CBT PractitionerNHS

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the clinical service for 14-35 year olds experiencing signs of being at risk for psychosis (the At-Risk Mental State [ARMS service]). This 0.64 WTE post is based across Northamptonshire, and is part of the wider Early Intervention in Psychosis service.

As a specialist mental health service, the ARMS service is committed to providing NICE-recommended interventions which include comprehensive assessment and psychological interventions for attenuated psychosis or co-existing mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, emerging personality disorder, substance misuse). These activities are often supported with family interventions, care coordination, and community support. Psychological therapies are an integral part of the ARMS multi-disciplinary team.

Key responsibilities would include supporting the team in developing psychological formulation for treatment planning; leading assessment using psychometric tools such as Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS, training provided); and delivering evidence-based individual psychological therapy (e.g. CBT) and family work.

Regular supervision will be provided by the Principal Clinical Psychologist and ARMS clinical lead, and further support from the Adult Mental Health Psychology manager. There are frequent training and CPD opportunities within the field of Early Intervention, with active regional and national networks and forums.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking individuals that strive to innovate and want to make a real difference through the work they do. We are looking for a CBT therapist, ideally with some specialist clinical experience of working with symptoms of psychosis, as well as experience in working with complex clinical presentations. Main responsibilities are to provide psychological assessment, formulation and interventions within the ARMS team, as well as to offer consultation and support to colleagues.

Equally important is the ability to develop innovative practice and play a key role in a developing service. You would need to work closely with partners in CAMHS, primary and secondary care. This will require you to exercise collaborative leadership skills within the Team and to promote the service externally. You will contribute to developing and monitoring the clinical outcomes and impact of the service and will have a flexible approach to changing patterns of service delivery as needed.

Job description

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the About You Section of the document.

About us

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust was rated as "Outstanding" by CQC and is a great place to work. We are proud of the Psychology provision within the Trust, and feedback has consistently been that we have a well-developed Psychology network in the Trust which offers a strong sense of professional identity, support and strategic influence. Psychology and psychological approaches are highly valued in the Trust, and Psychologists have the opportunity to shape clinical and organisational strategy as well as provide clinical services. We believe that supporting and involving our staff means that they enjoy their work more, and that our clinical services are better as a result.

There are a significant number of psychologists employed within the Trust working across different specialties and there are excellent opportunities for professional development through regular monthly psychology meetings and active peer supervision networks. The Trust enjoys good links with both Oxford and Leicester Doctoral training courses.

Northamptonshire is a pleasant area with a mix of rural and urban locations and is within easy distance of other key locations in the Midlands with excellent rail and road links.