Diabetes Research Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

There is an exciting opportunity to be part of our team at King's College Hospital. We are looking for a diabetes psychologist who could be part of an international research trial supporting the rollout of the HARPdoc programme (Hypoglycaemia Awareness Restoration Programme, despite optimised care). HARPdoc is a psychoeducational group programme for people with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. More information about the programme can be found here: https://www.harpdoc.org/

The funding is for 0.2 wte 8A, starting as soon as possible, or by August 2025 at the latest

The work would involve learning about the HARPdoc model, input into the design of an online training course for Health Care Professionals; training of diabetes educators in Australia, UK, US and offering supervision during the trial.

This would be a great fit for someone who has experience of diabetes psychology clinically, can work flexibly and online, and is interested in applying psychological theory/practice to developing a group intervention - learning about the process from research to clinical delivery. It would also suit someone who is interested in sharing psychology skills and thinking about how to support the needs of our non-mental health colleagues.

Main duties of the job

This post will involve learning about the HARPdoc model, input into the design of an online training course for diabetes educators and offering support and supervision to the CLEAR research centres and educators. This work will provide the foundation for HARPdoc to be offered to other clinical centres and possibly ongoing support and supervision work for these centres.

The overall summary of the Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist role within this post may include the following:

• Learn about the HARPdoc model, training and supervision processes
• Co-design online training programme
• Co-deliver online training workshops
• Maintain research e-storage
• Carry out competency assessments and give feedback to diabetes educators
• Supervise HARPdoc Educators during the CLEAR trial
• Deliver HARPdoc support session to relatives or train centre psychologists to deliver this
• Attend research supervision
• Contribute to any related publications/presentations (as needed)

During delivery of educator training courses and supervision of patient-participant courses, there is a need for flexible working, in order to accommodate working across international time zones. It is expected that relevant schedules will be arranged in advance, with consideration given to the time needs of all, including the post holder

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical and Client Care

• To provide specialist supervision to diabetes educators that may include formulations, intervention suggestions, revision of communication skills and signposting for HARPdoc clients.
• To suggest culturally appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required.
• To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.

Key Working Relationships

The successful candidate will be employed by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and will work closely with diabetes centre colleagues, psychology and psychotherapy colleagues at both King's College Hospital (KCH) and South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and wider mental health and social work colleagues at both KCH, SLaM and partner NHS Trusts. This particular post will work directly under the supervision and guidance of the HARPdoc senior psychologist and closely with other members of the KCH HARPdoc team and CLEAR researchers.

Teaching and Training

• To provide occasional specialist training in psychological approaches to care to other professions as appropriate.
• To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.

Record-keeping and Information Governance

• To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
• To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.

Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development

• To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines.
• To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with BPS and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements and the HCPC ‘Standards for Continuing Professional Development’.
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.
• To comply with the HCPC ‘Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics’ and ‘Standards of Proficiency’, and ensure professional development in line with these.
• To adhere to the BPS’s Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.