Art Psychotherapist - Inpatient Psychological Services inColchester inColchester PUBLISHED FRI 10 JAN 2025

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 0.5 WTE Band 7 Arts Psychotherapist (PLUS an additional 20% payment) to join our Adult Inpatient Psychological Services Team in Colchester

The successful candidate will join an expanding team of psychological therapies staff working in the inpatient settings and will be supervised by an experienced senior clinical psychotherapist. The role consists of delivery of specialist arts psychotherapy interventions for adults admitted to hospital in acute mental health crisis as well as adults with identified rehabilitation needs, working with individuals as well as groups, across three adult acute wards and one specialist rehabilitation ward. Applicants need to be a qualified arts psychotherapist (art, music, movement or drama) and registered with the HCPC (UKCP for DMPs).

Attached to this post is a Recruitment Retention Premia (RRP) of 20% for 2 years, fixed from start date. This will be applied if the post holder has completed pre-employment checks and agreed a start date prior to 31st March 2025

The RRP only applies to the employee whilst they remain in post(and subject to successful completion of the 6 months probationary period/in line with appraisals). We acknowledge that inpatient wards have experienced increased levels of acuity, staffing challenges and that non-inpatient roles have moved towards some remote working. Our RRP recognises these changes and supports those individuals who are passionate about working in our inpatient wards.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for someone with experience of a range of presenting needs and commitment to supporting the development of art psychotherapies to increase the choice and access service users have to evidence-based psychological therapies.

Key aspects of the role will involve assessing service users in terms of suitability for arts psychotherapy and their presenting needs, as part of a comprehensive MDT assessment, providing and evaluating the effectiveness of Art Psychotherapy interventions (both individual and group interventions), Arts Psychotherapies formulations, managing risk and contributing to MDT discussions, contributing or leading on aspects of service development, undertaking audit and research and training others as appropriate and needed. In addition, the successful candidate would also be supported to provide clinical placements to art psychotherapies trainees and will be supported in their own development via CPD opportunities and building of professional links with relevant university courses and professional bodies.

Please refer to the JD/PS in supporting information.

For an informal discussion or questions related to this role, please do not hesitate to contact: Dr Sandy Sachse (Principal Clinical Psychologist) Mobile: or Kathy Swearingen (Psychotherapy Lead) Mobile:

Working for our organisation

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer
  
  
  

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.

Please note - staff who are formally at risk within the organisation will be given priority in securing alternative employment. Should it come to light that a post being advertised by the Trust is considered ‘suitable alternative employment’ to an individual who is at risk, the recruiting manager will be advised and the post will be withdrawn from NHS Jobs.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Important Professional References

Make sure that as a part of your application you have professional references with business contract information covering your last three year employment history. We are unable to accept personal or character references.

As a newly appointed employee you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post, the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.

Applications for Job Share are positively welcomed.

Equal Opportunities Employer

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability two tick symbol and have made the pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities, we encourage people with a disability to apply. If you require this application form in another format i.e. Braille or audio tape etc, please contact the Recruitment Department on