Job Description
Are you passionate about making a difference to children and young people with complex mental health needs?
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Wessex House team to support young people as the Principal Clinical Psychologist. You'll lead a psychology service offering direct and indirect provision to address the complex needs of young people within a multidisciplinary inpatient CAMHS service.
Wessex House is a generic adolescent inpatient unit, supporting young people from the age of 13 years, up until 18 years of age. Wessex House has developed effective working practices with a rich and diverse therapeutic structure.
Knowledge and experience of a range of models of assessment, formulation and treatment to support young people presenting with complex difficulties is essential for this post. Providing supervision and support within the multidisciplinary team and across clinical networks will be an important feature of this senior role.
In the most recent CQC inspection in May 2022 Wessex House was rated “Good.” Across all aspects of the service.
This is a part-time, permanent post working 22.5 hours per week.
Main duties of the job
You will have broad understanding, skills and experience in mental health and also particular specialist interests and skills in evidence-based approaches that you will be able to share through direct clinical work and also through supervision, consultation and training.
Experience within a CAMHS service or relevant provision including working with children, young people and their families who have experienced early trauma is desirable. Knowledge and experience of DBT and supporting young people with managing risk behaviours would also be desirable.
We are seeking a confident, motivated and enthusiastic person, with a vision for improving the delivery of psychological, Recovery-focused and trauma-informed care within our supportive multidisciplinary ward setting.
You'll be able to work collaboratively and effectively in a multi-disciplinary context and be clear about the role of Psychology and Psychological Therapies within the MDT.
Personal qualities will include excellent listening and communication skills; an ability to support and facilitate effective communication in teams; resilience at times of change in the service and skills in supporting reflection and wellbeing in both yourself and others. Research, audit and QI will be encouraged. There are opportunities to support the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training at the University of Exeter.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You'll be encouraged to access suitable supportive networks, including the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Tier-4 CAMHS Psychologist peer reflective practice groups and the Child Psychology Meetings and CPD events.
For further details / to arrange an informal visit to the ward, please contact:
Dr Tamzin Coles, Consultant Clinical Psychologist – 01823 368368
Tamzin.Coles@SomersetFT.nhs.uk