Principal Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

Principal Clinical Psychologist – Rheumatology and General Paediatrics

The Principal Clinical Psychologist will join the multidisciplinary team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, primarily based at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and John Radcliffe Hospital. The post-holder will deliver specialized psychological services to children with rheumatological conditions and complex presentations referred through general paediatrics.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide psychological assessments and interventions for children with rheumatological and paediatric conditions.

Conduct complex assessments using clinical interviews, testing, and family consultations.
Offer psychological support to patients, families, and the MDT, using evidence-based interventions.
Supervise psychologists, trainees, and MDT members.
Provide expert advice on psychological aspects of paediatric care.
Lead clinical research and contribute to audits and service improvement.
Provide clinical placements and supervision for trainees and junior staff.
Contribute to service development and staff recruitment/training.

Desired Skills and Attributes:

Expertise in psychological assessment and intervention for children with complex medical conditions.

Ability to work autonomously and collaborate within MDTs.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
Commitment to ongoing research and service innovation. Main duties of the job

Clinical Responsibilities

Provide specialized psychological assessments and interventions for children with rheumatological and complex medical conditions

Conduct assessments using clinical interviews, testing, and family consultations

Develop and implement evidence-based therapies, adjusting treatments as needed

Offer therapy to children, young people, and families, focusing on complex presentations like functional disorders

Collaborate with the MDT to create and adjust treatment plans

Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and manage cases autonomously

Supervision and Training

Supervise qualified psychologists, trainees, and MDT members

Contribute to the professional development of junior staff, offering guidance and CPD opportunities

Consultation

Provide expert psychological advice to healthcare professionals on patient care, diagnosis, and treatment

Deliver systemic therapy and guide treatment strategies

Research and Service Evaluation

Lead clinical research in paediatric psychological medicine and conduct audits to ensure evidence-based service

Support research activities and present findings at conferences.

Service Development and Administration:

Contribute to service development and ensure high-quality, responsive care

Manage trainees’ clinical, research, and educational activities

Communication and Reporting

Communicate sensitive information empathetically to patients and families

Provide written reports on assessments and interventions for the MDT

Working for our organisation

The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services including a thriving psychological presence across a range of services. The Trust is a nationally recognized centre for medical education, professional training and research.

This post provides the opportunity to work alongside other psychologists and psychiatrists working within the department and across the region as part of a supportive and close knit team.