CBT Therapist/ Clinical or Counselling Psychologist

Job content

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) team for 14-35 year olds experiencing signs of being at risk of developing psychosis. This permanent, post is based across Northamptonshire, and is part of the wider Early Intervention in Psychosis service, including NSTEP.

We are looking for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and motivated Cognitive Behavioural Therapist or Clinical/Counselling Psychologist to join our small and supportive team. As a specialist mental health service, the ARMS service is committed to providing NICE-recommended interventions which include comprehensive assessment and psychological interventions for attenuated psychosis or co-existing mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, emerging personality disorder, substance misuse). These activities are often supported with family interventions, care coordination, and community support. Psychological therapies are an integral part of the ARMS multi-disciplinary team. Key responsibilities would include supporting the team in developing psychological formulation for treatment planning; leading assessment using psychometric tools such as Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS); and delivering evidence-based individual psychological therapy (e.g. CBT) and family work.

The post holder will take the lead in providing 1:1 cognitive behavioural therapy for young people deemed to be ‘at-risk’ of developing psychosis, involving assessment and interventions for clients of the ‘ARMS’ service. Advice and consultation on the client’s psychological care and treatment will be offered to colleagues and carers. Supporting the development and implementation of CBT-informed group interventions will be an additional aspect of this role.

The post holder will work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the team’s policies and procedures.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with all members of the ARMS service, NSTEP, CAMHS, and the network of Psychologists and Psychological Therapists at NHFT. and contribute to service, practice and clinical governance developments, both within the team and the wider network.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is committed to supporting flexible working where possible and we anticipate that this role could benefit from a hybrid working model, where some work could be carried out remotely, while other pieces of work might take place in the outpatient setting or community, depending on how to best meet the needs of our service users

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust was rated as “Outstanding” by CQC in 2018 and is a great place to work. We are proud of the Psychology provision within the Trust, and feedback has consistently been that we have a well-developed Psychology network in the Trust which offers a strong sense of professional identity, support and strategic influence. Psychology and psychological approaches are highly valued in the Trust, and Psychologists have the opportunity to shape clinical and organisational strategy as well as provide clinical services. We believe that supporting and involving our staff means that they enjoy their work more, and that our clinical services are better as a result.

There are a significant number of psychologists employed within the Trust working across different specialties and there are excellent opportunities for professional development through regular monthly psychology meetings and active peer supervision networks. The Trust enjoys good links with both Oxford and Leicester Doctoral training courses.

Northamptonshire is a pleasant area with a mix of rural and urban locations and is within easy distance of other key locations in the Midlands with excellent rail and road links.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Dr Charlotte Marriott Job title: Principal Clinical Psychologist Email address: charlotte.marriott@nhft.nhs.uk Telephone number: 07749400234