Principal Clinical-Counselling Psychologist-C&A Psychotherapist

at  Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Parents and infants supported by the Neonatal Unit experience a variety of challenges which directly affects their mental health and wellbeing during their baby(ies) neonatal stay and onward journey. This can influence the development of their wellbeing and relationship. Issues can include: Complications of pregnancy leading to the need for increased monitoring and/or premature birth Feelings of grief associated with early birth of their baby, complex medical needs and/or the loss of a normal pregnancy experience Previous experience of a neonatal stay or neonatal loss Birth trauma Congenital anomalies Diagnosis of a life limiting condition or a deterioration in their babys condition leading to a redirection to comfort/palliative care Separation and an altered parenting role interrupting normal parent/infant attachment The post holder will lead, set up, develop and deliver a specialist psychological therapies service for parents, infants and families supported by Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit of Medway NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will provide highly specialist psychological assessment and intervention to parents, infants and families; offer advice and consultation on the emotional wellbeing of family and infants to non-psychological professionals; contribute to decisions about treatment options considering highly complex factors which impact the baby and their family.
The post holder will also: Work within the context of a multi-disciplinary team and enhance its capacity to assess and meet the emotional needs of families within a family integrated model of care. Facilitate understanding across teams about the nature of the neonatal family experience. Provide support for neonatal staff to strengthen resilience and wellbeing; to enable communication across and within teams. To work within and support a framework of psychological safety and compassion focused practice.
Manage, supervise and support the work of junior psychological professionals. Utilise professional and clinical leadership skills for research, audit, evaluation, policy and service development. Contribute to the development of the NICUs operational policies and services with regards the emotional wellbeing of parents and infants. Work with the Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Psychology Lead to support service development for units with links to Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit.
Work autonomously within codes of conduct and professional guidelines (BPS & HCPC for psychologists; ACP for C& A Psychotherapists) and under the guidance of senior psychological professionals. Develop and agree service outcomes with clinical and professional leads. To work with the Neonatal ODN Lead for Psychological Professionals on how best they are achieved

Please refer the Job description for details