Job summary
Are
you someone looking to start a career in one of the UKs most respected mental
health trusts
Would
you like to be part of a dedicated team committed to those with mental health
problems enjoy a better future
Would
you like to do a job that makes a difference every day
We are looking for an Assistant Psychologist to join the Inpatient
Psychology team based at Dewnans Centre , Langdon Hospital Dawlish
This role represents an exciting opportunity to join our
innovative psychology department at one of the countrys most respected
providers of secure Mental Health Services.
At Langdon Hospital, psychology is a core and valued
profession within our multidisciplinary teams. The Psychology Department is at
the heart of developing an innovative multidisciplinary care pathway and
therapeutic learning culture for people who work or live here.
The psychology team at Langdon includes experienced and
enthusiastic clinical, forensic, counselling psychologists and arts therapists
and assistant psychologists, one each for our 5 wards across the Medium and Low
Secure estate.
Forensic mental
health settings provide an enviable clinical environment in which to pursue
clinical interests and develop specialism in areas such as risk assessment,
offence focused work, individual and group work. The work can involve a range of assessment
and therapeutic approaches, modalities and timeframes.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 4 Assistant Psychologist for the Secure
Services Directorate with Devon Partnership NHS Trust, you will working as part
of a psychology team who provide specialist psychological work to people who
work or live at Langdon Hospital and developing your clinical and forensic
assessment and therapy skills.
As a Band 4 Assistant Psychologist you will be using your
experience of forensic mental health settings to support your development and
work alongside the assistant and psychologists in the team. The assistant psychologist role at Langdon involves
a significant amount of risk assessment work alongside other opportunities,
such as embedding ward mindfulness across site for staff and patients, 1:1 and
group work, audit and involvement in service development.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The principal purpose of the role is to improve the
psychological health & wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties
at Langdon Hospital.
This will be achieved in this post by:
1.
Providing a Psychology and Psychological Therapies
service to the forensic psychiatric service in Langdon Hospital as a key
component of integrated mental health and wellbeing services to Devon
Partnership Trust.
2.
Implementing specific assessment and clinical care
packages and providing advice and consultancy to patients, family members,
carers and professionals within standing
operating procedures under the supervision and
management of a nominated psychologist.
3.
The post holder will be supported by their supervisor
and line manager and also by senior colleagues within the psychology
department. The post holder will be expected to make good use of the expertise
of others within the service to further develop their clinical knowledge and
skills relevant to a clinical and staff population in a forensic mental health
service.
4.
To work within professional guidelines and Devon Partnership
Trust procedures and protocols.
5.
The post holder will receive regular professional and
clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy and to Professional
Practice Guidelines set out by the British Psychological Society or appropriate
designated Professional Body
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication & Working Relationships
- Clients, family and carers: To communicate in a skilled and
sensitive manner with clients who may have specific difficulties in
understand and/or communicating and who may be distressed.
- Multidisciplinary team colleagues: To work closely with
colleagues in the multiprofessional integrated mental health and wellbeing
service on a day to day basis.
- Health
& social care staff: To communicate with a wide range of health &
social care staff in hospital and in community settings in a skilled and
sensitive manner, complex and sensitive information concerning the
assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under the services
care. Under supervision to provide support, training & guidance in the
application of psychological principles and techniques, and to foster
reflective practice.
- Senior
managers & professional staff: To maintain and build good working
relationships with senior professional staff and managers in the Secure
Services Directorate and in DPT, to foster a positive approach to the
integrated mental health and wellbeing service and to enable effective
negotiation.
Planning & Organisation
- The psychology and psychological therapies service: With
the identified supervisor, to plan and
- prioritise workload and
schedule in accordance with departmental needs. To regularly maintain and
review caseload record as part of supervisions.
- The multidisciplinary service: To provide knowledge to the
multi-professional planning, development, delivery and marketing of Secure
Services.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy
- Assessment
& intervention: To make assessments, provide formulations and reports and
deliver treatment interventions within a supervised context for individuals,
carers, families and groups, and to demonstrate awareness of diversity
issues.
- Consultation & guidance: To provide advice, guidance and
consultation on psychological aspects of patient care to colleagues, other
service providers, patients, supporters and families.
Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility
- The post holder is
responsible for their own actions, acting within Trust policies and
procedures and Professional Practice Guidelines, working within clearly
defined occupational procedures and structures.
- Policy & service To
follow policy guidance in own role and to comment on proposed policy changes
and service developments.
- R
& D: To undertake service-relevant research and development activity
agreed within the Secure Services Directorate, and to organise personal or
service led R & D, surveys, and related activities as required.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources
- Careful use of equipment, including psychometric tests
within the psychology department and wider Directorate.
- Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management
- Leadership
& supervision: To adhere to professional and local guidelines on
supervision and management. To assist
the work of less experienced assistants &/or trainees as required. To
role model and provide support and consultation to health and social care
colleagues when agreed.
Information Resources & Administrative Duties
- To maintain accurate records in accordance with
professional and local guidelines and policies.
