Job summaryHelp for Psychology is one of a small number of approved NHS Right to Choose providers of autism and ADHD assessments within Norfolk and Suffolk.
We also carry out assessments on a private basis and are developing a private prescribing service for those families who wish to access this.
The postholder will be responsible for initiating ADHD medication, titrating and optimising treatment. This will also require issuing prescriptions for controlled drugs and other medications where appropriate under the supervision of senior clinical staff within their scope of practice. GPs in the area covered by our NHS contract have agreed to a shared care arrangement and patients are transferred back to GP care once treatment is established. There is a requirement to carry out annual checks at our clinic until the child/young person reaches the age of 18.
Main duties of the jobThe main duty of the role will be to contribute to the medication initiation and titration pathway for children and young people up to the age of 18.
We are equally happy to consider candidates who are able to work at our Norwich clinic, or those who prefer to work remotely.
About usHelp for Psychology is a friendly, family-owned organisation. We have worked hard to maintain a 'family feel'. We reward loyalty and hard work and are always mindful of supporting employees to maintain a good work-life balance.
You would be joining a growing team of doctors, a nurse prescriber, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and an occupational therapist.
We are always happy to support training, if this is likely to be of benefit to the organisation and, there are opportunities to contribute to psychoeducation and training.
We offer a generous annual leave allowance which is enhanced by giving employees additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year. We also give them their birthday as an additional day's leave.
The clinic is based opposite Catton Park, which provides the opportunity to enjoy fresh air during lunch breaks. We are also on a bus route and have free onsite parking.
Job responsibilitiesJob Description
Job title: Non-Medical Prescriber Full time
Salary: £53,000
Reports to: Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Main duties of the job
Help for Psychology is one of a small number of approved providers within Norfolk and Suffolk commissioned to assess, diagnose and prescribe for children and young people with ADHD.
The postholder will be responsible for initiating ADHD medication, titrating and optimising treatment. This will also require writing prescriptions for controlled drugs and other medications where appropriate under the supervision of senior clinical staff within their scope of practice. GPs in the area covered by our NHS contract have agreed to a shared care arrangement and patients are transferred back to GP care once treatment is established. There is a requirement to carry out annual checks at our clinic until the child/young person reaches the age of 18.
General requirements
Registered Nurse or Pharmacist with live NMC or GPHc Registration and recorded prescribing qualification.
Independent Non-Medical Prescriber with clear demonstrable knowledge and skills and extensive previous experience relating to prescribing.
Principal duties
1. Clinical
1. To provide an Independent Prescriber service in accordance with the clinical setting agreed with the Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist This will include initiating, titrating,and optimising pharmacological treatment for ADHD in children and young people.
2. To perform physical health monitoring specific to individual psychiatric medications and the NICE guidelines
3. To order any necessary blood tests or ECGs and refer to specialists (i.e., cardiology) if required.
4. To record all interactions and interventions with patients and their families into their case notes.
5. Ensure effective communication with primary care and related healthcare professionals about review outcomes, treatment plans and referrals, normally through typed letters.
6. Liaise with the patients General Practitioner when any matters arise
7. To receive specific supervision from the Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist relating to the non-medical prescribing role.
8. Work in line with Help for Psychology Non-Medical Prescribing protocol.
9. To work in accordance with the local shared care agreement for children with ADHD
10. To develop and support the delivery non-pharmacological interventions and treatment for children and young people with ADHD, including supporting the delivery of psycho-education groups for parents.
11. To provide advice to parents and carers about safe and effective use of medicines.
12 To be responsible for the safety and security of the FP10 prescription pads in accordance with Help for Psychology and Norfolk and Suffolk ICB processes and procedures.
13. Although the service caters for children and young people, the postholder would be expected to develop professional links with and liaise with the Adult ADHD service regarding transition referrals for children and young people reaching the age of 18.
Leadership and communication
1. Co-ordinate, organise and prioritise your own work on a day-to-day basis.
2. Act as a professional and clinical role model to all staff, patients, parents and carers at all times.
3. Develop effective and efficient relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team on issues related to patient care.
Education and Training
1. Act as a clinical expert and information resource, leading in training, education and orientation programmes for other members of the team.
2. Assess and ensure the specialist education and training needs required for self, others andthe service are identified, that will allow health care to be delivered to the user.
3. Teach and educate parents and carers about managing their childs condition.
4. Proactively develop, implement and monitor public health and health promotion activities inaccordance with national and local priorities.
5. Contribute and partake in clinical research
6. Attend relevant CPD opportunities to remain up to date with practice developments.
General
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and, following discussion with the Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, the postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the remit of the post. The service is developing rapidly, and the job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be fully discussed with the post holder.
The post holder should be comfortable in the use of technology to support the clinical process (full training is provided) and will be expected to be able to produce clear, well written and error-free reports.
Help for Psychology is committed to building a workforce which reflects and meets the needs of the local community.
We oppose all forms of discrimination.
Help for Psychology is committed to providing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all employees. We are strong supporters of family-friendly working arrangements.
Safeguarding children and adults
Help for Psychology is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people (anyone under the age of 18) and adults. It expects all staff, volunteers and associates to share this commitment and act in such a way that safeguards and promotes the health and wellbeing of children, young people and adults.
Staff must ensure that they are familiar with the signs and symptoms of abuse and know what to do if any such concerns are raised.
Staff are expected to know about and follow Help for Psychology safeguarding children and safeguarding adult policies which can be found on the company intranet and participate in related mandatory/statutory training.
Risk management
The team should be aware of the principles of risk management. Staff should be fully conversant with the companys risk management, serious incident and serious incident reporting policies
Infection prevention and control
Staff are expected to comply with the companys Infection Prevention and Control policies.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Registered Nurse or Pharmacist with live NMC or GPHc Registration and recorded prescribing qualification.
- Independent Non-Medical Prescriber with clear demonstrable knowledge and skills and
- extensive previous experience relating to prescribing
Desirable- Working knowledge of ADHD medications
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.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Help for Psychology is committed to providing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all employees. We are strong supporters of family-friendly working arrangements. 
