Job summary
The Senior Clinical Research Assistant will support the delivery of the research study, which is an experience-based co-design study to understand how a single-session intervention could support children and young people while they wait for further support, or perhaps even as all they need to feel better.
The post holder will become a member of the Young People's Mental Health Research Centre, benefitting from the vibrant and supportive research environment of the Centre and existing team.
The role will involve leading on discrete tasks within the research team, the recruitment of participants, working in collaboration with the McPin Foundation to support young people and their families across the research journey, facilitating creative co-design sessions with children and young people, families, and professionals,supporting the dissemination and communication plan, and undertaking a range of clinical research assessments as per study protocols and local guidelines for the completion of research documentation.
Main duties of the job
Ensure that research procedures (including recruitment, consent processes, workshops and follow ups) are carried out according to the approved protocol and the UK policy framework for health and social care research.
To work creatively and adapt content of workshops to suit the needs of participants, in collaboration with the wider study team.
Provide complex research related information to research participants when taking informed consent for the research study or carrying out a research procedure.
To be aware of the psychological/emotional needs of the child or young person and parent/carer, responding and reporting appropriately.
To maintain confidentiality of information regarding patients, families and carers at all times.
Communicate and liaise effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary and research teams within and external to the Trust, both verbally and in writing, providing and receiving complex or sensitive information.
Liaise with the Chief Investigator, Site Lead, and Project Manager in regards to the on-going support and feasibility of the project.
Maintain and provide up-to-date project and recruitment information for the project which includes consent of participants, completion of case report forms and routinely collected data.
Actively promote the research study and any other research opportunities to staff and services.
Act as an ambassador for the Research and Innovation Department and the Young People's Mental Health Research Centre.
About us
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We're really proud of our#PennineCarePeopleand do everything we can to make sure we're a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
- Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
- Access to Continued Professional Development
- Involvement in improvement and research activities
- Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
- Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job description
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Health, Social Sciences, or Education (minimum 2:1 or equivalent). This may include a BSc (Hons) Psychology (2:1 or above) or equivalent (eg post graduate conversion course) accredited by the BPS.
- Eligibility to apply for registration or membership with a relevant professional body. For example, graduate membership of the BPS, eligibility to apply for registration with the NMC, HCPC or SWE.
Desirable
- Master's or above qualification relating to research methods
- Completion of Good Clinical Practice or a commitment to complete upon commencing the role
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children and young people in an NHS setting or equivalent
- Experience conducting interviews and/or focus groups with different stakeholders (e.g., young people, families, professionals)
- Experience of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and analysis, including the use of SPSS and database management
- Experience of administering measures to collect data, accurately recording data and paying attention to detail
- Ability to analyse data and respond to queries
- Previous experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience of using creative methodologies (e.g., visual storyboards, concept mapping or scenario planning) with children and young people
- Experience of CAMHS as a service user
- Previous research experience
- Training/ facilitation experience
- Experience of summarising data and preparing reports
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, including the use of SPSS and database management
- Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data, research governance, ethics, and confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of the barriers people with SMI experience in accessing and engaging with mental health services
- Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent
- Knowledge of the principles of GCP
- Knowledge of NHS research governance procedures and the research governance framework
- Knowledge/experience around survey development
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to lead on discrete tasks within a research project
- Able to undertake psychologically informed research projects under supervision.
- Able to communicate effectively, act calmly and always respond in a professional and supportive manner to service users.
- An awareness of own limitations and can seek support / raise risk issues with senior colleagues and any relevant agencies as required.
- Displays confidence and enthusiasm to promote the study within clinical services.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise own workload
- Ability to work autonomously using own initiative, and as a member of a team
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively at all levels with the public and colleagues.
- Ability to work reliably and meet deadlines and targets associated with the role.
- Accurate written communication skills to enable completion of clinical records and other study related documentation
- Willingness and ability to travel independently across the Trust Footprint and to attend external meetings / events as required.
- Excellent computer IT skills - able to use Microsoft Office inc. Word, Excel, SPSS and email programs
Desirable
- Typing skills, specifically experience of transcribing large amounts of interview/group audio data
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Health, Social Sciences, or Education (minimum 2:1 or equivalent). This may include a BSc (Hons) Psychology (2:1 or above) or equivalent (eg post graduate conversion course) accredited by the BPS.
- Eligibility to apply for registration or membership with a relevant professional body. For example, graduate membership of the BPS, eligibility to apply for registration with the NMC, HCPC or SWE.
Desirable
- Master's or above qualification relating to research methods
- Completion of Good Clinical Practice or a commitment to complete upon commencing the role
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children and young people in an NHS setting or equivalent
- Experience conducting interviews and/or focus groups with different stakeholders (e.g., young people, families, professionals)
- Experience of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and analysis, including the use of SPSS and database management
- Experience of administering measures to collect data, accurately recording data and paying attention to detail
- Ability to analyse data and respond to queries
- Previous experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience of using creative methodologies (e.g., visual storyboards, concept mapping or scenario planning) with children and young people
- Experience of CAMHS as a service user
- Previous research experience
- Training/ facilitation experience
- Experience of summarising data and preparing reports
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, including the use of SPSS and database management
- Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data, research governance, ethics, and confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of the barriers people with SMI experience in accessing and engaging with mental health services
- Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent
- Knowledge of the principles of GCP
- Knowledge of NHS research governance procedures and the research governance framework
- Knowledge/experience around survey development
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to lead on discrete tasks within a research project
- Able to undertake psychologically informed research projects under supervision.
- Able to communicate effectively, act calmly and always respond in a professional and supportive manner to service users.
- An awareness of own limitations and can seek support / raise risk issues with senior colleagues and any relevant agencies as required.
- Displays confidence and enthusiasm to promote the study within clinical services.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise own workload
- Ability to work autonomously using own initiative, and as a member of a team
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively at all levels with the public and colleagues.
- Ability to work reliably and meet deadlines and targets associated with the role.
- Accurate written communication skills to enable completion of clinical records and other study related documentation
- Willingness and ability to travel independently across the Trust Footprint and to attend external meetings / events as required.
- Excellent computer IT skills - able to use Microsoft Office inc. Word, Excel, SPSS and email programs
Desirable
- Typing skills, specifically experience of transcribing large amounts of interview/group audio data
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
Applications 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).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
Applications 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).