- To be responsible for using
an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by
which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.
- To support administrative processes within the psychology
department associated with the operation and delivery of the clinical
service.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- To ensure all clinical care and treatment provided by
psychologists is carried out under appropriate supervision and leadership.
- To ensure that all psychologists continuously update the
skills and techniques relevant to their clinical work.
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline
indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of
changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction
with the post holder on an annual basis.
General Information
Confidentiality
The post holder will maintain appropriate
confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, individuals and Patient
information. The post holder will be expected to comply with all aspects of the
Data Protection Act.
Equality & Diversity
Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to
achieving equality of opportunity for all staff and for those who access
services. You must work in accordance with equal opportunity
policies/procedures and promote the equality and diversity agenda of the Devon
Partnership Trust.
Relational and restorative Practice, Together
and Recovery
It is a requirement of all employees to have an
understanding of the broad principals of the Recovery Approach and to
incorporate them into every aspect of their work in support of the Trusts aim
to provide services that support peoples recovery through being holistic and
promoting social inclusion, self management, personal autonomy and
independence. Additionally having an
understanding and support for relational, restorative ways of working is
consistent with our aims, alongside the Trusts Together approach, which shapes
our culture and good practice for patients and staff in the forensic
services.
Risk Management / Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities
placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, ensure that
agreed safety procedures are carried out and maintain a safe environment for
employees, patients and visitors.
Records Management
The post holder has responsibility for the timely
and accurate creation, maintenance and storage of records in accordance with
Trust policy, including email documents and with regard to the Data Protection
Act, The Freedom of Information Act and any other relevant statutory
requirements.
Clinical Governance
The post holder will be expected to participate in
clinical governance activities to assist the Trust to provide high quality
services.
Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated
Infection
The post holder is expected to comply with Trust
Infection Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner
as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection.
Smoking
The Trust operates a non smoking policy. Employees
are not permitted to smoke anywhere within the premises of the Trust or when
outside on official business. Staff must also be mindful of public perception
and must therefore not smoke whilst travelling in Trust identified vehicles or
when can be identified as Devon Partnership Mental Health Trust staff.
Policies & Procedures
Trust employees are expected to follow Trust
policies, procedures and guidance as well as professional standards and
guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be accessed via the staff intranet or
external website or via your manager.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The principal purpose of the role is to improve the
psychological health & wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties
at Langdon Hospital.
This will be achieved in this post by:
1.
Providing a Psychology and Psychological Therapies
service to the forensic psychiatric service in Langdon Hospital as a key
component of integrated mental health and wellbeing services to Devon
Partnership Trust.
2.
Implementing specific assessment and clinical care
packages and providing advice and consultancy to patients, family members,
carers and professionals within standing
operating procedures under the supervision and
management of a nominated psychologist.
3.
The post holder will be supported by their supervisor
and line manager and also by senior colleagues within the psychology
department. The post holder will be expected to make good use of the expertise
of others within the service to further develop their clinical knowledge and
skills relevant to a clinical and staff population in a forensic mental health
service.
4.
To work within professional guidelines and Devon Partnership
Trust procedures and protocols.
5.
The post holder will receive regular professional and
clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy and to Professional
Practice Guidelines set out by the British Psychological Society or appropriate
designated Professional Body
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication & Working Relationships
- Clients, family and carers: To communicate in a skilled and
sensitive manner with clients who may have specific difficulties in
understand and/or communicating and who may be distressed.
- Multidisciplinary team colleagues: To work closely with
colleagues in the multiprofessional integrated mental health and wellbeing
service on a day to day basis.
- Health
& social care staff: To communicate with a wide range of health &
social care staff in hospital and in community settings in a skilled and
sensitive manner, complex and sensitive information concerning the
assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under the services
care. Under supervision to provide support, training & guidance in the
application of psychological principles and techniques, and to foster
reflective practice.
- Senior
managers & professional staff: To maintain and build good working
relationships with senior professional staff and managers in the Secure
Services Directorate and in DPT, to foster a positive approach to the
integrated mental health and wellbeing service and to enable effective
negotiation.
Planning & Organisation
- The psychology and psychological therapies service: With
the identified supervisor, to plan and
- prioritise workload and
schedule in accordance with departmental needs. To regularly maintain and
review caseload record as part of supervisions.
- The multidisciplinary service: To provide knowledge to the
multi-professional planning, development, delivery and marketing of Secure
Services.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy
- Assessment
& intervention: To make assessments, provide formulations and reports and
deliver treatment interventions within a supervised context for individuals,
carers, families and groups, and to demonstrate awareness of diversity
issues.
- Consultation & guidance: To provide advice, guidance and
consultation on psychological aspects of patient care to colleagues, other
service providers, patients, supporters and families.
Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility
- The post holder is
responsible for their own actions, acting within Trust policies and
procedures and Professional Practice Guidelines, working within clearly
defined occupational procedures and structures.
- Policy & service To
follow policy guidance in own role and to comment on proposed policy changes
and service developments.
- R
& D: To undertake service-relevant research and development activity
agreed within the Secure Services Directorate, and to organise personal or
service led R & D, surveys, and related activities as required.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources
- Careful use of equipment, including psychometric tests
within the psychology department and wider Directorate.
- Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management
- Leadership
& supervision: To adhere to professional and local guidelines on
supervision and management. To assist
the work of less experienced assistants &/or trainees as required. To
role model and provide support and consultation to health and social care
colleagues when agreed.
Information Resources & Administrative Duties
- To maintain accurate records in accordance with
professional and local guidelines and policies.
- To be responsible for using
an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by
which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.
- To support administrative processes within the psychology
department associated with the operation and delivery of the clinical
service.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- To ensure all clinical care and treatment provided by
psychologists is carried out under appropriate supervision and leadership.
- To ensure that all psychologists continuously update the
skills and techniques relevant to their clinical work.
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline
indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of
changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction
with the post holder on an annual basis.
General Information
Confidentiality
The post holder will maintain appropriate
confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, individuals and Patient
information. The post holder will be expected to comply with all aspects of the
Data Protection Act.
Equality & Diversity
Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to
achieving equality of opportunity for all staff and for those who access
services. You must work in accordance with equal opportunity
policies/procedures and promote the equality and diversity agenda of the Devon
Partnership Trust.
Relational and restorative Practice, Together
and Recovery
It is a requirement of all employees to have an
understanding of the broad principals of the Recovery Approach and to
incorporate them into every aspect of their work in support of the Trusts aim
to provide services that support peoples recovery through being holistic and
promoting social inclusion, self management, personal autonomy and
independence. Additionally having an
understanding and support for relational, restorative ways of working is
consistent with our aims, alongside the Trusts Together approach, which shapes
our culture and good practice for patients and staff in the forensic
services.
Risk Management / Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities
placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, ensure that
agreed safety procedures are carried out and maintain a safe environment for
employees, patients and visitors.
Records Management
The post holder has responsibility for the timely
and accurate creation, maintenance and storage of records in accordance with
Trust policy, including email documents and with regard to the Data Protection
Act, The Freedom of Information Act and any other relevant statutory
requirements.
Clinical Governance
The post holder will be expected to participate in
clinical governance activities to assist the Trust to provide high quality
services.
Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated
Infection
The post holder is expected to comply with Trust
Infection Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner
as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection.
Smoking
The Trust operates a non smoking policy. Employees
are not permitted to smoke anywhere within the premises of the Trust or when
outside on official business. Staff must also be mindful of public perception
and must therefore not smoke whilst travelling in Trust identified vehicles or
when can be identified as Devon Partnership Mental Health Trust staff.
Policies & Procedures
Trust employees are expected to follow Trust
policies, procedures and guidance as well as professional standards and
guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be accessed via the staff intranet or
external website or via your manager.
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- Ability and motivation to work independently within defined occupational procedures and use initiative within a forensic mental health service.
- Ability to work as a member of a clinical team and to work collaboratively , flexibly and supportively.
- Ability to tolerate ambiguity, and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery contexts.
- Ability and experience of reflecting on practice and to understand, to respond and to be receptive to the process of professional development.
- Understanding that clinical supervisors and line management may change and that this role is not restricted to one ward area within the Forensic Service at Langdon Hospital.
- A willingness to receive training in patient restraint if required, and to support the clinical team in a manner appropriate to the role of assistant psychologist.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills
- Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions
- Organisation and time management skills
Desirable
- Small -scale project management
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with a vulnerable client group either in a paid or unpaid capacity
- Experience, and/or training in diversity awareness and social inequality
Desirable
- Experience gained during supervised training of working in applied psychology
- Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision
- Experience that can enrich the role and delivery of a psychological service
Qualifications
Essential
- BA or BSc in Psychology eligible recognised by the British Psychological Society.
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- Ability and motivation to work independently within defined occupational procedures and use initiative within a forensic mental health service.
- Ability to work as a member of a clinical team and to work collaboratively , flexibly and supportively.
- Ability to tolerate ambiguity, and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery contexts.
- Ability and experience of reflecting on practice and to understand, to respond and to be receptive to the process of professional development.
- Understanding that clinical supervisors and line management may change and that this role is not restricted to one ward area within the Forensic Service at Langdon Hospital.
- A willingness to receive training in patient restraint if required, and to support the clinical team in a manner appropriate to the role of assistant psychologist.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills
- Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions
- Organisation and time management skills
Desirable
- Small -scale project management
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with a vulnerable client group either in a paid or unpaid capacity
- Experience, and/or training in diversity awareness and social inequality
Desirable
- Experience gained during supervised training of working in applied psychology
- Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision
- Experience that can enrich the role and delivery of a psychological service
Qualifications
Essential
- BA or BSc in Psychology eligible recognised by the British Psychological Society.
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.
