Assistant Psychologist

Job responsibilities

To support Qualified Psychologists by 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 care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, in a range of settings as appropriate.

To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.

To work with other disciplines to assess inpatients, outpatients, day patients or residents and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews

To assist in the development of a psychological framework of understanding and care to all service users of the service, across all care settings.

To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings as directed by the qualified psychologists.8. 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.

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

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

Where appropriate, and under the supervision of qualified staff, contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care.

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

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

To be competent in the use of basic IT packages, such as Microsoft word.

Develop a skill base in the administration and analysis of a range of psychometric packages as directed.

To assist in the design and implementation of audit, effectiveness, and research projects.

To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of full reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.

To review evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified psychologists and work with other team members in their clinical responsibilities, as necessary.

To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.

General. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in appropriate CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the postholders professional and team/operational manager(s).

To maintain the highest standards of 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 and to maintain stock of same where necessary.

To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required by their Psychological Services Manager.

Travel around the geographical patch is essential

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 co-facilitating or supporting groups
• Experience designing and conducting large scale research, audit or service evaluations
• Previous experience working with service users and families
• Knowledge of Psychological Therapies, e.g. Compassion Focused Therapy
• Knowledge of NICE guideline
• Knowledge of policies and legislation relevant to gender based services

VALUES

Essential

• Continuous Improvement
• 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, service users and families
• Good time management skills

Desirable

• Proficient IT skills

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).