Job summary We are planning a third cohort of trainees commencing 31.3.2025. One of these posts will be based at the new regional Learning Disability and Autism in-patient service. The Brook is due to open in Summer 2025, alongside our sister service within Avon and Wiltshire (with whom we share a single front door). Given the type of psychologically informed interventions and the wider developmental role within this service, we are (only) inviting applications from psychologists who wish to train as an Approved Clinician. This training contract is for a period of up to two years. This is with a view to developing consultant level practice and successfully submitting a portfolio for initial Approved Clinician approval, to the DHSC. There are comprehensive governance and CPD frameworks in place, which supports the training, approval and deployment of Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians. During the training period, there will be clinical/line management supervision, 1:1 mentoring; monthly group mentoring, action learning sets and specific support/advice viz portfolio development. Post approval support includes dedicated monthly Approved Clinician clinical supervision, plus two days of dedicated CPD per year. The post holder will be an integral member of the Medical Advisory Committee. Post approval, they will also be encouraged to apply to join the DHSCs England South MHA Approvals Panel. Interviews will be held on 5th December 2024 Main duties of the job Assesses and treats own complex caseload of patients. Provides expert professional advice to patients, carers and colleagues. Undertakes research in a specialist area. Provides education and training to other staff and students. Ensures the maintenance of clinical excellence. Responsible for clinical governance, policy and service development. To develop the eight core competencies of an Approved Clinician (AC), accessing support from As from a variety of professional backgrounds, directorates and organisations. This is broadening of the trainees clinical experience is vital towards submitting a successful portfolio of evidence, to the regional MHA Approvals Panel. AC status must be achieved within two years of commencing role. To undertake the role of Trainee Approved Clinician for an identified client group with formal AC status retained by the Responsible Clinician. About us About Devon Partnership Trust We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do Our values We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas. We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader. Date posted 07 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year Contract Training Duration 2 years Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9369-24-0902 Job locations ASU Hospital Lane Exeter Devon EX1 3RB Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Working Relationship Skills Communicates highly complex and highly sensitive information to patients, during the course of treatment, where there may be barriers to understanding and a need to achieve positive therapeutic engagement. Shares information relating to assessment and care plans with clients, carers and families in a responsive, empathic manner; this implicitly takes into account the possible complexities of the familys circumstances and the highly sensitive nature of the information. Communicates effectively with all professionals involved in the patients care, in order to maximise the quality of service delivered to patients, their families and clients, all members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), general practitioners, Social Services, education providers, voluntary agencies etc. Analytical and Judgemental Skills Analyses highly complex client information - derived from a variety of sources, which may conflict or be incomplete - using assessment tools to develop treatment plans. Evaluates and makes decisions about treatment options, taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors that have shaped the individual, family or group. Makes decisions around positive risk taking and decisions to discharge. Responsible for recognising the potential for or signs of harm, abuse or neglect which may include poor clinical practice - reporting all such concerns and taking all reasonable steps to protect the client. Responsible for identifying and reporting concerns regarding the safeguarding of children, who may be at risk. Undertakes risk assessment and risk management for individual patients and provides highly specialist advice to other professionals, regarding risk assessment and risk management and the high physical risks inherent in the client group. Demonstrates positive approaches towards the management of violence and aggression, as required Develops highly specialist care plans for the management of patients mental health conditions, based upon evidence-based practice and person-centered care pathways. Negotiates the implementation of such plans with patients and/or their families/carers. Undertakes highly skilled formulations and makes decisions about treatment options; implements treatment plans for individual patients, adjusting and refining care plans as required. Planning and Organisational Skills Provides expert advice, guidance and consultation to other staff, including contributing directly to patients diagnosis, formulation and intervention plan. Facilitates decision-making by planning and mapping processes/ interventions with members of the MDT or the wider nursing service; this is vital towards determining the most appropriate treatment modality or service for patients. Leads the MDT in the development and implementation of multi-disciplinary care plans where appropriate. Monitors progress during the course of multi-disciplinary interventions. Provides expertise and advice to facilitate the effective and appropriate provision of care by all members of the wider team across the designated service and locality. