Diabetes Research Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

There is an exciting opportunity to be part of our team at King's College Hospital. We are looking for a diabetes psychologist who could be part of an international research trial supporting the rollout of the HARPdoc programme (Hypoglycaemia Awareness Restoration Programme, despite optimised care). HARPdoc is a psychoeducational group programme for people with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. More information about the programme can be found here:  

The funding is for 0.2 wte 8A, starting as soon as possible, or by August 2025 at the latest

The work would involve learning about the HARPdoc model, input into the design of an online training course for Health Care Professionals; training of diabetes educators in Australia, UK, US and offering supervision during the trial.

This would be a great fit for someone who has experience of diabetes psychology clinically, can work flexibly and online, and is interested in applying psychological theory/practice to developing a group intervention - learning about the process from research to clinical delivery. It would also suit someone who is interested in sharing psychology skills and thinking about how to support the needs of our non-mental health colleagues.

Main duties of the job

This post will involve learning about the HARPdoc model, input into the design of an online training course for diabetes educators and offering support and supervision to the CLEAR research centres and educators. This work will provide the foundation for HARPdoc to be offered to other clinical centres and possibly ongoing support and supervision work for these centres.

The overall summary of the Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist role within this post may include the following:

· Learn about the HARPdoc model, training and supervision processes

· Co-design online training programme

· Co-deliver online training workshops

· Maintain research e-storage

· Carry out competency assessments and give feedback to diabetes educators

· Supervise HARPdoc Educators during the CLEAR trial

· Deliver HARPdoc support session to relatives or train centre psychologists to deliver this

· Attend research supervision

· Contribute to any related publications/presentations (as needed)

During delivery of educator training courses and supervision of patient-participant courses, there is a need for flexible working, in order to accommodate working across international time zones. It is expected that relevant schedules will be arranged in advance, with consideration given to the time needs of all, including the post holder

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical and Client Care

· To provide specialist supervision to diabetes educators that may include formulations, intervention suggestions, revision of communication skills and signposting for HARPdoc clients. 

· To suggest culturally appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required.

· To assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.

Key Working Relationships

The successful candidate will be employed by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and will work closely with diabetes centre colleagues, psychology and psychotherapy colleagues at both King's College Hospital (KCH) and South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and wider mental health and social work colleagues at both KCH, SLaM and partner NHS Trusts. This particular post will work directly under the supervision and guidance of the HARPdoc senior psychologist and closely with other members of the KCH HARPdoc team and CLEAR researchers.

Teaching and Training

· To provide occasional specialist training in psychological approaches to care to other professions as appropriate.

· To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.

Record-keeping and Information Governance

· To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.

· To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.

Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development

· To receive regular clinical and professional supervision from a more senior psychologist according to HCPC and Trust guidelines.

· To ensure own Continuing Professional Development in line with BPS and Trust Personal Development Plan requirements and the HCPC ‘Standards for Continuing Professional Development’.

· To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current developments in professional and clinical practice and of relevant legislation and policies.

· To comply with the HCPC ‘Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics’ and ‘Standards of Proficiency’, and ensure professional development in line with these.

· To adhere to the BPS’s Professional Practice Guidelines and Trust policies and procedures.

Person specification

essential

Essential criteria

• Registered Clinical Psychologist
• Expressing a desire to mentor others

Desirable criteria

• Experience with working with people with Diabetes
• Experience with working with people with long term conditions
• Experience with writing content to be used for teaching others
• Experience with mentoring colleagues

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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King's College Hospital is part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC), a pioneering collaboration between King's College London, and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts.