Principal Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

Hertfordshire Partnership is an Outstanding Provider of Mental Health Services.  An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 1.0 wte 8B Lead Clinical Psychologist within the mental health liaison services at Lister General Hospital (LGH).

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a cutting edge service that has an excellent reputation within the trust and general hospitals.  Psychology is highly valued by both the MHLT and general hospital wards/ specialities and is seen as a core component of service provision.

The Mental Health Liaison Service works at integrating physical and mental health care for people attending the general hospital. The aim is to provide a multidisciplinary approach in understanding people presenting with co-morbid mental and physical health difficulties within a general hospital setting.

Main duties of the job

The post holder/s will mainly focus on the provision of specialist assessment and intervention within a physical health context including the provision of psychology across hospital specialities, e.g. gastroenterology, diabetes, respiratory, dementia/frailty, and pain whilst also focusing on supporting with secondary care mental health presentations e.g. complex personality disorder. There is huge opportunity to engage in service development initiatives, provide teaching/training and consultation across the acute care context.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As the remit of the service is wide there is scope for the post holder/s to develop specific areas of specialism and expertise and to develop and follow their own initiatives. Examples of liaison initiatives include projects focused on reducing frequent attenders to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department based on a consultation model, group programmes for Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS), reflection work with acute general hospital staff and proactive psychological support for individuals at risk of lengthy hospital admissions. There is a keen focus on supervision, personal development and peer support opportunities.

This post would suit an HCPC registered Clinical or Counselling Psychologist with at least 4 years post qualification experience in mental health, preferably with experience of working in acute settings. The post would suit individuals wishing to work in a fast paced, energetic and creative mental health field at the cutting edge of integrated care. Experience in integrated care and physical health presentations, or experience in working with older people and frailty, will be a distinct advantage.  However, we would also welcome applications from clinical/counselling psychologists aspiring to move fields or to expand their Clinical Health Psychology knowledge and skills.

HPFT is committed to its staff.  You would also be joining a strong and established group of psychological therapists offering services within adult mental health.  There are thriving special interest groups and we offer regular opportunities for ongoing professional development