Senior Clinical Psychologist

at  Young Epilepsy

We are looking to appoint a Clinical Psychologist to work on an exciting project to improve the mental health of children and young people (CYP) with epilepsy, in partnership with Surrey Heartlands ICB, Surrey Borders and Partnership (SABP), Mindworks mental health services and Surrey Youth Workers. CYP with epilepsy are a greater risk of a range of cooccurring conditions, including mental health difficulties, neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities. Despite this, within Surrey Heartlands there is variability in the provision of mental health screening and interventions for CYP with Epilepsy. CYP in Surrey Heartlands have reported that they are scared and anxious about potential sudden death.
They feel isolated due to the impact of Epilepsy on their social activities and this impacts on health outcomes and their ability to self-care and manage their condition. Together with Surrey Heartlands ICB, we are working to address this unmet need with a 2-year mental health entitled PAVES (Psychology Adding Value- Epilepsy Screening), funded NHS England (NHSE). The PAVES pilot is designed to aid early identification, targeted interventions and prevention of mental health needs for CYP with Epilepsy. Mental health screening is undertaken by CYP with epilepsy and their parent/carer within clinic at RSFT, ASPH, SASH and EsH as part of initial clinical and review assessment process.
Appropriate mental health resources are then identified dependent on the level of need and in consultation with the epilepsy mental health team. Resources will include the provision of self-help resources, psychosocial support, self-care education and formation of peer groups, as well as psychological based interventions with those with more severe mental health needs. The successful candidate will act as the lead for the epilepsy mental health team, offering specialist psychological provision to the children/young people and their families in these services, including participation in multidisciplinary evaluation, support planning, psycho education, and treatment. This post offers opportunities for professional development and involvement in research.
Overall Responsibilities The main duties of the Clinical Psychologist include: To be the clinical lead for the CYP epilepsy mental health team for the purpose of the PAVES pilot, involving the appropriate triaging of patients, as well as the provision of current specialist psychological interventions for CYP with epilepsy. Providing specialised advice, supervision and consultation on psychological aspects of health to multidisciplinary teams, staff groups, young people and families. To carry out evaluation of clinical intervention, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies with the aim of improving health outcomes of patients their families and carers. Be involved in the continued professional development of trainee clinical psychologist placements by providing regular individual and/or group clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
To work in partnership with Surrey Youth Workers and student psychologists, to develop appropriate psychosocial support, self-care education and formation of peer groups. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping enabling effective patient care and clinical work, adhering to professional and NHS documentation standards. To function as an independent practitioner, with an understanding of professional boundaries, chain of accountability and clinical responsibility, awareness of the limits of own competence and scope of practice and within the scope of practice of your supervising clinician and accepting accountability to relevant professional and service managers. Provide regular updates on progress to the project team, based at Young Epilepsy, Surrey Heartlands ICB, SABP and Surrey Youth Workers.
Observe all relevant local and national guidelines, standards and policie

Please refer the Job description for details