The Older Person’s Psychology Service (TOPPS) is a strong and supportive team, who are committed to improving the mental health needs of older adults living in Dumfries and Galloway. The TOPPS team consists of dedicated staff skilled in a range of psychological models including CBT, Systemic, ACT, IPT and EMDR. The team has regular staff meetings and supervision and CPD are well supported.
This post is a split post between the community and one Specialist inpatient older adult ward based at Midpark Hospital, Dumfries; Cree Ward. Cree Ward specialises in organic presentations.
Cree ward strives to provide excellent standards of safe and effective person-centred care in line with best practice guidelines. To do so they have embedded strong professional relationships within the multidisciplinary team, valuing the key knowledge, skills and experience each of the MDT stakeholders bring to the clinical setting. The ward recognises that effective team participation lies at the heart of positive patient outcomes. The team work in a dynamic way to support timely assessments, working effectively and efficiently to ensure there are no delays or barriers to the discharge process. To work in such a dynamic way the team welcome the opportunity to engage in clinical supervision, sharing skills, knowledge and valuing the importance of ongoing learning, reflection and evidencing therapeutic interventions are based on current best practice guidelines.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary team whilst shaping the direction and contribution of the clinical psychologist role within the ward in supporting positive outcomes for; patient, carers and staff. The ward strongly values the contribution of Psychology.
The post holder would also have responsibility for managing the day-to-day referral management system of the Older Person’s Psychology Service (TOPPS) to patients, carers, referral agencies, CMHT and others with a broad range of often complex mental health needs in a geographic area. A small caseload of community cases focused on assessing mental health needs within this context and to formulate and deliver responsive highly specialist psychological interventions at individual and systemic levels.
The post holder would also supervise clinical psychology and psychological therapy staff in the specified area, contribute to service development and manage aspects of their work as directed by the Lead of Older Adult Psychology.
The post has dedicated CPD and supervision time. Flexible working arrangements may be considered. Up to 29.7 hours per week are available for the post.
Dumfries & Galloway is situated in the South West of Scotland and the department has a complement of over 90 staff, with Clinical Psychologists in all major specialities. It is a friendly, supportive and lively place to work. We have strong links with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling Universities and take trainees from both Clinical Psychology and Masters courses. We also provide placements and supervision for CBT Therapists.