The post holder will:

• Undertake complex psychological assessments using a range of methods and information sources.
• Formulate and deliver evidence-based psychological interventions.
• Manage and review treatment plans, adapting interventions to meet changing clinical needs.
• Provide specialist consultation, advice and second opinions to multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Contribute to risk assessment and risk management for complex cases.
• Act as Care Coordinator or Lead Professional where appropriate.
• Maintain clinical records and electronic patient records in line with Trust standards.
• Participate in multidisciplinary reviews, operational meetings and service development activities.
• Support the service in meeting activity, performance and outcome targets.

The post holder will be expected to provide specialist expertise in working with highly complex clinical presentations and contribute to high-quality care across all service pathways.

Teaching, Training and Supervision

A key aspect of the role is providing professional leadership and supervision to psychology staff and supporting workforce development across the service.

The post holder will:

• Provide clinical and professional supervision to qualified psychologists, assistant psychologists, trainees and other clinicians.
• Support the development of competencies within the psychology workforce.
• Coordinate and support clinical placements for psychology trainees and students.
• Deliver teaching, training and consultation to multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to pre- and post-qualification training programmes.
• Lead and contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
• Promote the dissemination of psychological knowledge and evidence-based practice.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for psychology staff through team meetings, training events and away days.

The post holder will maintain and develop their own professional expertise through ongoing CPD and engagement with current developments in psychology and eating disorder treatment.

Management, Governance and Service Development

The post holder will provide leadership for the Adult Therapy Team and contribute to the strategic development of Eating Disorder Services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the senior psychology representative within local management and governance structures.
• Supporting the development of high-quality, responsive and accessible psychological services.
• Managing psychological resources and workforce planning within the service.
• Leading recruitment processes for psychology staff.
• Supporting appraisal, professional governance and registration requirements for psychology staff.
• Contributing to disciplinary, complaints and performance management processes where appropriate.
• Ensuring clinical practice is aligned with current legislation, national guidance and best practice standards.
• Leading quality improvement initiatives and service development projects.
• Supporting and contributing to Care Quality and other governance meetings.
• Ensuring effective systems are in place for monitoring standards of care, record keeping and professional practice.

The post holder will work closely with operational and professional leaders to enhance service quality, safety and patient experience.

Information Technology and Data Management

The post holder will be expected to utilise Trust information systems effectively and promote good data management practices across psychology services.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate professional and clinical records.
• Using Trust systems and databases to record and monitor activity.
• Producing reports and information required for service monitoring and governance.
• Supporting psychology staff in the effective use of IT systems and software.
• Using specialist software to support assessment, reporting and service evaluation.
• Promoting the use of technology to support evidence-based practice and service delivery.

Research, Audit and Quality Improvement

The post holder will take a lead role in promoting research and evaluation within Eating Disorder Services.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting audit, service evaluation and quality improvement activities.
• Using research evidence to inform clinical practice and service development.
• Supporting staff, trainees and students undertaking research projects.
• Contributing to local and national research initiatives where appropriate.
• Presenting and disseminating findings through professional forums and publications.
• Supporting the development of a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.
• Leading or contributing to significant quality improvement projects each year.

Professional Responsibilities

The post holder will maintain the highest standards of professional practice and ensure compliance with Trust policies and professional regulations.

They will:

• Maintain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Adhere to the standards and codes of practice of the HCPC, British Psychological Society and Trust policies.
• Participate in regular supervision, appraisal and professional development activities.
• Promote best practice in psychology across the service and wider Trust.
• Ensure awareness of relevant legislation, national guidance and local policies relating to mental health and eating disorders.
• Maintain high standards of record keeping, communication and professional accountability.

Additional Information

The post holder may be required to work across different sites within the service catchment area to meet service needs.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed in line with service developments. The post holder will be expected to undertake duties appropriate to the grade of the role and to comply with all relevant Trust policies, including those relating to equality, health and safety, confidentiality and information governance.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial experience in an Eating Disorders Service
• Providing clinical and professional leadership to psychologists
• Exercising full clinical responsibility for service users' care as a care coordinator and leader of a multidisciplinary team
• Work collaboratively with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies
• Teaching, training and supervising of research
• Providing clinical and professional leadership to qualified and non-qualified members of own profession
• Managing service delivery models
• Managing quality and assurance governance issues

Desirable criteria

• Quality and improvement training and implementation
• Track record of research activity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Having held senior roles in a relevant professional body multidisciplinary team such as the British Psychological Society.

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Doctorate (or equivalent) training in clinical / counselling psychology
• Current registration with the HCPC as a registered psychologist
• Evidence of continuing professional and personal development

Desirable criteria

• Leadership qualification or training
• Membership of relevant professional body

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Doctoral level knowledge of evidence-based practice relevant to Eating Disorders
• Audit and research methodology
• Extensive knowledge of strategic issues relating to Eating Disorder Services across the Trust and nationally
• Extensive knowledge of the NHS policy environment at local, regional and national level.
• The care of difficult to treat groups e.g. dual diagnoses, additional disabilities or severely challenging behaviour.
• Legislation in relation to the service user group and mental health and its