Clinical Psychologist/Cognitive Behaviour Therapist

We are looking for an enthusiastic clinical psychologist/accredited CBT therapist to work in the ARMS pathway in our Brent Early Intervention Team. Brent Early Intervention Service (EIS) is a clinical team providing a service for young people aged 14-35 who have developed a First Episode of Psychosis. For the ARMS pathway, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment for anyone suspected to be experiencing symptoms of prodromal psychosis within two weeks. For those who meet criteria for an At-Risk Mental State we offer holistic treatment and support to clients and carers for up to two years. This is made up of psychological therapy, practical key-working support, and medical and pharmacological care where appropriate.

The post-holder will be expected to provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting ARMS criteria. They will administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi-structured assessment tool. They will also provide appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required. They will act as named worker for ARMS clients, taking responsibility for regular monitoring (either by phone or in person), initiating planning and review meetings, and in some cases supporting with practical matters such as housing or finances. There is the possibility of additional sessions within the EIS psychology team for interested candidates.

• To provide a specialist psychology service to young people at risk of developing psychosis, including assessment, intervention, formulation, and monitoring of outcomes.
• To promote understanding and early detection of at-risk mental state (ARMS) within the borough, and to contribute to service promotion in achieving this.
• To contribute to enabling other staff, service users and carers from diverse backgrounds to flourish by working to create a psychologically safe environment.
• To provide clinical supervision and consultation as appropriate.
• To undertake service evaluation, audit and research.
• To work as an autonomous professional within BPS and HCPC guidelines and codes of conduct, and guided by the policies and procedures of the service, taking responsibility for own work including treatment and discharge decisions with support of clinical supervisor.

Along with the fully established benefits such as Monthly supervision; Annual personal development plans/appraisals; Support and guidance with Revalidation; Hidden Gem and annual award ceremonies. We are also able to offer access to a full range of internal and external training opportunities across our services. The catchment area of the post is the North London borough of Brent.

• To provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) criteria, primarily: offering up to 24 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp).
• To administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi-structured assessment tool. Training will be provided in the delivery of this assessment tool.
• To provide appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required, including structured family therapy/family intervention following a theoretical model.
• To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
• To act as key worker for ARMS clients, taking responsibility for regular monitoring (either by phone or in person), initiating planning and review meetings, and in some cases supporting with practical matters such as housing or finances.

• To contribute to the effective working of the Brent EIS Team, and to a psychologically informed framework for the service.
• To contribute to the team or services delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
• To be proactive in challenging discrimination and support the development of culturally competent services.
• To liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients in order to develop and review care plans, as well as in promoting the Brent EIS service.

• To contribute to the Brent EIS service, through liaising closely with other services working with young people in the borough. This includes primary care, community mental health services, colleges and universities, and various other third sector organisations.
• To develop relationships with NHS and non-NHS services within Brent Lambeth, with the aim of raising awareness of the early warning signs of psychosis.
• To implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and to propose improvements or beneficial changes.
• To promote service user involvement within the team, and to contribute to the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
• To contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects and audits.

• To take care of, and use carefully, the Trusts equipment and physical resources.
• To ensure that the post-holder has sufficient resources by estimating future needs and requesting or ordering supplies as needed.

• To be responsible for the allocation and/or clinical supervision of the work of an assistant psychologist or MSc clinical placement student if required, under supervision from a more senior psychologist.
• To supervise Trainee Clinical and Counselling Psychologists after completion of the relevant Courses Supervision Training.

• To deliver occasional teaching on prodromal psychosis, early intervention, and psychological approaches if required; predominantly at Masters level.
• 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.