Job summary
We are excited to offer this full-time position of Band 5 Assistant Psychologist in our new Autism and Social Communication Assessment pathway. This post is based at Edgware Hospital in Barnet.
This is a new multidisciplinary team which is designed to provide a needs-led, family-centred approach to assessment and diagnosis for children under the age of seven with neurodivergent needs.
The successful candidate will help assess children aged 0-6 for possible autism using the ADOS and/or other appropriate assessment tools, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. You will liaise with other members of the MDT to consider the correct outcome for the child, and provide verbal and written summaries to contribute towards diagnostic decisions within the MDT. You may also conduct important observations of children in various educational settings. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with young children with neurodiversity or developmental differences. A working knowledge of child development, a high level of attention to detail, and a high quality of written work are essential.
Main duties of the job
- To assess children aged 0-6 for possible autism using the ADOS and/or other appropriate assessment tools, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.
- To contribute towards other aspects of psychological assessments, where required. This could include assisting with cognitive assessments, developmental assessments or contributing to other autism assessments.
- To carry out observations of children and young people within the context of their school setting or their home setting.To listen to parents/carers and other family members to inform the assessment process.
- To liaise with the other members of the MDT to consider the correct outcome for the child, and present clinical information and opinions clearly and concisely to other professionals. To listen to the opinions of other professionals.
- To give families feedback about the outcome of assessments, and to explain autism and other neurodivergence clearly in a way that families can understand.
- To write high quality reports to explain the assessment process and outcome.
- To work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that all families are provided with high-quality, up to date information about the support their child can receive.
- To work with a multidisciplinary team (including experts by experience) to plan, deliver and evaluate diagnostic pathways for neurodivergent children.
- To receive regular supervision from a qualified clinical psychologist.
About us
You will be joining a newly established neurodevelopmental pathway where the role of Assistant Psychologist is highly valued and where your development is encouraged. We have a strong commitment to supervision, CPD and joint working with a range of other agencies and professionals.
Royal Free World Class Values
The post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel:
l Welcome all of the time
l confident because we are clearly Communicating
l Respected and cared for
l Reassured that they are always in safe hands
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached detailed job description, personal specification and main responsibilities for this advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached detailed job description, personal specification and main responsibilities for this advert.
Person Specification
Educational & Professional Qualification
Essential
- Undergraduate Degree in Psychology accredited by the BPS, 2:1 or above, or evidence of further relevant qualification (e.g. MSc)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children
- Experience of working with people with autism
- Experience of observing and interacting with children and young people in different settings e.g. within schools; at home; in groups.
- Experience in developing and undertaking research and / or audit projects
Desirable
- Experience of working in children centres, nurseries or schools.
- Experience of working with other MDT professionals or paediatricians.
- Experience of contributing to psychology assessments
- Trained in ADOS
- Experience of working in an NHS setting
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Skills and aptitudes
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to relate psychological theory to clinical practice
- Ability to support qualified clinical psychologists in putting together written reports.
- Able to organise, plan and prioritise own workload.
- Ability to show sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of clients and their carers in particular when imparting potentially distressing information.
- Proven ability to work as part of a team
- Demonstrates empathy with clients, carers and families often where barriers to understanding exist ensuring that effective communication is achieved.
- High level of computer literacy, and experience of quantitative data analysis.
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively .
Personal Qualities & attributes
Essential
- Able to make own effective travel arrangements
Desirable
- Ability to speak a second language
Person Specification
Educational & Professional Qualification
Essential
- Undergraduate Degree in Psychology accredited by the BPS, 2:1 or above, or evidence of further relevant qualification (e.g. MSc)
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children
- Experience of working with people with autism
- Experience of observing and interacting with children and young people in different settings e.g. within schools; at home; in groups.
- Experience in developing and undertaking research and / or audit projects
Desirable
- Experience of working in children centres, nurseries or schools.
- Experience of working with other MDT professionals or paediatricians.
- Experience of contributing to psychology assessments
- Trained in ADOS
- Experience of working in an NHS setting
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Skills and aptitudes
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to relate psychological theory to clinical practice
- Ability to support qualified clinical psychologists in putting together written reports.
- Able to organise, plan and prioritise own workload.
- Ability to show sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of clients and their carers in particular when imparting potentially distressing information.
- Proven ability to work as part of a team
- Demonstrates empathy with clients, carers and families often where barriers to understanding exist ensuring that effective communication is achieved.
- High level of computer literacy, and experience of quantitative data analysis.
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively .
Personal Qualities & attributes
Essential
- Able to make own effective travel arrangements
Desirable
- Ability to speak a second language
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
