Band 7 Locum Psychologist in Stanmore

Job Title

Band 7 Locum Clinical/Health/Counselling Psychologist (Fixed-Term)

Department

Clinical Health Psychology

Band

NHS Agenda for Change Band 7

Hours

30 hours per week (4 days/week, 0.8 WTE)

Contract

Fixed-term Locum

Responsible to

Senior / Consultant Health Psychologist

Accountable to

Head of Clinical Health Psychology / Head of Therapies

Job Purpose

The post holder will provide a high-quality specialist psychology service to adults with chronic pain, musculoskeletal and long-term physical health conditions attending inpatient and outpatient services.

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the psychologist will undertake specialist psychological assessment, formulation and evidence-based intervention, provide consultation to colleagues, contribute to multidisciplinary care planning and maintain high standards of clinical governance.

The post holder will work under the clinical supervision of a senior psychologist and contribute to service delivery during the locum period.

This reflects the original purpose of delivering specialist psychological assessment, intervention, consultation and supervised practice.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Clinical
• Provide specialist psychological assessments using clinical interviews, psychometric measures and behavioural observations.
• Develop psychological formulations that integrate biological, psychological and social factors.
• Deliver evidence-based psychological interventions individually and in groups where appropriate.
• Manage a clinical caseload of adults presenting with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions and adjustment to physical illness.
• Undertake risk assessments and formulate appropriate risk management plans.
• Maintain accurate clinical records using electronic patient record systems.
• Prepare psychological reports and communicate assessment outcomes clearly to patients and professionals.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and contribute psychological perspectives to
• Liaise with community services and external agencies where clinically indicated.
• Work autonomously within HCPC and BPS professional standards while receiving regular clinical supervision.

These duties are adapted from the specialist assessment, formulation, intervention, MDT working and risk management responsibilities described in the original role.

• Consultation
• Provide psychological consultation and advice to multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Promote psychologically informed care within rehabilitation and pain management services.
• Support staff managing patients with complex psychological needs.
• Teaching and Supervision
• Receive regular clinical supervision from a senior psychologist.
• Contribute to teaching sessions for MDT colleagues where appropriate.
• Provide informal support and supervision to assistant psychologists or trainees if required.
• Participate in continuing professional development throughout the placement.

These responsibilities are consistent with the supervision, teaching and training expectations for the Band 7

• Service Development
• Participate in clinical audit and routine outcome monitoring.
• Contribute to service evaluation and quality improvement projects where appropriate.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Assist with data collection required for service reporting.
• As a locum, the emphasis will be on maintaining service delivery rather than leading
• Professional Responsibilities
• Maintain HCPC registration and professional standards.
• Practice in accordance with HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and BPS guidance.
• Participate in appraisal and supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Trust information governance policies.
• Complete all mandatory training.
• Work within safeguarding and clinical governance frameworks. These expectations are reflected throughout the general responsibilities section of the original job description.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Health Psychology.
• HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist.
• Experience working with adults presenting with complex psychological difficulties.
• Experience working within physical health or rehabilitation settings.
• Experience delivering psychological assessment and evidence-based interventions.
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage complex and emotionally demanding clinical work.
• Knowledge of psychological models relevant to physical health and chronic pain.
• Knowledge of psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.
• Understanding of safeguarding, clinical governance and risk assessment.
• Understanding of cultural diversity and inclusive psychological practice.
• Excellent assessment and formulation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while seeking supervision appropriately.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload within a 4-day working week.
• Competence in electronic clinical record keeping.
• Experience in chronic pain, rheumatology, rehabilitation or musculoskeletal services.
• Experience facilitating psychological groups.
• Experience supervising assistant psychologists or trainees.
• Experience contributing to audit or service evaluation.
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