Highly Specialist - Research Clinical Psychologist
We are recruiting for a Clinical Psychologist to deliver specialist psychological therapy for young people at ultra‑high risk of psychosis.
This is an 18m fixed‑term contract where you will join a centre of excellence in the development and delivery of psychological interventions for psychosis: the Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis clinical research group. It is a thriving and supportive clinical research group, based at the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS, that aims to carry out work to the highest standards for patients.
You will deliver specialist psychological therapy as part of the Sleeping Better project – a large multi‑site randomised controlled trial testing the team's 12‑week treatment for sleep and circadian rhythm difficulties. You will work clinically across a number of NHS trusts, facilitating a specialist remote clinic treating sleep and circadian problems in people with a diagnosis of psychosis. There will be supervision, teaching and publication opportunities.
We're looking for candidates with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and an in‑depth understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations of cognitive approaches to mental health difficulties and excellent cognitive therapy skills.
Main duties of the job
You will be working as a clinical psychologist to deliver specialist psychological therapy to people with psychosis in the context of randomised controlled clinical trials, including an evaluation of the team's sleep intervention.
The post holder will deliver the intervention, supervise assistant psychologists, and work with local services at each of the collaborating NHS trusts. The role also includes teaching, research supervision and publication opportunities. The primary base will be the Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis (O‑CAP) team in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford.
* Lead the delivery of a specialist, remote psychological therapies clinic for people with psychosis as part of the Sleeping Better project.
* Deliver highly specialist psychological therapy to treat sleep problems in people with psychosis; maintain a caseload of approximately 15‑20 patients seen remotely.
* Help support the day‑to‑day management of the project, ensuring milestones are achieved and the work is carried out to the highest standards.
* Supervise assistant psychologists and graduate mental health workers in the delivery of psychological interventions.
* Supervise research assistants in the recruitment and assessment of trial participants.
* Work closely with clinical teams in the collaborating NHS mental health trusts, delivering new treatments and training others.
* Provide regular reports on the progress of the study, including information needed by the funder.
* Collaborate with other members of the O‑CAP research group to ensure study success.
* Maintain excellent working relationships with all project collaborators.
* Conduct accurate record‑keeping and report writing.
* Follow standard operating procedures for the projects.
* Attend supervision and research team meetings.
* Carry out administrative duties related to the projects.
* Undertake research supervision, teaching and contribute to publications.
* Travel within a large geographical area to clinical teams and patient homes, requiring a valid driving licence and access to transport.
* Travel between UK sites as necessary for large multi‑site clinical trials.
* Work within the guidelines set out by the Data Protection Act, the Code of Ethics, Trust policies and procedures, and with full understanding of confidentiality issues.
* Other duties appropriate to the grade as directed.
Benefits
* Excellent opportunities for career progression
* Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
* 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
* NHS discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
* Competitive pension scheme
* Lease car scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Mental Health First Aiders
* Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)
* Staff networking and support groups hosted by the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent). Qualification required by time of taking up the post – applications are welcome from those in the final year of doctoral clinical psychology training.
* Registered with HCPC
Experience
* Experience of conducting individual therapy sessions with patients experiencing difficulties related to psychosis.
* Excellent cognitive therapy skills – to enable treatment delivery and development.
* Post‑qualification experience of delivering clinical interventions.
* Experience of clinical research.
* Experience of working with a wide variety of client groups across the life course, maintaining professionalism in challenging situations.
* Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients with complex needs.
* Experience that supports working with and addressing issues of diversity within local communities.
* Experience of providing supervision.
* Experience of clinical trials.
* Experience of working with individuals with lived experience in the development of psychological research or practice.
* Experience of authorship of publications.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the theory, evidence base and practice of specialised psychological assessments and interventions for people with psychosis.
* Knowledge of legislation related to the client group and mental health issues, child and adult protection and equalities.
* Knowledge of clinical trials.
* In‑depth understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations of cognitive approaches to mental health disorders.
Skills
* Excellent skills in engaging patients in psychological intervention.
* Ability to communicate sensitively and skilfully (oral and written).
* Ability to supervise psychology graduate research assistants.
* Ability to teach and train others using a variety of complex multi‑media materials suitable for presentations within public, professional and academic settings.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.
£57,528 to £64,750 a year per annum | pro rata
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