Psychologist in ME/CFS

Job summary
We are offering an exciting opportunity to join the ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in City and Hackney covering the current post holder's maternity leave.

In this supportive setting you would gain the opportunity to build on both clinical and service development skills as well as those needed for multidisciplinary working.

In addition to direct individual and group clinical work, the post holder will offer advice and consultation on clients' fatigue management needs and psychological care to colleagues from other disciplines and to other, non-professional carers, working autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the team's policies and processes.

A key part of the role will be to utilize research skills for audit, policy and service development and research, in particular to evaluate recent service changes and contribute to further innovation. There would be opportunities to contribute to teaching and training within the team, department and wider trust and area.

The ME/CFS Service sits within the well-established therapy-led community outpatient Locomotor Service which houses integrated teams working within Persistent Pain, Advanced Practice Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions and outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy. There are strong links with Clinical Health and Neuropsychology within the Homerton Healthcare.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for providing specialist psychological assessment, formulation, and therapy for people with persistent fatigue and ME/CFS. This will involve being involved in multidisciplinary triage and assessment, as well as holding a caseload of clients with ME/CFS, supporting them with fatigue management skills so that they can continue to do the things that are important to them in life even in the presence of the ongoing symptoms. The service has recently piloted an online group intervention, delivering fatigue management, as well as creating video and written resources. Psychology is an integral part of the small therapy-led interdisciplinary team including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a Specialist GP. The service regularly provides clinical placements for North Thames DClinPsych trainees.

About us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for details about the post. If you would like to speak to us about the role, please get in touch.

Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential

• Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling, Health, Psychology OR Post-graduate qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology conferring eligibility for chartership by the British Psychological Society and HCPC, including specifically: (1) Training in models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, ACT and/or CBT and one other psychological therapy (2) Three or more supervised clinical placements (including health psychology and mental health specialisms) and research skills. Evidence of CPD as recommended by BPS. Registered with HCPC

Desirable

• Further education and training

Skills/ Abilities
Essential

• Skills & abilities as described in person specification

Experience
Essential

• Experience as described in person specification

Desirable

• Experience ( desirable) as described in person specification

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge as described in person specification

Desirable

• Knowledge desirable as described in person specification

Other
Essential

• Values

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.