Job Description Job title: Multi Systemic Therapy Problem Sexual Behaviour Worker Location: Huntingdon with work across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hours: 37 per week Grade: Therapist scale (5 point scale) 31,696-36,612 Service : MST PSB Team Reports to: MST Supervisor Principal Accountabilities: 1. To develop multi systemic formulations of presenting problems or situations that integrate information from assessments within a coherent framework that draws upon multi systemic theory and evidence and which incorporates interpersonal, societal, cultural and biological factors. 2. To develop specialised programmes for the formal multi systemic treatment and/ or management of a client s mental health and behavioural problems based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the client s problems and employing methods of proven efficacy within the community. 3. To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options in line with MST-PSB principles, taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models and the historical and developmental processes that have shaped the individual family, carers or group. 4. To implement MST-PSB therapy under guidance and supervision of the MST-PSB supervisor and MST-PSB Consultant. To work towards high adherence to the treatment model. To work directly and collaboratively with the child and their family in order to reduce the risk of further sexual problematic behaviour or offending and to use a range of evidence based therapeutic intervention models to achieve this aim such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Pragmatic Family Therapies. To analyse the incidents of sexual offending or problem sexual behaviour and remodel strategies for family in dealing with risks and triggers and work on relapse prevention. To devise comprehensive safety plans to minimise the risk of the young person reoffending. Safety planning must always include sufficient structure and provisions to protect all members of the community. Ability to utilise family-based offence clarification work that aims to reduce denial and increase youth accountability.
Where relevant assess the offender s own victimisation, the impact of the abuse and related treatment needs. Work with the young person to develop friendships and assist in improving social skills Empowerment of caregivers to successfully manage the young person in the home environment, including sustainable safety planning, relapse prevention, clarification, reunification when appropriate, parenting skills and ensuring appropriate boundaries in the home and community and to work with the child and family in their home and community. To provide a therapeutic relationship to enable children and their families to achieve independence. To provide the therapeutic relationship to help resolve conflicts and difficulties at home and in the community To create a positive link between the child and family and their community provision to support the overall plan. To monitor the child in their family in other settings in order to adjust and adapt the therapeutic intervention plan. 5. To communicate, in a highly skilled and sensitive manner, to clients, family carers and others as appropriate, highly complex information that may be contentious or highly distressing concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under the MST-PSB team s care. 6. To take responsibility for planning workload including home visits. To work with the MST PSB Supervisor and MST-PSB Consultant to ensure the plans are meeting the treatment goals. 7. To understand and manage the risk for the child within the legislative framework. To analyse the incidents of abuse and remodel strategies for the family in dealing with trauma and anger 8. To respond to a variety of situations and/or crises where the behavioural and emotional needs of the children and families require immediate intervention. 9. To manage a caseload of 3 to 4 families. 10. To work closely with other agencies and services. To contribute to case reviews as the MST-PSB clinical lead in the multi-disciplinary team. To work closely with the social worker within the framework of the child protection or child in need plan, attend the conferences and the core group or child in need meetings. To work closely with the YOS worker when the young person has a court order To contribute to a more effective way of working for children and their families by developing and improving multi agency links and work with the community and schools to reduce risks. To promote the interagency work of the MST-PSB team and other stakeholders. To contribute to case reviews as the MST-PSB clinical lead in the multi-disciplinary team To provide expertise, advice and support to facilitate the effective and appropriate provision of psychological care by all members of the treatment team. To advise on working in partnership with other disciplines and to maintain links with statutory and non-statutory and primary care agencies as appropriate 11. To work as part of the MST PSB team in line with the model of practice: To receive training in MST and MST-PSB and to deliver the interventions in adherence to the treatment mode Complete case paperwork weekly on all cases
and turn in to the supervisor by 24 hours prior to supervision, or as determined by the supervisor. Attend group supervision and consultation weekly. Absences should be rare such as in the instance of competing court hearings, vacation or illness. Come to group supervision and consultation prepared to review all current MST- PSB and actively participate in discussion of current cases. Incorporate feedback from supervision and consultation into the treatment process. Demonstrate interest in and contribute to the cases presented by other clinicians during group supervision. Be available to other team members and engage in activities to support other team members outside group supervision and to work collaboratively with team members offering support and guidance to other roles To participate in the team process, which facilitates skill enhancement and positive experiences. 12 Scheduling and Coverage: Work a non-traditional schedule and be available as needed to meet with families as frequently as needed and at times convenient to them. Rotate on call (1 in 3 or 1 in 4) to be available after-hours. When on call, be able to respond by phone and if necessary go to families homes quickly after hours as needed in crises. Be knowledgeable enough about the cases of other clinicians so that coverage can be provided without threat to treatment continuity and integrity. Work full-time assigned only to the MST-PSB programme, not holding any non-mst responsibilities or cases within the agency unless for professional registration purposes 13 Training and Adherence Monitoring Participate with the supervisor in the creation of a written clinician development plan and updates, at least quarterly. Participate with the supervisor in regular review of Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM) and outcome data. Tape/video sessions as requested by supervisor. Tape/video at least one session monthly. Collaborate with supervisor to set up periodic field visits. Collaborate with supervisor to set up periodic observations of interactions with key participants in the community. Spend time with the supervisor or other clinicians in addition to group supervision when needed, e.g. for training, role-plays, etc. Incorporate supervisor feedback from tapes, field visits, role plays, etc, into development plan and into treatment process. Attend all quarterly one and a half day booster training and prepare for booster training as needed. Complete Supervisor Adherence Measure (SAM) online every two months. 14 Service Specific To ensure the development and promotion of best practice in MST-PSB within the service area and contribute across the service, taking part in regular professional supervision and appraisal and maintaining an active engagement with current developments in the field of child problem sexual behaviour. To contribute to discussions on service evaluation and MST policy generally. To be responsible for ensuring that professional needs are met through the individual and group supervision processes because this is a specialist area of work which
