Psychological Therapist inChard inChard PUBLISHED 26 DEC 2023

You will be a member of the Somerset NHS Talking Therapies Service for Depression and Anxiety, delivering Psychological Therapy. In this role, you will support clients experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and depression, utilising evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Your work will involve people from diverse cultural backgrounds and age groups, with interpreters available when needed. A commitment to equal opportunities is essential. Treatment will be provided through face-to-face sessions, either via video or in person, and occasionally by telephone when appropriate.

This position may require flexible hours between 8am until 8pm and on Saturdays and a caseload of up to 18 booked clinical contacts per week.

Applicants should have a basic understanding of the national NHS Talking Therapies programme and demonstrate commitment to its development.

Please see downloadable job description for further information.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified and accredited Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) or Counselling for Depression (CfD) trained therapist to be part of the South Somerset Team of the NHS Somerset Talking Therapies Service - for depression and anxiety. NHS Somerset Talking Therapies has excellent links with the voluntary sector and secondary care services thanks to the Open Mental Health Somerset initiative.

You will be part of a primary care multi-professional workforce that continues to increase access to treatment for people with depression, anxiety and those living with long term health conditions. You will provide psychological therapy remotely via video link and face-to-face on-site, with opportunities for flexible working.

NHS Somerset Talking Therapies service for depression and anxiety is seeking to employ motivated staff to contribute to the success of this service, which maintains one of the highest recovery rates in the country. We are looking for applicants who have enthusiasm for working in a primary care setting, who are adaptable, and can work independently and as part of a team.

You will:

• Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for clients according to an NHS Talking Therapies-compliant modality such as IPT, DIT or CfD.
• Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered per week to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
• Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols.
• Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process and liaise with service employment advisers to the benefit of patients.
• Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCS), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health (e.g. NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
• Attend clinical supervision, case management and line management on a regular basis as agreed with Manager.
• Participate in individual performance reviews and respond to agreed objectives.
• Keep up to date records in relation to CPD, and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.