Job summary
There are three memory services in the Trust, and all operate in line with the care pathways for assessing and diagnosing dementia published by the Psychological Medicine and Older Adults (PMOA) Directorate.
The postholder will assist in the delivery of specialist applied neuropsychology assessments in the Psychological Medicine of Older Adults Directorate with specific responsibility for assessments in either the Croydon or Lewisham Memory Service. They will provide clinical work as required by the service, under the direct guidance, close clinical and professional supervision of a practitioner psychologist. The post involves assisting in clinically related administration, conducting audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects and teaching and project work. The post holder will conduct their work according to clinical guidelines and the policies and procedures of the service, while being closely supervised and regularly seeking help from clinical/professional supervisor or manager.
One post will be based in Croydon Memory Service(located at Heavers Resource Centre, 122 Selhurst Road, London, SE25 6LL)
The second post will be based in the Lewisham Memory Service 91 Granville Park, London, SE13 7DW
You will need to confirm your preferred post at the interview stage. Please note that the Lewisham post is subject to the inner London higher cost area supplement and Croydon post is subject to the outer London higher cost area supplement.
Main duties of the job
Essential Requirements
A First-class or Upper-second-class Bachelor's degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (A).
Experience
Sufficient post-graduate experience of psychological assessment and treatment of clients with a range of psychological needs in later life in order to be able to work clinically with such clients under close direct supervision. (A/I)
Post-graduate experience of conducting research projects or audits. (A).
Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience. (A/I).
Good theoretical knowledge of the problems experienced by and needs of people with subjective cognitive impairment and dementia and of methods of assessment and treatment. (I)
Skills in relevant psychological assessment and interventions that enable working as a pre-qualified practitioner under close clinical supervision. (A/I)
Well-developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, information to clients, families and colleagues. (A)
Well-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data. (A)
About us
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.
SLaM employ around 5000 staff and serve a local population of 1.1 million people. We have more than 230 services including inpatient wards, outpatient and community services.
By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field. SLaM delivered more than 14,000 training experiences in 2014; providing an extensive range of learning opportunities for staff at all levels. In addition, our working relationship with King's Health Partners allows those working at the Trust to get involved in academic research.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
KR 1 Clinical and Client Care
To arrange, schedule and provide neuropsychological assessments for clients in the Memory Service under the close training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
Under the close training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist, to adhere to protocols for scoring these assessments and subjecting test scores to standardised norms in order to determine individual performance profiles.
To prepare clinical reports under the training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
To provide protocol based psychological interventions for clients as prescribed for individuals or groups under the training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
To assist the psychologists in the development of individual or group clinical materials or training materials.
KR 2 Contributing to team or service clinical functioning
To contribute to the effective working of the service by ensuring that assessments and interventions take place and are reported in a timely and efficient manner.
To act in a manner that supports a psychologically informed framework for the service.
To participate in the services delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
KR 3 Policy and service development
To follow policies and procedures in own area of work
To participate in the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
KR 4 Care or management of resources
To take care of, and use carefully, the Trusts equipment and physical resources, with particular focus on the use of neuropsychological test equipment.
To inform relevant staff when test equipment needs replacing/updating and when supplies of record forms need replenishing
To ensure that sufficient test resources are maintained by alerting relevant staff when supplies are depleted and by estimating future needs and requesting supplies as needed.
To undertaking literature searches, develop and maintain training packs, information leaflets, libraries of equipment and other tasks necessary to the efficient running of the service, as required.
KR 5 Teaching and Training
To participate in demonstrating work methods to newly recruited Assistant Psychologists and to support their development of necessary competencies and skills.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations or published articles.
KR 6 Record-keeping and Information Governance
To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
Under the supervision of a practitioner psychologist to maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.
To maintain data bases and enter data, and perform analyses and produce service reports.
KR 7 Research and development
To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects
To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist in the development in the Trust of evidence based practice.
Under guidance to conduct surveys with service users and carers to gather views on service provision
KR 8 Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision and line management in accordance with professional practice guidelines
To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post-holder is employed.
To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
To undertake personal training relevant to the post in agreement with the supervising psychologist and the manager.
KR 9 General
To travel to various clinical sites, home visits, community placements, psychology meeting as appropriate and across the Trust when required.
To be aware of risk relating to aggressive and challenging behaviour amongst the client group, and follow trust policies relating to its management[
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
KR 1 Clinical and Client Care
To arrange, schedule and provide neuropsychological assessments for clients in the Memory Service under the close training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
Under the close training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist, to adhere to protocols for scoring these assessments and subjecting test scores to standardised norms in order to determine individual performance profiles.
To prepare clinical reports under the training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
To provide protocol based psychological interventions for clients as prescribed for individuals or groups under the training and supervision of a practitioner psychologist.
To assist the psychologists in the development of individual or group clinical materials or training materials.
