Senior Counselling Psychologist

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde stands as one of the most extensive healthcare systems in the UK, employing approximately 40,000 professionals across a diverse array of clinical and non-clinical roles. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive acute hospital, primary, community, and mental health services to a population exceeding 1.15 million, expanding to 2.2 million when considering our regional and national services.

In alignment with NHS Scotland's initiative, the full-time working week will transition from 37.5 to 37 hours per week, effective from April 2024, without a corresponding change in remuneration. This adjustment will also apply proportionately to part-time staff. Please note that while this position reflects the new working hours, certain service areas may require temporary adjustments, necessitating up to an additional 30 minutes of work per week until new rosters are established.

The standard shift pattern for this role is Monday to Friday.

This is a fixed-term position for a duration of 12 months.

Role Overview: The Principal Clinical/Counselling Psychologist will deliver a specialized Clinical Psychology service tailored for older individuals referred through the multi-disciplinary East Dunbartonshire Older People's Mental Health Service. The successful candidate will conduct highly specialized psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions while providing expert advice and consultation regarding clients' psychological care to non-psychologist colleagues and non-professional caregivers, operating autonomously within established professional guidelines and the team's policies.

Qualifications and Experience: Candidates should possess a background as a Clinical/Counselling Psychologist, with extensive knowledge, skills, and experience across various client demographics, addressing a full spectrum of clinical severity in diverse care environments. Experience in specialist Older People's Mental Health Services is preferred. The role requires a history of clinical leadership within multi-disciplinary or multi-agency settings, alongside providing consultation and supervision on psychological care aspects.

As a member of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) Older People's Psychology Service, you will contribute to a highly specialized service dedicated to older adults within the GG&C board area. The mental health component of the service is integrated into Community Mental Health Teams for Older People throughout the health board.

The department encompasses an Acute Hospital Liaison Clinical Psychology Service for older individuals in hospital settings, a Young Onset Dementia Service, a Care Home Liaison Psychology Service in Glasgow HSCP, the OPTIMAL Team focused on enhancing access to evidence-based psychological interventions, and an In-patient Older People's Psychology Team. You will provide psychological services to older adults upon referral from colleagues in Older People's Services.

Professional Development: Leadership and operational management are facilitated through the Older People's Psychology Service and the Psychology Directorate. It is essential for candidates to have post-graduate doctoral level training in clinical or counselling psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996), accredited by the BPS or HCPC, covering models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, neuropsychology, multiple distinct psychological therapies, and lifespan developmental psychology. Current registration with the HCPC is required. The post holder may need to deliver clinical psychology services across various locations as necessary.

Inclusivity Commitment: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all community sectors, fostering a culture of inclusion and valuing the diversity of our workforce.

By endorsing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC demonstrates its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer, recognizing military skills, experience, and qualifications during the recruitment process.

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