Clinical Psychologist - Band 8a

Within RHN, clients cognitive abilities range from profoundly impaired (disorders of consciousness) to subtle or no impairments (e.g. those with spinal cord injuries or locked-in-syndrome). The postholder will be able to gain expertise in assessing cognition, behaviour and emotional functioning in people with complex physical, sensory and communication difficulties. They will contribute to complex mental capacity assessments and best-interests decision-making. Inter-disciplinary working and supporting families and carers are also key aspects of the role. Clinical supervision will be provided by an experienced Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. Main Objectives of the Role Provide a clinical psychology/neuropsychology service, working with clients, families, and teams. To work closely within multi-disciplinary teams including therapy, medical, nursing, and social work colleagues. To adhere to professional codes of conduct and practice guidelines, and be aware of legislation relevant to practice, e.g. the Mental Capacity Act (MCA, 2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs). Demonstrate an awareness of RHNs values and contribute to achieving them appropriately. Key Responsibilities Clinical Practice To carry out specialist assessments of cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning with clients with complex neuro-disability and develop clear psychological formulations based on these assessments. To carry out functional analyses of any challenging behaviours and develop appropriate guidelines and intervention plans. To make recommendations for interventions and care on the basis of the psychological formulation. To deliver and monitor interventions, e.g. psycho-education to patients, families and carers; behavioural interventions; cognitive rehabilitation strategies; CBT or other psychological interventions; as guided by the formulation. To conduct decision-specific complex mental capacity assessments and/or contribute to joint capacity assessments with other members of the MDT as needed. To contribute to best interests decisions and meetings for relevant decisions when patients are assessed to lack capacity to make these decisions for themselves. To provide information, support and advice to patients families and carers as appropriate. To support the MDT in working with families as needed. To work collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team, respecting the knowledge and expertise of all team members, whilst providing a psychological perspective on the clinical and service issues. To provide appropriate and prompt input to documentation and formal reports. To participate in monitoring of standards and performance, including timely completion of outcome measures. To adhere to professional codes of conduct and practice guidelines, and be aware of legislation relevant to practice, particularly the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs). Education, Training and Development To have the skills to provide clinical supervision to Band 6 trainee clinical psychologists and/or Band 7 clinical psychologists within the service. To contribute to teaching and training commitments relating to psychology at RHN. This may include teaching on the staff-wide induction programme and on training programmes for nursing, HCA and therapy assistant staff. To be self-aware about the limits of own competence, and proactive in improving competence, e.g. by making effective use of clinical supervision. To focus CPD around improving knowledge of clinical neuropsychology, particularly the needs of this specialist client group, taking advantage of both internal and external training opportunities. Supervision for QiCN/SRCN qualifications is available on-site from the Lead Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist within RHN. Research and Evaluation To contribute to and/or undertake audits and service evaluations within the service area as required. To engage in and support research projects as required. Qualifications & Education Essential Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent overseas qualification. Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Completed training in clinical supervision that has been provided by one or more UK clinical psychology doctorate courses. Good knowledge of clinical psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention techniques, in addition to neuropsychological assessment, formulation, and behavioural and cognitive interventions. Knowledge of relevant guidelines and legislation, particularly the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Desirable Training in clinical neuropsychology. Ability to demonstrate clinical neuropsychological knowledge relating to working with clients with severe and complex neuro-disability. Experience Essential Experience of working clinically with adults with acquired brain injury and/or other relevant presentations (e.g. progressive neurodegenerative disorders). Experience of conducting standardised neuropsychological assessments. Experience of working with clients presenting with challenging behaviour. Experience of working systemically with families and staff teams. Experience of conducting decision-specific mental capacity assessments Desirable Previous experience of delivering psychological assessments and interventions with clients with severe and complex neuro-disability. Experience of providing clinical supervision to Band 6 and/or Band 7 clinical psychology staff.