NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Forensic Mental Health Services consists of Low Secure, Open Forensic Rehabilitation and the Community Forensic Mental Health Team. This post provides an exciting opportunity to develop specialist skills in the provision of forensic assessment, risk assessment and management, consultation, and intervention within the eight- bed unit Low Secure Unit. You will have the opportunity to lead on service developments and delivery under the supervision and management of a Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist. Service development work has commenced on the implementation of a team Structured Clinical Care Model that the post holder will be integral to in the ongoing development and implementation of the approach.
The central role of the post involves working as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering services to Low Secure patients presenting with complex needs including severe and enduring mental illness, addictions, complex trauma and difficulties consistent with a diagnosis of personality disorder. You will work alongside MDT colleagues to assess patient suitability for admission, which can include completing assessments throughout the Scottish Forensic Mental Health Estate. The service admits out of area patients, which creates the opportunity to develop links with other Scottish Forensic Mental Health Services and you will have a key role in supporting patients’ transition of care to other areas. In addition to direct clinical care, the post will include teaching, training and supervision of multi-disciplinary staff.
There is an opportunity for an additional four sessions within the Community Forensic Mental Health Service to create a full-time in-patient/community post. A Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist is employed within this well-established and cohesive MDT service comprising Psychiatry, Nursing Team Leader and CPN, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Social Support. Additional support is provided by an Assistant Psychologist. The CFMHT is an area wide service and offers the opportunity to establish outpatient clinics across Ayrshire. In addition to direct clinical activity, there will be opportunities to develop a supervisory role for MDT members. The provision of specialist forensic assessments, consultation with other agencies and the assessment of specific inpatients will be a key part of the role. The service delivers a low intensity group work programme which the post holder will provide a supervisory role.
Forensic inpatient provision is situated within Woodland View, which is an acute mental health and community facility at Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine. Woodland View has 13 wards that provides state-of-the-art surroundings for patients, staff and service-users to provide comprehensive psychological assessments and interventions. The medium secure National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Service, Foxgrove, is also currently being built on the Ayrshire Central Site.
You will be part of the wider NHS Ayrshire & Arran Psychological Service which comprises of over 100 staff including Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists in CBT, Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, Counsellors, Graduate Assistant Psychologists and Masters and Doctoral Psychology Trainees. The Psychological Service delivers area-wide psychological provision through the Professional Lead for Psychological Services, Heads of Specialty and Consultant Psychology Leads across the Psychological Specialties Services are delivered to the population directly through specialist therapeutic intervention with patients with complex difficulties. Psychological Services provides expert advice, consultancy, training and supervision in order to develop the psychological skills of other health and non-health professionals. It also aims to enhance the delivery of psychological care across the whole healthcare system through formal contribution at strategic and planning levels.
The service places a strong emphasis on governance and has a number of internal special interest and working groups. We provide excellent opportunities for CPD to support high-quality service delivery to patients and career development for our staff. The service has close links with the University of Glasgow, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Programme and both the Adult and Child Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology Programmes at Dundee, Stirling and Edinburgh Universities. The postholder will be encouraged to take opportunities to provide teaching to Trainees on these NES programmes.
You must be HCPC registered.
Hours: minimum of the 0.6wte 8b Low Secure, but variation from the full-time split with 0.4 wte Community Forensic Mental Health will be considered.
Given our pan-Ayrshire service across three Partnership areas, a car owner and driver is preferable.
An excellent relocation package of up to £12,000 is available depending on eligibility.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Cindy Shiels Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist Community Forensic Mental Health Team on 01294 322400/ 01294 322300 or email [email protected]
Applications are welcome from UK, EEA and non-EEA candidates.
EU Settlement Scheme - EU, EEA or Swiss nationals are strongly encouraged to join the EU Settlement Scheme prior to 30th June 2021. As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to produce proof of your EU Settlement status from 1st July 2021 to demonstrate your Right to Work in the United Kingdom. Further information: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families. Existing employees may be asked to provide evidence of their EU Settlement Status from 1st July 2021.