Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Learning Disabilities)

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Clinical/Counselling Psychologist to join their community team in London. The role involves supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges through assessments and interventions, while providing opportunities for professional development. Competitive salary and collaborative environment accentuated by additional training and supportive supervision.

Qualifications

• Entry-level qualification in Applied Psychology required.
• Experience in assessment and treatment of complex psychological needs.
• Post-qualification experience in individual/group therapy with mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and interventions for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Support multi-agency work and participate in care pathway development.
• Engage in research, training, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Communication

Planning and scheduling

Administration of psychometric tests

Teamwork

Good IT skills

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or MSc, PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology

Masters in Psychotherapy

Job description

Go back South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Learning Disabilities)

This job is now closed

Job summary

Do you have experience working with adults with learning disabilities who also have mental health issues or challenging behaviours? Are you interested in developing your therapeutic and consultation skills within a community team? If you are recently or newly qualified and eager to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

You will work directly and indirectly with adults with learning disabilities, their families, and staff to provide assessments, including neuropsychological assessments, and interventions. You should be skilled in psychological formulation and be involved in research, audits, and service development initiatives. We seek someone who works creatively and inclusively to improve health and wellbeing for people with learning disabilities.

About us

You will join the specialist borough MHLD community team, which includes Clinical Psychologists, Behaviour Support Practitioners, Psychiatrists, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Administrators, and a Team Leader. We collaborate with health and social care colleagues and other stakeholders as part of the LD Partnership.

Additionally, you will be part of a wider group of 15 Psychologists and Behaviour Support Practitioners across Lewisham, Southwark, and Lambeth, led by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. CPD sessions, supervision groups, and opportunities to develop skills in systemic approaches, CAT, neuropsychology, and Positive Behaviour Support are available.

Job responsibilities

You will collaboratively offer assessments and interventions for individuals with learning disabilities and their networks, including direct work with adults, group activities, and indirect work with carers and staff. You may take on roles such as care coordinator and facilitate network meetings. Supporting MDT and multi-agency work, including care pathway development, is also part of the role.

There are opportunities to engage with the IOPPN DClinPsy programme and the Estia Centre for training, research, and development. You may also contribute to teaching and training, and collaborate on research projects.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Entry-level qualification in Applied Psychology (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, MSc, PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology) or a Masters in Psychotherapy accepted for registration.

Knowledge

• Psychopathology and evidence-based treatments for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
• Psychological assessment, therapy, and clinical psychometrics.
• Legislation related to clients, mental health, child and adult protection, and equalities.
• Factors influencing accessibility of mental health care.

Experience

• Clinical supervision across diverse client needs.
• Assessment and treatment of complex psychological needs in learning disabilities.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including through work, research, volunteering, or lived experience.
• Developing and conducting audit/research projects.
• Post-qualification experience in individual and group therapy with complex mental health issues.

Skills

• Skilful and sensitive communication with clients, carers, and colleagues, overcoming barriers such as sensory, emotional, cultural, or hostility issues.
• Planning and scheduling assessments and interventions.
• Proficiency in administering psychometric and neuropsychological tests.
• Delegating tasks appropriately to assistants or trainees.
• Good IT skills for data entry and analysis.

Abilities

• Effective teamwork and contribution to team roles.
• Employing mechanisms of clinical governance.
• Creating complex multimedia presentations for various audiences.
• Maintaining concentration during assessments and interventions, managing unexpected changes.
• Handling emotionally stressful situations professionally.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults. The salary ranges from £54,320 to £60,981 per annum, inclusive of inner HCA allowances.