KR 2 Contributing to team or service clinical functioning
To contribute to the effective working of the service by ensuring that assessments and interventions take place and are reported in a timely and efficient manner.
To act in a manner that supports a psychologically informed framework for the service.
To participate in the services delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
KR 3 Policy and service development
To follow policies and procedures in own area of work
To participate in the consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services which meet the needs of local communities.
KR 4 Care or management of resources
To take care of, and use carefully, the Trusts equipment and physical resources, with particular focus on the use of neuropsychological test equipment.
To inform relevant staff when test equipment needs replacing/updating and when supplies of record forms need replenishing
To ensure that sufficient test resources are maintained by alerting relevant staff when supplies are depleted and by estimating future needs and requesting supplies as needed.
To undertaking literature searches, develop and maintain training packs, information leaflets, libraries of equipment and other tasks necessary to the efficient running of the service, as required.
KR 5 Teaching and Training
To participate in demonstrating work methods to newly recruited Assistant Psychologists and to support their development of necessary competencies and skills.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations or published articles.
KR 6 Record-keeping and Information Governance
To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
Under the supervision of a practitioner psychologist to maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.
To maintain data bases and enter data, and perform analyses and produce service reports.
KR 7 Research and development
To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects
To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist in the development in the Trust of evidence based practice.
Under guidance to conduct surveys with service users and carers to gather views on service provision
KR 8 Maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision and line management in accordance with professional practice guidelines
To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post-holder is employed.
To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
To undertake personal training relevant to the post in agreement with the supervising psychologist and the manager.
KR 9 General
To travel to various clinical sites, home visits, community placements, psychology meeting as appropriate and across the Trust when required.
To be aware of risk relating to aggressive and challenging behaviour amongst the client group, and follow trust policies relating to its management[
To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and to support others involved in such situations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First class or Upper-second-class Bachelor's degree with Honours in Psychology
Experience
Essential
- Sufficient post-graduate experience of psychological assessment and treatment of clients with a range of psychological needs in later life in order to be able to work clinically with such clients under close direct supervision.
- Post-graduate experience of conducting research projects or audits.
- Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience.
Desirable
- Use of psychological treatments with a particular reference to cognitive behavioural therapy interventions
- Experience of working with groups of clients in a therapeutic capacity
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Graduate level knowledge of psychological research methodology and statistical analysis.
- Good theoretical knowledge of the problems experienced by and needs of people with subjective cognitive impairment and dementia and of methods of assessment and treatment.
- Skills in relevant psychological assessment and interventions that enable working as a pre-qualified practitioner under close clinical supervision.
- Well-developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, information to clients, families and colleagues.
Desirable
- Knowledge of neuropsychological tools used to assess subjective cognitive decline
- Knowledge of current mental health legislation and guidance with particular reference to legislation pertaining to both older adults and/or dementia service provision
- Skills in providing/supporting teaching and training.
Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, participating in effective team functioning and holding team roles.
- Ability to identify and follow relevant clinical governance procedures.
- Ability to manage occasional emotionally stressful situations such as working with people receiving a distressing diagnosis, or with people who engage in behaviours that challenge.
- Ability to communicate complex, sensitive or contentious information to people who may have impediments to understanding.
Desirable
- Ability to manage verbal abuse and hostility directed at self.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First class or Upper-second-class Bachelor's degree with Honours in Psychology
Experience
Essential
- Sufficient post-graduate experience of psychological assessment and treatment of clients with a range of psychological needs in later life in order to be able to work clinically with such clients under close direct supervision.
- Post-graduate experience of conducting research projects or audits.
- Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience.
Desirable
- Use of psychological treatments with a particular reference to cognitive behavioural therapy interventions
- Experience of working with groups of clients in a therapeutic capacity
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Graduate level knowledge of psychological research methodology and statistical analysis.
- Good theoretical knowledge of the problems experienced by and needs of people with subjective cognitive impairment and dementia and of methods of assessment and treatment.
- Skills in relevant psychological assessment and interventions that enable working as a pre-qualified practitioner under close clinical supervision.
- Well-developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex, information to clients, families and colleagues.
Desirable
- Knowledge of neuropsychological tools used to assess subjective cognitive decline
- Knowledge of current mental health legislation and guidance with particular reference to legislation pertaining to both older adults and/or dementia service provision
- Skills in providing/supporting teaching and training.
Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, participating in effective team functioning and holding team roles.
- Ability to identify and follow relevant clinical governance procedures.
- Ability to manage occasional emotionally stressful situations such as working with people receiving a distressing diagnosis, or with people who engage in behaviours that challenge.
- Ability to communicate complex, sensitive or contentious information to people who may have impediments to understanding.
Desirable
- Ability to manage verbal abuse and hostility directed at self.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Croydon Memory Service
Heavers Resource Centre
DEMOP- Croydon Memory Service
SE25 6LL
Employer's website
https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
