Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

All of the following clinical activities will be carried out under the supervision of a Qualified Practitioner Psychologist.

To undertake psychological assessments of clients - applying psychological tests, including neuropsychological, 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 review a variety of data sources, including medical records, case files, and depositions to inform standardised risk assessments for qualified members of the Secure Care Division.

To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.

To contribute to the development of outcome measures for clinical interventions, and to assist the design and implementation of service development projects within the Secure Care Division To communicate and liaise with staff and other disciplines with regard to assessing clients and reviewing their care in preparation for multidisciplinary review meetings. Under the supervision of a qualified psychologist or clinical nurse specialist, to prepare reports on clinical assessments with individuals, the results of psychometric assessments, case note reviews and research/audit projects.

To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, training and project work.

To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care, including contributing to the organisation of training seminars and conferences for others.

To receive regular individual and group clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines and the Directorate policy.

To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.

To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participant in appropriate CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the post holders professional and operational managers.

To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society, the Health Care Professions Council, Clinical Business Unit, and Trust policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A First or Upper Second honours degree in psychology OR a lower class with a post-graduate qualification. (e.g., Master's degree)
• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (GBR)
• ECDL or demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Publisher and SPSS

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of psychological approaches to working with people who have mental health needs or behaviours that challenge (e.g., Positive Behaviour Support, Trauma Informed Care, Person Centred Care etc)
• Good written and spoken English
• Good keyboard skills
• Good inter-personal skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to carry out instructions, use own initiative but recognise own limits and can utilise and tolerate supervision effectively

Skills

Essential

• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and/or behaviours that challenge.
• An understanding of psychology applied to health care.
• Able to use library effectively, conduct literature searches, etc.
• Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
• Recognises the limits of own competence and need for supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel for work

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

Alexander House,

Station Brow

Leyland

PR25 3NZ

Employer's website

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