical supervision, continuing professional development and career progression. The Department has excellent links with City at St George’s Hospital Medical School, City University and the University of Surrey.

You will be joining a lively team of over 70 clinical, neuro, and health psychologists, and psychology assistants, with ready access to specialist neuropsychology (i.e. register QICN) supervision. We have good links with regional clinical psychology training courses.  A monthly programme of CPD events is offered and external continuing professional development (e.g. completion of QICN) is actively supported and encouraged.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached the job description for more details on the main responsibilities for this role.