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy Accountable for own professional practice in the delivery of highly specialist care to patients with severe and enduring mental health conditions or learning disabilities; this may include psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity and involve significantly challenging behaviours (with risk of physical aggression). Plans individual patient care and where appropriate co-ordinates care within the MDT and external agencies. To undertake the role of Trainee Approved Clinician for an identified client group incorporating the eight clinical competencies below, as per Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) guidance: A comprehensive understanding of the roles, legal responsibilities and key functions of the AC and RC. An applied knowledge of the legal and policy framework. This includes mental health and all other relevant legislation, codes of practice, policy and guidance and relevant NICE guidance. Assessment: A demonstrated ability to clinically assess the presence and severity of mental disorder, the statutory risk criteria and other key roles/functions and decision making performed by RC. This necessitates that ability to assess all levels of clinical risk to self and others within an evidence-based framework. It also requires an ability to undertake mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives. Treatment: An understanding of mental health related treatments (including physical, psychological and social), using different evidence-based approaches and their applicability to individual patients. It also entails appreciating how a range of appropriate treatments and settings can help deliver the necessary health and social outcomes within the least restrictive environment. Demonstrating a high level of skill and underpinning knowledge, in order determine a patients capacity to consent to their treatment. Ability to formulate, lead and review on treatment for which the clinician is appropriately qualified, within the MDT. Ability to communicate the aims of treatment to patients, carers and the MDT. Care planning: Demonstrate the ability to develop and manage care plans, which combining health, social services and other resources e.g. Section 117 after-care. Clinical Leadership and MDT working: Ability to lead the MDT effectively, including an ability to assimilate the (potentially diverse) views of others, whilst maintaining an independent view. Manage and take responsibility for making decisions in complex cases. Understand and recognising the personal limits of the trainees skills/knowledge/experiential set and to seek professional advice where necessary. Equality and Diversity: Contemporary knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity issues. Ability to identify, challenge and, where possible and appropriate, redress discrimination and inequality. Demonstrating an understanding of how cultural factors and personal values can affect personal judgments and/or decision making. Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation The post holder will play a key role in supporting the clinical leadership team in the overall operational planning and development of the specified service area. This may include advising senior colleagues on any aspects of the service, which may need addressing at a broader strategic level. Take a lead in strategic service development projects, as required. Examples include: acting as a resource in setting a strategic direction, for the specified aspect of service; the development, agreement and management of specific project plans, in line with agreed Trust/locality business objectives. Play a key role in the professional development of healthcare professionals through integration into appropriate academic and research committees locally and nationally. Identify specialist training needs for professionals. Develop and deliver evidence based training and development programmes, to nursing and multi-disciplinary colleagues. Responsible for identifying and proposing changes to policies and procedures, which may impact on multi-disciplinary teams across the locality. This may include the development of policy and procedures, towards ensuring sound governance commensurate with practice guidelines and the robust implementation of policies within own area of responsibility. Lead in the demonstrable measurement of clinical effectiveness of any change process, in line with the requirements of clinical governance. Provide professional leadership, in relationship to the development of new and innovative frameworks of practice and their subsequent implementation. To develop strategies to empower service users and carers, towards facilitating an active role in service planning, delivery and development. Propose policy or service changes that may impact beyond the trainees specialist area. Subsequently, be responsible for policy implementation and development within the specialist area, working within the Trust framework for development and ratification of policy and procedure. Develop protocols and policies for the specialist areas which may impact on other disciplines and that will have impact externally to the organization. Be involved in developing protocols and policies that will have impact externally to the organization e.g. national policy and guidelines. Act as an expert consultant for the Trust in the development of care pathways and new ways of working, towards enhancing the patient experience. Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Working Relationship Skills Communicates highly complex and highly sensitive information to patients, during the course of treatment, where there may be barriers to understanding and a need to achieve positive therapeutic engagement. Shares information relating to assessment and care plans with clients, carers and families in a responsive, empathic manner; this implicitly takes into account the possible complexities of the familys circumstances and the highly sensitive nature of the information. Communicates effectively with all professionals involved in the patients care, in order to maximise the quality of service delivered to patients, their families and clients, all members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), general practitioners, Social Services, education providers, voluntary agencies etc. Analytical and Judgemental Skills Analyses highly complex client information - derived from a variety of sources, which may