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.
Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. E verything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
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
Person specification
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Good honours degree in psychology. Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Post‑graduate doctorate in clinical psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS, or fully completed training as a Counselling Psychologist.
- Full‑time post‑registration experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment with clients with a range of psychological needs of a complex nature.
- Related academic qualifications to masters or doctorate level.
- Post‑doctoral training in one or more additional specialised areas of psychological practice.
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
- Experience of working with moderate to severe mental health problems, including: medically unexplained symptoms, physical health problems, and personality difficulties
- Experience of working within MHLT or acute services
- Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for client’s psychological care and treatment.
- Able to plan own workload; and coordinate with other relevant staff in the delivery of clinical service
- Familiarity with computing technology, including keyboard skills, and use of word‑processing, e‑mail, and internet software.
- Good presentation and teaching skills and ability to use multi‑media materials for formal presentations to large groups.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Principal Clinical Psychologist employer: Hpft
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Community Mental Health Nurse in Welwyn Garden City, you will benefit from a collaborative environment, access to ongoing training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults through holistic care and discharge planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Clinical Psychologist
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
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Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
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When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Hpft often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hpft
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Hpft. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Hpft.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Hpft.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Hpft.
