Clinical Psychologist/Counselling Psychologist

GENERAL INFORMATION

Purpose of the job

The post-holder will provide a specialist psychology service to clients of My Online Therapy (MOT). They will provide, remotely via the MOT online platform, specialist psychological assessment and therapy for clients from diverse backgrounds presenting with a range of difficulties as typically seen in primary care settings. They will provide high quality evidence based psychological treatments tailored to the needs of their clients. They will be expected to see 5 clients per 7.5 hour day and to work within the protocols and frameworks as set by MOT. The post-holder will be able to determine their own working pattern, provided this fits with and is responsive to the needs of MOT.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

1. To accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service
2. To provide specialist psychological assessments of clients of MOT based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a variety of sources including self-report measures, rating scales, observations and interviews with clients, as appropriate
3. To offer formulation-driven, evidence-based psychological therapy to MOT clients, which may include individuals, couples and/or families, presenting with complex psychological difficulties (e.g., features of personality disorder, trauma, medically explained symptoms and eating disorders).
4. To provide psychological therapy in a flexible way that is centred around the needs and preferences of the client; this will include the provision of text-based interventions, where appropriate
5. To make highly skilled evaluations and decisions about treatment options taking into account theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes.
6. To plan and prioritise workload effectively and autonomously; to be responsible and accountable for managing one’s caseload
7. To conduct risk assessments, prepare risk management plans, and initiate appropriate action where indicated (including referrals to relevant services, if appropriate)
8. To adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of clinical sessions carried out per week (this is set at 5 clients per 7.5 hour day, dependent upon other commitments within the service).
9. To evaluate therapeutic outcomes via agreed protocols within the service
10. To undertake such other duties and responsibilities, appropriate to the post, as may be agreed with the Clinical Lead/Clinical Coordinator

Communication and Relationship skills

1. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording and report writing
2. To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients
3. To develop and maintain professional therapeutic relationships with clients using advanced psychological therapy skills to bring about lasting psychological change
4. To communicate as appropriate with external agencies and provider partners
5. To proactively develop robust professional relationships within MOT

Mental and Emotional Effort

1. Frequent requirement for intense concentration in the delivery of high quality therapy by being aware of the client’s psychological state, assessing this and responding appropriately.
2. Frequent exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances arising from therapeutic contact with clients requiring emotional engagement with the material discussed, emotional self-regulation by the therapist and the delivery of a therapeutic response within professional boundaries

Training and supervision

1. To receive regular clinical supervision from a senior psychologist
2. To proactively take responsibility for attending supervision, case management and line management regularly, participate in objective setting, performance review, and respond to agreed objectives
3. To contribute to the development and articulation of best practice in psychological methods across the service, by continuing to develop the skills of a reflexive and reflective practitioner, through engaging in continued professional development activities and maintaining an active engagement with current developments in the field of applied psychology and related disciplines
4. To provide clinical supervision for qualified psychologists within the service
5. Support peer learning through attending and contributing to training webinars/CPD events

General and Professional

1. To exercise personal responsibility for the systematic clinical governance of your own professional practices, in accordance with relevant professional codes of practice and MOT policies, protocols and standards.
2. To attend professional meetings as appropriate
3. To take a positive and constructive attitude towards change
4. To ensure client confidentiality is protected at all times

Audit and service evaluation

1. To participate in the development of a high quality, responsive and accessible service
2. To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence-based practice in clinical work
3. To participate in clinical audit and service evaluation with colleagues within the service, to help evaluate and improve service provision

Policies

1. To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to mental health. For this post these specifically include current mental health legislation, risk assessment and management, clinical governance, and NICE guidelines
2. Health and Safety: Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 it is the responsibility of individual employees at every level to take care of their own health and safety at work and that of others with management in complying health and safety obligations
3. Equal Opportunities: MOT is committed to equity of opportunity for all employees, job applicants and clients. We are committed to ensuring that no one will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, colour, creed, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or marital status. We commit ourselves to promote equal opportunities and value diversity and will keep under review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, users and providers of our services are treated according to their needs.
4. Alcohol: To recognise that even small amounts of alcohol can impair work performance and affect one’s ability to deal with clients in a proper and acceptable manner. Consumption of alcohol during work hours is not permitted.
5. Data Protection Act: To maintain the confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provision of the Data Protection Act. To carry out responsibilities with regard to the Access and health Records ACT 1990 as per Data Protection Act.
6. Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults: To carry out responsibilities in such a way as to minimise risk of harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults and promote their welfare in accordance with current legislation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Specialist Clinical/Counselling Psychologist