Job summaryThe Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) will work within the Bristol ME Service providing psychologically informed assessment and protocol-based, evidence-informed interventions for adults with ME/CFS where psychological support is requested by the person or clinically indicated. Care is delivered in accordance with NICE NG206 (2021). Psychological interventions support adjustment to living with ME/CFS, emotional wellbeing, self-management and co-existing mental health difficulties; they are not provided as a treatment or cure for ME/CFS itself. The post holder will work within the agreed CAP scope of practice under the supervision of a registered Practitioner Psychologist.
Main duties of the job- Undertake psychologically informed assessments where requested by the individual or clinically indicated
- Develop collaborative formulations under supervision
- Deliver protocol-based evidence-informed interventions within CAP scope
- Support adjustment to long-term illness, identity changes, uncertainty, anxiety, low mood, grief and social participation
- Provide interventions for co-existing common mental health difficulties within competence
- Adapt appointments and interventions to minimise post-exertional malaise (PEM) and accommodate fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and fluctuating symptoms
- Contribute to MDT assessment, formulation and care planning
- Contribute to and support the service group programme
- Support patient involvement in service development
- Provide psychologically informed consultation within agreed competencies
- Maintain clinical records and outcome measures
- Participate in audit, research, service evaluation and quality improvement
- Develop psychoeducation for patients, carers and professionals
- Participate in supervision, CPD and reflective practice
About usBristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.
Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:
- Better outcomes for our Patients
- More opportunities for our People
- Fairer more consistent care for our Population
- Best Value for Public Purse
Our vision for five years from now:Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
We will contribute to system financial balance.
Person SpecificationEducation & QualificationsEssential- MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology (or equivalent NHS England accredited CAP training)
ExperienceEssential- Experience within specialist ME/CFS, Long Covid, rehabilitation, pain or clinical health psychology services
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).