Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To undertake clearly defined clinical tasks, such as observations, patient interviews surveys / feedback, low level clinical work under closely monitored supervision within the level of own competence and under supervision
2. Working with the parent-infant population and their families and associated professional networks
3. To collect data for research and audit purposes
4. To develop and maintain database of collected data and undertake appropriate statistical analyses.
5. To keep up to date and accurate records of treatment provided
6. To maintain test equipment/materials and other clerical support duties as required.
7. To maintain patient records and other paperwork relating to patient care.
8. To be aware of and comply with the Service and Trusts operational and professional guidelines, policies and procedures.
9. To have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others in the working environment, and follow safe working practices and to comply at all times with the Trusts Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.
10. To ensure confidentiality on all matters relating to patients and information obtained during the course of employment, and not release such information to anyone else other than those acting in an official capacity.
11. To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility and scale of the Post.
12. To participate in the Trusts staff development and performance review scheme.
13. The post holder will supportservice user participation initiatives which may require some evening and weekend work

Personal

1. Fully participate in the appraisals and personal development review process.
2. Maintain and develop own skills and knowledge. Undertake all mandatory training to ensure knowledge is current and complies with Trust policy.
3. Maintain appropriate professional appearance at all times.

General

1. To undertake any other reasonable duty, which is appropriate to the band, when requested by Senior Staff.
2. To be familiar with and comply with all Trust and departmental policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process.

Additional information

Physical Effort

1. Long periods of sitting and computer work on a daily basis (up to eight hours a day), when working face to face with clients and travelling out into the community.
2. Ability to travel independently in the community.

The postholder must be a fully licensed car driver and have use of car.

Mental Effort

1. Prolonged periods of concentration when managing clients, assessing problems and formulating appropriate treatment plans with guidance.
2. Communicating information in situ and in a way that meets the needs of the recipient.
3. Ability to cope with unexpected interruptions, or unpredictable behaviours by clients.
4. Cognitively multi-task and plan ahead for a variety of complex tasks.
5. Analyse the impact of an individuals situation and interactions with others to formulate the appropriate treatment.

The post holder will be expected to organize their own day to day work tasks and activities and will be expected to plan activity and make appropriate judgments regarding urgency. Guidance will be provided via fortnightly supervision with the Senior Clinical Psychologist in PaIRS. There is opportunity to bring current clients to the weekly multi-agency team meeting.

Emotional Effort

1. Ability to cope with distressed service users; to cope with challenging behaviours, attitudes, verbal abuse and aggression.
2. Managing frequent highly distressing or emotional circumstances, including family breakdown, serious mental illness and debilitating conditions, child and adult neglect and abuse, etc.

Working Conditions

1. To work from various settings including clinics, clients homes, various community venues.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• An upper second class honours degree or higher in Psychology

Desirable

• Undergraduate research relevant to child psychology
• Further postgraduate training in relevant areas of psychology and/or mental health

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience working with parent, families or young infants
• Experience using database software computer packages such as SPSS, Microsoft office - microsoft word Excel
• An understanding of infant development, parental mental health and parent-infant relationship
• Ability to work as an effective member of the team

Desirable

• Previous experience as an assistant psychologist with a related speciality
• Evidence of ability to design and evaluate research projects relevant to clinical psychology
• Experience of audit

Skills

Essential

• High level of communication skills ( written and verbal)
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues in a way that address psychological resistance.
• Ability to devise observational measures
• An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines. An ability to interact with babies and their families
• Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively
• Ability to use modern digital technology, online applications and social media
• An interest in working with parent infants mental health
• Use of a car to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
• Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies.
• Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Desirable

• High standard of report writing
• A desire to explore a career in clinical psychology

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kirkham Clinic

Moor Street

Kirkham

PR4 2AU

Employer's website

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