requires a high level of risk management and the ability to deal with traumatic and stressful situations To present work and thought processes to a high level of scrutiny. To develop special skills and interests related to this area of work particularly in the skills of communication, the pragmatic evidence based therapy models and trauma work. To keep accurate client records and comply with FPM policy on confidentiality of client records and case work. To contribute to the reduction of risk in areas of responsibility. To work directly and collaboratively with the child and their family in order to reduce the risk of further abuse, neglect or re-offending. To attend the 5 days MST orientation training and the 2 days MST-PSB training and the quarterly MST-PSB 1 and a half day booster sessions. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies, in relation to safeguarding and child protection and mental health and sex offending To work flexibly to meet the needs of the children and their families. This will mean working regular evenings and occasional weekends. To ensure work is within existing policy and procedures in all areas, in particular the child protection policy and procedures. To be responsible for lone working, ensuring one's own safety and that of the child and family. To provide weekly MST-PSB summaries. This will follow the format of reviewing the goals and analysing the barriers to achieving the goals. To provide written reports or contribute to reports e.g. for court To be guided by broad professional/occupational policies, working as an independent practitioner within the framework of the MST-PSB programme and following appropriate professional codes of conduct. Comply with CPD requirements for relevant Professional registration. Research and service evaluation To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence based practice in individual and family work for the presenting problems. To participate in a national research pilot project (MST-PSB) when required. Contribute to the evaluation of MST PSB as required. Collect data for the local evaluation of MST PSB as required. Information Technology To use a computer as necessary for clinical work, including literature searches, word processing, developing and maintaining training packs and information leaflets, inputting data, emailing, report writing and other tasks as necessary for the efficient running of the service and/or training needs.
Person Specification Essential Criteria Training and Qualifications Post-graduate doctoral level training in clinical, counselling or forensic psychology accredited by the BPS, or a BPS Statement of Equivalence OR A Master s level or equivalent professional training (e.g. mental health nurse) or a systemic family therapy or CBT qualification. OR Professional Social Work Qualification, CQSW, DSW, CSS/Probation Studies diploma qualification with substantial relevant experience. Desirable Criteria Knowledge of MST and the principles of MST. Post-graduate training in one or more relevant additional specialised areas of psychological, systemic, therapeutic or mental health practice. Experience Significant knowledge, understanding and practical experience and knowledge of working with children/young people and their families Experience of working in the Youth Justice system and /or of working with young offenders or children in need. Experience of professional and clinical supervision Experience of working with or in children s social care with young people and families. Experience of working with a range of therapeutic modalities
Experience of representing own discipline within the context of multi-disciplinary care. Experience of working intensively using a behaviour approach Knowledge and Skills Excellent awareness of agencies which support young people and children including health, voluntary sector etc. Experience of working within a multicultural community and framework Good understanding of other professional s theoretical perspectives of this client group. Knowledge of the causal factors of offending behaviour and severe anti-social behaviour in young people Planning and organising skills for caseload management and skills in self-management, including time management and ability to work within deadlines. Knowledge of youth justice and social care legislation Well-developed knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in specific difficult to treat groups {e.g. personality disorder, dual diagnoses, people with additional disabilities etc}. Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, highly technical and clinically sensitive information, including contentious and highly distressing information to client, Knowledge of the theory and practice of highly specialised psychological therapies and assessment methodologies for this specific client group. Knowledge of evidenced based therapeutic interventions
their families, carers and other professional colleagues Ability to work with families for whom English is not the first language, using Interpreter services where required. Experience of using evidenced based therapeutic interventions. Work with people who misuse substances Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures for children and young people Knowledge of working with diverse communities Ability to identify and employ as appropriate, clinical governance mechanisms, including regular supervision for the support and maintenance of clinical practice in the face of regular exposure to highly emotive material and challenging behaviour. Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management of caseload Evidence of continuing professional development An ability to use IT Systems Ability to think of the family as a client, to adopt a systemic perspective and to reflect on cases and develop formulations
Personal Reflective and analytical style of thinking Ability to operate as lone worker. Ability to engage with client and families in their own homes Ability to undergo scrutiny and to take detailed feedback Ability to use own initiative to plan and complete tasks to meet the needs of the role Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends Able to contain and work with high levels of distress from clients and able to defuse difficult, volatile situations Personally resilient and able to contain and work with organisational stress and monitor self-care, recognising when it is necessary to take active steps to maintain fitness to practice.
Good organisational skills Motivated towards personal and professional development. Able to tolerate significant amount of travelling and to travel to places where public transport cannot reach. Commitment and availability to be on a 24/7 on-call rota for families shared with other MST workers.