Principal Bariatric Clinical Psychologist

ESNEFT is starting a new Complex Obesity Service which will deliver bariatric/metabolic surgery, endoscopic and medical weight management treatments to the Suffolk and North Essex population. The service combines Tier 3 and Tier 4 into a single comprehensive service (Tier 4 PLUS) and offers all treatments including IWMP, GLP-1 medications, endoscopic and surgical bariatric procedures.

The post is available full or part time with flexible working hours and remote working options considered by mutual agreement. The role involves direct 1:1 patient care, service development, MDT liaison and potential group patient sessions. You will be a core member of the Multidisciplinary Team meetings, contributing to shared treatment decisions for patients.

Job Details

• Band 8b Principal Clinical Psychologist
• Location: Colchester, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JL
• Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 per annum, pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
• Reference: 432-HR719-25

Responsibilities

To develop and deliver the new Complex Obesity Service within the Weight Management Service, including psychological assessment and treatment approaches aligned with the latest evidence and quality standards. Supervision will be provided by experienced Consultant Bariatric Psychologists.

Person Specification

• Significant experience of working as a senior clinical psychologist at band 8a or above in relevant settings (physical health and/or mental health services).
• Evidence of training, experience and expert knowledge in psychological models and therapeutic approaches with an evidence base in bariatrics or physical health settings.
• Experience delivering psychological interventions in physical health settings.
• Experience in assessment and therapeutic work with adults with mental health/psychological needs including complex risk assessment.
• Experience exercising full clinical responsibility for patients' psychological care within multidisciplinary care.
• Experience working autonomously within BPS and HCPC guidelines.
• Experience representing psychology in multidisciplinary settings.

• Experience using ACT, CBT, CFT and/or other therapies.
• Experience delivering specialist psychological interventions in a weight management service and/or eating disorders.
• Experience developing intervention programmes and recording outcomes.
• Experience delivering teaching and training to multidisciplinary groups.
• Experience supervising junior staff members.
• Experience working with diverse client groups in multidisciplinary settings.

• Doctoral-level professional qualification in Psychology (BPS-accredited).
• Registration as a Clinical Psychologist with HCPC.
• Post-doctoral training in additional specialised areas of psychological practice, including supervision skills.

• Post-doctoral training in additional specialised areas (e.g. within physical health).
• Formal training in supervision of other psychologists.

• Skills in complex psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and management.
• Competent application of theory and clinical skills in one or more therapies.
• Doctoral-level knowledge of research design and evaluation.
• Knowledge of applying legislation and guidance in physical health.

• Knowledge of two or more specialised therapies (e.g., ACT, CFT, DBT, CBT).
• Knowledge of behaviour change theories and techniques.

• Ability to work under pressure with distressed staff or clients and in teams with differing opinions.
• Efficient, effective and pragmatic work style.
• Ability to sit in a constrained position for long periods for client therapy and computer work.

Other Information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process. Applicants must have current UK professional registration with HCPC/BPS as applicable. The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and disclosures to the DBS may be required.

Employer: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Location: Colchester, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JL. Website: https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Part-time

Job function

• Health Care Provider