Psychotherapist - Diabetes

1. Job overview a) A compassionate and dynamic Psychological Therapist or Clinical / Counselling Psychologist to contribute to our unique community-based, multi-disciplinary team based in Brighton and Hove. We are a multi-skilled, psychological team embedded within Diabetes Care For You, (DCFY) - a well-respected and innovative multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Psychologically informed practice is fully embedded within our MDT and close collaboration with DCFY colleagues and others involved in care of patients is an essential part of this role.

Our approach is to provide equitable and robust psychological assessments, formulations and talking therapies to patients coping with the impact and psychological consequences of living with a long-term condition. Regular individual and peer supervision is provided to fully support the clinicians in their work and development. We support development with regular continuing professional development (CPD) events and opportunities to network with other psychological professionals within the Trust as part of the Trusts Allied Professionals Forum (PPF) and provide CPD study days (pro-rata) allowance. Based in Brighton & Hove and cover High Weald, Lewes & Havens so having a car is essential for this post.

2. Communication and working relationships a) To work within an established psychological therapy team, consisting of psychotherapists, led by the Lead Psychological Practitioner - Diabetes. The team is embedded within Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) MDT consisting of consultants, diabetes specialist nurses, dietitians, podiatrists, psychotherapy, administrative/operational and managerial support. Working with patients 18+ living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

b) Communicate confidential patient information in a skilled and sensitive manner, concerning assessment, formulation and treatment plans and monitor progress during the course of psychological treatment to patients with mild-moderate anxiety/depression associated with their diabetes diagnosis. Share appropriately with MDT and other professionals involved in the patients care. c) To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under their care and to monitor progress during the course of both uni
- and multi-disciplinary care. This will include assessment of risk both of own patients and of those within the psychotherapy team.

Providing support and guidance alongside regular clinical professional supervision to members of the psychotherapy team. d) To deliver presentations and specialist training on issue specific to psychology and mental health as required to various audiences. Provision of psychological advice and clinical consultancy to other members of the MDT and senior professional colleagues as appropriate. 3.

Main tasks a) To provide a specialist psychological therapy service to patients coping with the impact and psychological consequences of diabetes and its impact on quality of life. b) To provide specialist psychological assessments, formulations, interventions and talking therapies for adult patients adjusting, but are not limited to, adjustment related distress, coping with and adhering to demanding medication regimes; needle phobia; anxiety; panic; low mood and depression; post-traumatic stress; health anxiety; altered sense of self and identity; relationship stress and loss. c) To formulate and deliver at least two evidence based psychotherapeutic interventions drawn from theoretical models and approaches specifically tailored to the needs of the patient whilst maintaining provisional hypotheses and adapting intervention when required. These may be delivered remotely (i.e.

by telephone or video call) where appropriate or necessary. d) To exercise autonomous professional and ethical responsibility within psychological professional PSA-recognised body framework and the DCFY psychotherapy team policies and procedures by maintaining and taking responsibility for own caseload including treatment interventions and discharge plans. e) To promote and provide specialist psychological advice, guidance and consultation to other professionals e.g. referral and discharge decisions, psychological reports and letters directly contributing to clients formulation, diagnosis and treatment plan.

f) To evaluate and take responsibility for reporting any safeguarding issues at assessment or during contracted psychological therapy and immediately report safeguarding issues in line with Trust safeguarding governance and policy. g) To contribute to the development and maintenance of best practice and the highest professional standards as required by a PSA-recognised psychological professional body through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the Clinical Service Manager and DCFY Psychology Lead. h) To assist DCFY Psychology Lead in reviewing team policies and procedures.