conflict or be incomplete - using assessment tools to develop treatment plans. Evaluates and makes decisions about treatment options, taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models and highly complex factors that have shaped the individual, family or group. Makes decisions around positive risk taking and decisions to discharge. Responsible for recognising the potential for or signs of harm, abuse or neglect which may include poor clinical practice - reporting all such concerns and taking all reasonable steps to protect the client. Responsible for identifying and reporting concerns regarding the safeguarding of children, who may be at risk. Undertakes risk assessment and risk management for individual patients and provides highly specialist advice to other professionals, regarding risk assessment and risk management and the high physical risks inherent in the client group. Demonstrates positive approaches towards the management of violence and aggression, as required Develops highly specialist care plans for the management of patients mental health conditions, based upon evidence-based practice and person-centered care pathways. Negotiates the implementation of such plans with patients and/or their families/carers. Undertakes highly skilled formulations and makes decisions about treatment options; implements treatment plans for individual patients, adjusting and refining care plans as required. Planning and Organisational Skills Provides expert advice, guidance and consultation to other staff, including contributing directly to patients diagnosis, formulation and intervention plan. Facilitates decision-making by planning and mapping processes/ interventions with members of the MDT or the wider nursing service; this is vital towards determining the most appropriate treatment modality or service for patients. Leads the MDT in the development and implementation of multi-disciplinary care plans where appropriate. Monitors progress during the course of multi-disciplinary interventions. Provides expertise and advice to facilitate the effective and appropriate provision of care by all members of the wider team across the designated service and locality. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy Accountable for own professional practice in the delivery of highly specialist care to patients with severe and enduring mental health conditions or learning disabilities; this may include psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity and involve significantly challenging behaviours (with risk of physical aggression). Plans individual patient care and where appropriate co-ordinates care within the MDT and external agencies. To undertake the role of Trainee Approved Clinician for an identified client group incorporating the eight clinical competencies below, as per Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) guidance: A comprehensive understanding of the roles, legal responsibilities and key functions of the AC and RC. An applied knowledge of the legal and policy framework. This includes mental health and all other relevant legislation, codes of practice, policy and guidance and relevant NICE guidance. Assessment: A demonstrated ability to clinically assess the presence and severity of mental disorder, the statutory risk criteria and other key roles/functions and decision making performed by RC. This necessitates that ability to assess all levels of clinical risk to self and others within an evidence-based framework. It also requires an ability to undertake mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives. Treatment: An understanding of mental health related treatments (including physical, psychological and social), using different evidence-based approaches and their applicability to individual patients. It also entails appreciating how a range of appropriate treatments and settings can help deliver the necessary health and social outcomes within the least restrictive environment. Demonstrating a high level of skill and underpinning knowledge, in order determine a patients capacity to consent to their treatment. Ability to formulate, lead and review on treatment for which the clinician is appropriately qualified, within the MDT. Ability to communicate the aims of treatment to patients, carers and the MDT. Care planning: Demonstrate the ability to develop and manage care plans, which combining health, social services and other resources e.g. Section 117 after-care. Clinical Leadership and MDT working: Ability to lead the MDT effectively, including an ability to assimilate the (potentially diverse) views of others, whilst maintaining an independent view. Manage and take responsibility for making decisions in complex cases. Understand and recognising the personal limits of the trainees skills/knowledge/experiential set and to seek professional advice where necessary. Equality and Diversity: Contemporary knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity issues. Ability to identify, challenge and, where possible and appropriate, redress discrimination and inequality. Demonstrating an understanding of how cultural factors and personal values can affect personal judgments and/or decision making. Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation The post holder will play a key role in supporting the clinical leadership team in the overall operational planning and development of the specified service area. This may include advising senior colleagues on any aspects of the service, which may need addressing at a broader strategic level. Take a lead in strategic service development projects, as required. Examples include: acting as a resource in setting a strategic direction, for the specified aspect of service; the development, agreement and management of specific project plans, in line with agreed Trust/locality business objectives. Play a key role in the professional development of healthcare professionals through integration into appropriate academic and research committees locally and nationally. Identify specialist training needs for professionals. Develop and deliver evidence based training and development programmes, to nursing and multi-disciplinary colleagues. Responsible for identifying and proposing