Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

1. An upper second class (2:1) honours degree or higher in Psychology (or equivalent), conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

1. Evidence of ongoing professional development and a clear interest in pursuing a career in applied psychological professions and mental health.

1. Relevant experience working with people with mental health difficulties and/or related needs (e.g. neurodevelopmental, learning disabilities, emotional regulation difficulties) in a community or inpatient setting.

1. Experience of providing direct care and working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

1. Knowledge of psychological theory and evidence-based interventions, with the ability to apply this knowledge appropriately in clinical settings.

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate sensitive and complex information in emotionally demanding situations.

1. Experience of service evaluation,auditor research, with good IT skills including report writing and data management.

1. Ability to work flexibly and safely under supervision, using initiative while recognising the limits of own competence, engaging effectively with service users and professionals, and travelling independently asrequired.

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Werecommitted to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Pleasedonthesitate to call:Jemma Crocker-Buqu on 01189044664or email jemma.crockerbuque@berkshire.nhs.ukwhollbe delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so pleasesubmityour application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

Essential

• An upper second class (2:1) honours degree or higher in psychology or equivalent, which confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• (Entitled to) Graduate Membership of British Psychological Society

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

• Can demonstrate additional interest and/or learning in relevant areas of applied psychology and mental health practice
• Evidence of an interest in pursuing a career in the psychological professions

Desirable

• Undertaken additional training (e.g. practice-based training and workshops) in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, neuropsychology, health and social care practice and/or research design and analysis

Previous Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working with people with any of the following: mental health difficulties; neurological difficulties, learning disabilities, eating disorder, personality difficulties or people with emotion regulation difficulties or equivalent within an inpatient or community setting
• Experience of audits/evaluations or other forms of research

Desirable

• Experience of providing direct clinical or social care
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Awareness of psychological theory, practice and evidence-based psychological interventions as relevant to this role
• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotional
• Appreciation of the needs and challenges face by people with mental health difficulties, neurological difficulties and learning disabilities
• Ability to apply existing psychological theory and knowledge within a mental health, dementia and/or learning disabilities context
• Ability to appropriately communicate sensitive information to service users, carers and colleagues
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including a high standard of letter and report writing

Desirable

• Experience conducting service evaluation and research, particularly within a clinical setting

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to interact and engage with people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, neurological difficulties and learning disabilities
• Ability to work under supervision, using own initiative to think quickly on the spot in often challenging situations and to deliver work as agreed and reviewed at regular intervals
• Ability to recognise the limits of own competencies and to seek supervision and support as required to practice safely and within professional guidelines
• Able to work flexibly as required
• Able to travel independently between locations to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position, with minimal impact on daily productivity

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

CAMHS Anxiety Disorder Treatment Team , Erlegh House

Reading

RG6 6BZ

Employer's website

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