Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

CLINICAL

Assessment and intervention work will involve communication of complex information requiring to be handled in a confidential manner.

• The post holder will conduct individual and group therapy/assessment sessions and will work in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
• The post holder will develop their knowledge of a wide range of assessment skills and psychometric tools appropriate for the client group.
• With the overall supervision of a clinically qualified Psychologist, the post holder will plan and prioritise their workload.
• The post holder may be occasionally required to travel between a range of appointment venues in both rural and urban locations.
• The post holder will implement therapeutic programmes, group sessions or other aspects of care programmes on a clinically supervised basis.
• The post holder will be expected to attend and contribute to a range of multidisciplinary meetings.
• The post demands long periods of concentrated effort, both mental and physical (report writing, assessment sessions).
• The post holder will be required to work with individuals who have experienced or may experience emotional distress which may be displayed through aggressive behaviour. A high degree of professionalism at all times must be maintained.
• The post holder may on occasions play a role in helping to diffuse stressful or otherwise challenging situations, as part of the MDT approach to managing such situations.

POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

The post holder will, under supervision, assist in the development of a neuropsychology service for patients who have sustained an acquired brain injury.

• The post holder will keep up to date with service and professional policies, procedures and standards as appropriate.
• The post holder will adhere to Trust standards as regards confidentiality, Health and Safety and professional standards.
• The post holder will observe and adhere to the BPS professional code of conduct.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION, TEACHING AND TRAINING

With overall supervision of a qualified clinical Psychologist, the post holder will prepare and deliver a range of presentations/teaching sessions.

• The post holder will participate in weekly clinical supervision sessions. Outside of formal supervision time, the post holder will take clinical decisions within their competence, but seek guidance on more complex issues.
• The post holder will attend in-house teaching, workshops and external training events as agreed with the Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist.
• The post holder will be responsible for the security and care of books and test materials whilst in use.

ADMINISTRATION

The post holder will use computerised systems for record keeping and reference.

• The post holder will provide travel returns in accordance with Trust regulations.
• The post holder will be responsible for updating the inpatient and/or outpatient waiting list and caseloads workbooks.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BPS accredited upper second class (or higher) course degree in Psychology

Desirable

• Post-graduate qualification in Psychology
• Other related academic qualifications

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a clinical setting as an assistant psychologist

Desirable

• Experience of working within a neurorehabilitation or related setting
• Experience of working with adults of working age and older
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary setting

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• Individuals exhibiting challenging behaviour
• Clinical assessment
• Clinical formulation
• Using CBT or an alternative therapy for individual based therapy
• Dealing with confidential and sensitive information
• Relevant legislation and implications for clinical practice
• Awareness of managing risk

Desirable

• Research experience
• Experience of conducting neuropsychological assessments
• Experience of delivering group interventions
• Experience of working with external agencies, families, and carers
• Experience of applying psychological knowledge in a health setting

Communication

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English language
• Experience of clinical report and letter writing

Desirable

• Experience of adapting communication to meet the needs of the recipient
• Experience of teaching and presenting

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

Essential

• Able to manage own work timetable
• Able to participate positively in supervision processes
• Able to resolve difficult interpersonal situations
• Able to manage stress generated by work/work environment
• Motivated with respect to developing clinical and academic skills

Desirable

• Relevant additional training

Other

Essential

• Works to professional guidelines
• Interest in neurorehabilitation

Desirable

• Experience of service evaluation/audit

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

Colman Hospital

Unthank Road

Norwich

NR2 2PJ

Employer's website

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