changes to policies and procedures, which may impact on multi-disciplinary teams across the locality. This may include the development of policy and procedures, towards ensuring sound governance commensurate with practice guidelines and the robust implementation of policies within own area of responsibility. Lead in the demonstrable measurement of clinical effectiveness of any change process, in line with the requirements of clinical governance. Provide professional leadership, in relationship to the development of new and innovative frameworks of practice and their subsequent implementation. To develop strategies to empower service users and carers, towards facilitating an active role in service planning, delivery and development. Propose policy or service changes that may impact beyond the trainees specialist area. Subsequently, be responsible for policy implementation and development within the specialist area, working within the Trust framework for development and ratification of policy and procedure. Develop protocols and policies for the specialist areas which may impact on other disciplines and that will have impact externally to the organization. Be involved in developing protocols and policies that will have impact externally to the organization e.g. national policy and guidelines. Act as an expert consultant for the Trust in the development of care pathways and new ways of working, towards enhancing the patient experience. Person Specification Experience Essential Expert clinical knowledge at advanced practice level in the area of care delivery for service users with complex psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity, severely challenging behaviors Substantial evidence- based practice relevant to the role Ability to assess all levels of risk within an evidence based framework compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act). In-depth applied knowledge in undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives Clinical governance and its application in practice Applied knowledge of relevant legislation in relation to the client group Human Rights Act Mental Capacity Act Applied knowledge of relevant guidance e.g. NICE Principles of managing change. Social Inclusion agenda Desirable Advanced, in-depth knowledge of research, audit and quality improvement methodologies and their application. In-depth applied knowledge of the Approved Clinician role, responsible for the care and treatment of mentally disordered patients In-depth applied knowledge of the Mental Health Act, including statutory documentation and legal requirements of written RC reports Qualifications Essential A Practitioner Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council Minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience in their current profession at a senior position (Band 6 and above) and seven years post-registration experience within a dedicated mental health service. A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline (or equivalent, such as the Higher Specialist Award in Social Work). A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline. Be prepared to undertake a specific qualification in service areas where the role is required. For this particular post, it is not essential to be an independent prescriber, or to become an independent prescriber prior to achieving AC approval. Commitment to undertake AC training including attendance at AC Portfolio Workshops and Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Law: Mental Health (Approved Clinician Preparatory Programme) Have at least 1 years current experience in the clinical area where the AC role will be developed Desirable Evidence of continuing professional development Recognised teaching qualification Person Specification Experience Essential Expert clinical knowledge at advanced practice level in the area of care delivery for service users with complex psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity, severely challenging behaviors Substantial evidence- based practice relevant to the role Ability to assess all levels of risk within an evidence based framework compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act). In-depth applied knowledge in undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives Clinical governance and its application in practice Applied knowledge of relevant legislation in relation to the client group Human Rights Act Mental Capacity Act Applied knowledge of relevant guidance e.g. NICE Principles of managing change. Social Inclusion agenda Desirable Advanced, in-depth knowledge of research, audit and quality improvement methodologies and their application. In-depth applied knowledge of the Approved Clinician role, responsible for the care and treatment of mentally disordered patients In-depth applied knowledge of the Mental Health Act, including statutory documentation and legal requirements of written RC reports Qualifications Essential A Practitioner Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council Minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience in their current profession at a senior position (Band 6 and above) and seven years post-registration experience within a dedicated mental health service. A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline (or equivalent, such as the Higher Specialist Award in Social Work). A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline. Be prepared to undertake a specific qualification in service areas where the role is required. For this particular post, it is not essential to be an independent prescriber, or to become an independent prescriber prior to achieving AC approval. Commitment to undertake AC training including attendance at AC Portfolio Workshops and Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Law: Mental Health (Approved Clinician Preparatory Programme) Have at least 1 years current experience in the clinical area where the AC role will be developed Desirable Evidence of continuing professional development Recognised teaching qualification Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Devon Partnership NHS Trust Address ASU Hospital Lane Exeter Devon EX1 3RB Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)