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Job overview

This post is an exciting and challenging opportunity for dynamic and self-motivated assistant psychologist to join the clinical health psychology service for the critical care department at UHP Derriford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is comprised of two adjoining wards: a general ICU with up to 18 beds, and a Neuro ICU with up to 10 beds. Derriford Hospital is a Major Trauma Centre and is part of the Peninsula Trauma Network.

The key component of the role will be clinical:  providing assessment and screening of the psychologically and cognitive functioning of critical care patients, providing psychological first aid and psychoeducation and support ICU related rehabilitation. An emphasis with be on the assessment and treatment of patients at high risk of psychological distress and trauma. The successful candidate will work with referrals from the critical care team and other inpatient wards. They will also work with healthcare staff, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting the unit’s Expert by Experience group.  

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will embrace the challenge of working both in critical care and following patients through onto the ward.  The role is part of the multi-disciplinary critical care rehabilitation team, whose focus is on reducing the impact of Post Intensive Care Syndrome, which includes the physical, psychological and cognitive consequences of critical illness.  A key part of the role will be multi-disciplinary consultation, assessment and intervention with inpatients.

The successful applicant will work as an autonomous professional within HCPC and BPS guidelines and codes of conduct, and guided by principles and policies or procedures of the service.

This role is offered as a development role with progression to the band 5 role upon successful completion of a preceptorship programme.  It is expected that progression will be achievable within a period of up to 2 years and will be dependent on the experience of the successful candidate. In the event that the elements of the development plan are not fully achieved the role will remain as a band 4. This will be further discussed as part of the interview process and with the preferred candidate as appropriate.

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.