Clinical Psychologist

Job summary

We welcome applications from enthusiastic clinical/counselling psychologists and qualified psychotherapists with an interest in working with older people. The post is suitable for a Band 8a practitioner; however, Band 7 applicants are encouraged to apply and can be supported through a structured preceptorship programme.

This is a varied and rewarding role, offering opportunities to develop skills in psychological therapy, formulation, systemic practice, neuropsychology and multidisciplinary team working. You will be encouraged to pursue professional development, contribute to service improvement and work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues.

You will join the Older People's Psychology Service, a friendly team of psychologists and art psychotherapists. The team is known for being welcoming and supportive, with opportunities for peer learning, joint working and developing specialist interests. Regular supervision, peer support and continuing professional development are integral to the role.

The post is part-time (2.5-3 days per week). Applicants seeking a full-time position may combine this role with an additional 2-day inpatient psychology post.

The successful applicant will contribute to psychological services across the Wimborne and Shaftesbury localities.

Informal enquiries and visits are welcomed. For further information, please contact Debbie de Wet, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, on 01305 361700 or debbie.dewet@nhs.net.

Main duties of the job

As a clinical psychologist, you will provide highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for older adults within Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will promote psychologically informed care through consultation, formulation and staff support, helping colleagues to understand and respond effectively to the needs of older adults experiencing mental health difficulties.

You will work closely with families, carers and partner agencies, providing specialist advice and support where needed. The role involves managing a complex caseload autonomously, drawing on evidence-based approaches and a range of therapeutic models to inform assessment and treatment planning. You will monitor and evaluate clinical outcomes through regular review of interventions and the use of appropriate outcome measures.

Depending on experience and development goals, there will be opportunities to provide supervision and mentorship to trainee and junior colleagues, supporting their professional development and clinical practice.

The post also offers opportunities to contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives and the development of clinical leadership skills.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

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