Highly Specialist Research Clinical Psychologist

Highly Specialist Research Clinical PsychologistWe are advertising for a Clinical Psychologist or Senior CBT Therapist to work on an NIHR-funded research trial of a therapy for young people with paranoia. The 22-month feasibility randomised controlled trial, titled “Treating Unhelpful Suspicious Thoughts in Teenagers,” is funded by the National Institute for Health Research – Research for Patient Benefit Programme. It is led by Dr Jessica Kingston and Dr Christopher Taylor (Joint Chief Investigators) with a senior co-applicant team. The trial will test a new imagery and values-based therapy for young people experiencing paranoia in a schools-based setting.

Role purposeThe role is to work as a clinical psychologist/trial therapist delivering therapy on the schools-based paranoia research trial.

Main responsibilities

Deliver therapy to young people identified in schools using TRUST therapy.

Train and supervise research assistants and support recruitment.

Deliver cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis and/or work with young people as required.

Travel to different sites within the Trust and further afield to attend meetings, seminars and supervision as needed.

About the employerCNWL is committed to delivering first-class, patient-centred, safe and effective care across hospital settings, community clinics and patients’ homes. The organisation seeks outstanding people who will support patients, colleagues and the Trust while providing opportunities for career development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesThe postholder will provide psychological therapy to young people in schools experiencing elevated paranoia. Therapy will be delivered weekly, based on a structured manual, with training before delivery and close supervision during the trial. You will adapt the therapy manual for the contextual and clinical presentations of paranoia in schools and support both education and healthcare settings, including involvement of parents/carers and education staff. Some sessions may occur outside regular hours, and you may need to travel within the Trust footprint and beyond for meetings and supervision.

Person specificationEducation / QualificationsEssential criteria

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and registration with the Health Professions Council OR Core Profession (e.g. RMN, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker) with CBT Diploma and BABCP Accreditation as a CBT Therapist

Desirable criteria

Specialist CBT Training

Specialist training in CBT for Psychosis

Further qualifications/training in other therapy models (e.g. EMDR)

Skills and AbilitiesEssential criteria

Strong communication skills, including conveying technical information clearly to service users, carers, and professionals

Ability to explain paranoia concepts to young people and professionals

High level clinical skills and excellent time management

Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary and research teams

Proficiency in complex psychological assessment and intervention methods, with sustained concentration

Experience providing consultation to other professionals and non-professionals

Ability to prioritise, manage waiting lists, and meet deadlines

Desirable criteria

Experience delivering psychological therapy in group formats (e.g., DBT, CBT, Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy)

High-level group facilitation skills

Knowledge and ExperienceEssential criteria

Experience delivering highly specialist psychological assessments and interventions

Experience within multidisciplinary mental health services

Experience providing clinical supervision

Knowledge of clinical trials methodology and experimental psychology

Experience working within multicultural settings

Experience providing psychological interventions in schools

Desirable criteria

Experience conducting a clinical research study

Experience of working on a clinical trial and with high levels of complexity in adolescents

Specialist knowledge of adolescent paranoia and neurodiversity in education/health settings

Personal Qualities

Ability to move equipment and materials between work settings

Mobility to travel across the Trust footprint

Commitment to involving service users in research

Willingness to work flexibly to meet service needs

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Health Care Provider

Industries

Hospitals and Health ..... full job details .....