Psychological Practitioner

Job summary

This is an exciting new role developed for a band 5 qualifiedprofessional (Nurse/OT/Social Worker) to support the ongoing pressures within NHSNorth East Lincs Talking Therapies Service (Previously Open Minds). We have agrowing waiting list of service users waiting to access psychological therapyand a growing triage process ensuring service users are directed to the rightplace for the right treatment the first time. We are looking for anenthusiastic, engaging individual who has an interest in psychological therapy,experience in mental health and experience in working with individuals who areexperiencing poor mental health. An understanding of Navigo structure andservices is desirable but not essential as support and training will be given.Organisation skills will be crucial to this role. Potential developmentopportunities are available at the end of this term, including progression tocomplete the high intensity CBT therapy training which once qualified achievesa Band 7.

Main duties of the job

To support the work of staffin NHSTT, including supporting face to face and online psychological assessmentand interventions (including workshops, groups and webinars) under thesupervision of the clinical team. To assist in audit and data collection andthe development of research projects, and to promote the service at localevents, both in and out of hours. To support with the management of waitinglists made up of service users who are awaiting psychological therapy includingassessment of risk and current needs, referring on as appropriate. This mayinclude telephone contact every four weeks for service users awaiting therapyand following up on DNA appointments. The post holder will lead on triagingreferrals into the service ensuring people are accessing the correct service atthe point of referral. Knowledge of other services in North East Lincs is essential.

To work independentlyaccording to an agreed plan and within the framework of Navigo policies andprocedures.

About us

Hello

We are Navigo. We look after North East Lincolnshire mental health and well-being. We are an award-winning social enterprise thatprovides mental health services to the NHS and beyond.

The whole basis of our work isto deliver services that we would be happy for our own family to use.

We offer a range of mentalhealth services, including acute and community facilities as well as specialistsupport such as outstanding older adults inpatient services, rehabilitationand recovery community mental health and an outstanding specialist eatingdisorder facility.

Ranked as one of the top UKcompanies to work for, we featured in the Best Companies top 100 large companylist and were named sixth best health and social care company 2023.

As a social enterprise, we dothings a little bit differently and have also developed income-generating commerciallyviable businesses that provide training, education and employment opportunitiesincluding Grimsby Garden Centre and two cafes.

Working at Navigo is not likeworking anywhere else. Lots of places say that, but we really mean it.

We like to work withforward-thinking people who want to make a difference.

Come join us

NHSTT currently provides both remotetherapy and treatment in person, with clinicians working from home, GPsurgeries, community locations and office-based.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Leadership and Management

This post does not hold anyresponsibility for line managing staff currently however if the triage andwaiting well roles expand there may be line management responsibility of a band3 practitioner.

Communication

The post holder will berequired to communicate with a range of people, including communication aboutsensitive and difficult matters, with people who may be experiencing highlevels of distress. Therefore, effective communication using a range of skillsin relationship building and overcoming barriers to communication, whilstadhering to Navigo policies and procedures is essential for the role.

Key Relationships:

The post holder will beexpected to work with:

Service users and othermembers of the public relatives and carers

The NHSTT clinical and adminteam

Wider Navigo services

Partner organisations

GPs and other referrers

Local statutory providers

Local voluntary sectororganisations

Work with Service Manager andteam managers to develop updated leaflets.

Clinical Supervision and CaseManagement Supervision

Attend clinical and managerialsupervision on a regular basis as agreed with line manager and in line withprofessional requirements.

To develop skills andcompetencies that assist in the delivery of current duties

To contribute to the trainingand support of other staff in primary care services.

Participate in IndividualPerformance Review and respond to agreed objectives.

Clinical

The post holder willassertively follow up on service users who have been referred or self-referredfor treatment when contact attempts for initial assessment via usual pathwayshave been unsuccessful. The post holder will update records to indicate additionalsteps taken to attempt contact. The post holder will assertively follow up onreported DNAs where risk is identified by practitioners and escalateappropriately.

the post holder willinvestigate and process each referral coming to triage, referring on andleading on their case as per policies and processes in place.

To ensure that all processesare effective and high standards are maintained.

Have a working knowledge of Navigo policies and procedures.

To participate in and keep upto date with Navigo mandatory training requirements.

To develop skills andcompetencies necessary for the role, including attending additional trainingand CPD when required to do so.

Ability to organise own diaryand appointments to meet the needs of the service

Manage the waiting listappropriately with support calls, running groups, escalating concerns andbuilding rapport with those waiting for therapeutic input.

Assist clinicians in running NHSTTspecific group therapy.

Ability to document thoroughlyon the electronic system, including any risk, current mental health and changesin presentation

Ability to liaise with otherservices as needed to include, Crisis team, Community mental health, PrimaryCare Networks, GPs, Police, probation etc.

Undertake psychologicalassessments of service users referred to the service, using the NHSTT minimumdata set and other questionnaires as appropriate.

Ensuring that service usersaccess appropriate pathways according to their psychological needs

To attend and contribute toappropriate meetings relevant to the service

To ensure the maintenance ofstandards of practice according to the employer and any regulating bodies andkeep up to date on new recommendations. Guidelines set by the Department ofHealth.

Ensure that confidentiality ismaintained at all times

Professional

To maintain professionalregistration.

To assist in the design andimplementation of audit and research projects

To undertake data collection,analysis, production of reports and summaries, using IT and statisticalprogrammes, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

To undertake searchesof evidence based literature and research to assist qualified practitioners andtherapists in evidence based practice.

Person Specification

Skills & Attributes

Essential

High Standard of report writing. Ability to communicate sensitively to service users, carers, colleagues in a respectful and empathic manner. Ability to apply existing knowledge to a primary care context. Ability to quickly deescalate situations as they occur. Ability to establish rapport quickly and effectively over different means, including face to face, telephone and MS Teams. Ability to work as a member of the team and confident independently An interest in working with people with Mental health problems High level of communication skills (Written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.

Desirable

Knowledge of undertaking Audits in clinical services

Other requirements

Desirable

Fluent in any other languages other than English Car driver with valid UK driving licence and access to own transport.

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with people with mental health problems. Understanding of and compliance with relevant professional standards and practice. Experience in facilitation of groups to support wellbeing. Experience of risk management and following escalation procedures appropriately.

Desirable

Experience of working within primary care as a mental health professional Experience of working within an NHSTT service Experience of undertaking audit in clinical services Experience in supporting service development.

Qualifications

Essential

A professional Qualification at least BSc level in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy. Registration with the corresponding professional body ( nursing, midwifery council).

Desirable

Further post graduate training in relevant areas of primary care, IAPT, psychological therapy

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