Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

To support Clinical Psychologists undertaking psychological assessments of clients applying psychologically based psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.

To assist in the formulation and delivery of interventions involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, in a community setting, as appropriate.

Having received instruction through supervision, to provide one-to-one consultations with service users, working autonomously within the limits of this instruction and within personal competence.

To use a degree of initiative and work independently with service users on planned work, and to exercise judgement based on good practice (NICE) and local operating procedures.

To work with potentially distressing material in relation to service users personal histories and presentation, including risk to self and others.

Preparing agreed assessment reports accurately in the accepted format.Where required, to assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.

In common with all professional psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.

To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties through engagement with CPD opportunities and self-guided learning

To contribute to the training and support of other staff.

To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.

To attend MDT meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

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 qualified professional psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other professionals.

To contribute to the development and maintenance of high professional standards of practice, through active participation in training and development programmes, in consultation with the supervisor.

To maintain clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.

To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.

To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other Trust business in accordance professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act.

Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity Trust wide.

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.

Maintain consistent high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant code of professional conduct (if applicable). Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.

Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• An honours degree in that satisfies the British Psychological Society criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership

Desirable

• Post graduate training in areas relevant to psychological practice, mental health and/or research design and analysis

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Work experience in any organisation
• Experience of research methodology, data collection, analysis and report writing
• Knowledge of a broad range of Psychological theories and the application of these to mental health self-harming behaviours

Desirable

• Experience designing and conducting large scale research, audit or service evaluations
• Previous experience working with service users and families
• Knowledge of Psychological Therapies
• Knowledge of NICE guidelines
• Knowledge of policies and legislation relevant to recovery based services

Values

Essential

• Continuous Improvement Discreet oChange oriented
• Accountability
• Respectfulness
• Enthusiasm
• Support
• High professional standards
• Responsive to service users
• Engaging leadership style
• Strong customer service belief
• Transparency and honesty
• Discreet
• Change oriented

Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• High level communication skills - verbal and written - with professionals, children, young people and families
• Good time management skills

Desirable

• Proficient IT skills
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to children, young people and families

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Knowsley Resource and Recovery Centre

Whiston Hospital Site, Dragon Lane

Prescot

L35 5DR

Employer's website

https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)