Job Description

OpCourage, the community veterans mental health service in the South West, is seeking a Band 7 Psychologist or Psychological Therapist to join our dedicated team. This vital role involves providing psychological assessments, evidence-based therapies, and tailored interventions to veterans experiencing mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.



The successful candidate will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a supportive environment for veterans and their families. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations, developing personalized treatment plans, and delivering individual or group therapy sessions. In addition, effective communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with veterans and stakeholders, ensuring a community-centered approach to care.



Candidates should possess a relevant postgraduate qualification in psychology or psychological therapy, demonstrating experience in complex clinical settings, particularly with trauma-informed care for veterans or similar populations. A commitment to professional development and adherence to ethical guidelines in practice is required.



Join us in our mission to enhance the mental well-being of veterans. This role offers opportunities for ongoing training, supervision, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served the UK's armed forces.



The post holder will provide face-to-face evidence based psychological therapy in an AWP/ NHS site or other community setting in the Wiltshire and Dorset area. Psychological therapy will also be offered to Veterans in our wider geographical area, via an online platform; both modes support consistent access to care and treatment.

Job Summary to be read alongside the key local information:

To assess and treat a specialist workload of clients (military veterans with complex mental health needs) and maintain associated records on the electronic case record. To provide high intensity evidenced based psychological interventions as part of NHSE Op Courage Integrated Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, South West; these will including at least Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and/ or EMDR for complex presentations (i.e. Step 3 and above). Provide consultation, liaison and possibly clinical supervision to other professionals, who may include less experienced therapists, Assistant Psychologists and Trainee Clinical Psychologists. Undertake clinical audit/ service evaluation activities leading to the development of services relevant to client needs. To develop best practice knowledge in working with veterans and promote knowledge in this area, including supporting research projects where useful with the support of the psychology lead.

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.



1. To be part of the MDT to discuss suitability of therapy and therapy pathway with practitioners and arrange joint appointments when appropriate.



2. Provide comprehensive psycho-social assessments, as required, taking into account issues of safety and suitability for psychological therapy to formulate, implement and evaluate treatment or support programmes for clients.



3. To provide a psychological therapy service for individuals and groups as appropriate (e.g. mindfulness workshops).



4. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment and support as appropriate.



5. To adhere to an agreed activity contract/ job plan relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.



6. To ensure timely, accurate recording of all data required by the Trust and maintain accurate records on the electronic patient record.



7. Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.



8. To monitor clinical workload using agreed systems.



9. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.



10. To provide a specialist consultancy service to multidisciplinary teams and other agencies providing care for the client group (military veterans).



11. To participate in clinical and caseload supervision arrangements provided by the Service.



12. Attend and possibly chair multi-disciplinary/ professional meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.



13. Carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.