Job Description

This newly created post is an exciting opportunity for an innovative individual to be part of developing inpatient psychology provision for specialist palliative care across in our trust. The post is part of an award-winning psychology service and is integrated into specialist palliative care services where psychology is integral to managing patients with complex symptoms and needs, and living with life limiting conditions.



As a newly configured post, this is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and creative professional to engage in service development alongside existing posts in specialist palliative care, and other posts in cancer and haematology, where psychology is highly valued. The post is supervised by and works closely with a principal clinical psychologist, to support the identification of patients' distress, mood difficulties and other psychological factors that are relevant to how hospital wards and teams engage with them and their families.



There is scope to shape this post to particular interests or expertise, and to contribute to innovative, patient centred psychological interventions for people with specialist palliative care needs. The post is predominantly based at Gloucester Royal Hospital, though travel to Cheltenham General Hospital may be required at times. You will be part of both a supportive palliative care team and a friendly clinical health psychology department, with close working with cancer psychology services, amongst many others.



The post is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in applied psychology to gain experience in the NHS under the supervision of a principal clinical psychologist.

The role offers:

An excellent opportunity to be involved in a range of activities under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, with the flexibility to develop and shape the service going forward, being well integrated with the teams it serves.



An innovative, stimulating and well organised psychology department - part of a well-established Clinical Health Psychology department employing a range of applied psychologists.



A friendly and supportive team of colleagues, with peer support and regular supervision.



A commitment to the training and support of people in the psychology department and active involvement in the local clinical doctoral courses.



With the support and supervision of the qualified Clinical Psychologist clinical duties will include:



Organization and administration of methods of identifying psychological concerns or factors.



Completion of triage conversations and information gathering.



Delivery of components of psychological therapy/interventions to individuals open to the hospital specialist palliative care team, and where relevant, their families.



Communicating plans for psychological care to patients, families and staff.



To liaise closely with colleagues such as medics, clinical nurse specialists, AHPs and ward staff.



To respond empathically and sensitively to patients or family members in emotionally distressing circumstances.



To act under the supervision of a qualified clinical or counselling psychologist, with clinical leadership for the role from a consultant clinical psychologist.



To attend MDT meetings are required.



To perform other duties, appropriate to the grade, for example audit and evaluation work, that may be required by the supervising Clinical Psychologist.



These duties and responsibilities will be regularly reviewed with the post holder and changes may be agreed over time.