Job summary
Ashness House is a 26 bed inpatient unit providing an MDT service to men with severe and enduring mental health problems. You will work as part of the MDT delivering a psychology service.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Assistant Psychologist is to support and enhance the professional psychological care of clients within the service by delivering effective and evidence-based psychological therapies. Under supervision and with access to relevant CPD opportunities the Assistant Psychologist will also undertake direct work with clients individually and in group settings. The Assistant Psychologist will work closely with qualified Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychology colleagues on research and audit projects and will be expected to be an active member of the MDT. The post involves working with men with severe and enduring mental illness, as such the environment on occasion may be challenging, on occasion, staff may be exposed to challenging behavior. The post holder will contribute to training and supervision of support staff.
About us
Ashness House is a small and friendly team of committed professionals who work hard to ensure the men in our care are supported along their individual recovery pathways.
Details
Date posted
02 June 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£26,530 to £29,970 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
L0122-25-0002
Job locations
2-6
Jersey Avenue
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 2JQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. To support Clinical Psychologists undertaking psychological assessments of clients applying psychologically based psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.
2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of interventions involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, as appropriate.
3. Having received instruction through supervision, to provide one-to-one consultations with service users, working autonomously within the limits of this instruction and within personal competence.
4. To use a degree of initiative and work independently with service users on planned work, and to exercise judgment based on good practice (NICE) and local operating procedures.
5. To work with potentially distressing material such as risk issues, in relation to service users personal histories and presentation, including risk to self and others.
6. Preparing agreed assessment reports accurately in the accepted format for CPA meetings.
7. Where required, to assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.
8. In common with all professional psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
9. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties through engagement with CPD opportunities and self-guided learning.
10. To contribute to the training and support of other staff.
11. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
12. To attend MDT meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.
13. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
14. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
15. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified professional psychologists in evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other professionals.
16. To contribute to the development and maintenance of high professional standards of practice, through active participation in training and development programmes, in consultation with the supervisor.
17. To maintain clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Pathfinder policies and procedures.
18. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
19. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
20. The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other Pathfinder business in accordance with professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act.
21. Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity
22. Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.
23. Maintain consistent high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant code of professional conduct (if applicable). Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.
24. Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers. Generic Responsibilities for all staff:
All post holders will agree to: Commit to the vision of supporting Pathfinder in becoming a leading organisation in the provision of mental health care and in doing so fully utilise their skills and experience to support the objectives of Pathfinder Role model the values of Pathfinder in all activities and interactions with employees, service users and other stakeholders. Challenge the stigma associated with mental health and learning difficulties. Comply with the Duty of Candour, defined by Francis as: 'The volunteering of all relevant information to persons who have or may have been harmed by the provision of services, whether or not the information has been requested and whether or not a complaint or a report about that provision has been made. Work across professional and organisational boundaries to improve services for all. Maintain their specific knowledge base and develop new skills. Value the contribution of the patient / service user voice. Operate within any organisational codes of practice or those from a relevant professional body. Respect equality and diversity across all areas of working practice and communications with staff, service users and other stakeholders.
Take responsibility for the accurate and timely collection and recording of data and ensuring all personally identifiable information is protected and used only for the purposes for which it was intended. Comply with all health and safety legislation and local policies and procedures. Adhere to all organisational policies. Have knowledge and understanding of technology in the workplace which is sufficient to maintain their efficiency and also how technology can empower service users in a digital environment.
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be reviewed in light of the changing needs of Pathfinder in consultation with the postholder.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. To support Clinical Psychologists undertaking psychological assessments of clients applying psychologically based psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.
2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of interventions involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, as appropriate.
3. Having received instruction through supervision, to provide one-to-one consultations with service users, working autonomously within the limits of this instruction and within personal competence.
4. To use a degree of initiative and work independently with service users on planned work, and to exercise judgment based on good practice (NICE) and local operating procedures.
5. To work with potentially distressing material such as risk issues, in relation to service users personal histories and presentation, including risk to self and others.
6. Preparing agreed assessment reports accurately in the accepted format for CPA meetings.
7. Where required, to assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.
8. In common with all professional psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
9. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties through engagement with CPD opportunities and self-guided learning.
10. To contribute to the training and support of other staff.
11. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
12. To attend MDT meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.
13. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
14. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
15. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified professional psychologists in evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other professionals.
16. To contribute to the development and maintenance of high professional standards of practice, through active participation in training and development programmes, in consultation with the supervisor.
17. To maintain clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Pathfinder policies and procedures.
18. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
19. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
20. The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other Pathfinder business in accordance with professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act.
21. Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity
22. Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.
23. Maintain consistent high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant code of professional conduct (if applicable). Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.
24. Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers. Generic Responsibilities for all staff:
All post holders will agree to: Commit to the vision of supporting Pathfinder in becoming a leading organisation in the provision of mental health care and in doing so fully utilise their skills and experience to support the objectives of Pathfinder Role model the values of Pathfinder in all activities and interactions with employees, service users and other stakeholders. Challenge the stigma associated with mental health and learning difficulties. Comply with the Duty of Candour, defined by Francis as: 'The volunteering of all relevant information to persons who have or may have been harmed by the provision of services, whether or not the information has been requested and whether or not a complaint or a report about that provision has been made. Work across professional and organisational boundaries to improve services for all. Maintain their specific knowledge base and develop new skills. Value the contribution of the patient / service user voice. Operate within any organisational codes of practice or those from a relevant professional body. Respect equality and diversity across all areas of working practice and communications with staff, service users and other stakeholders.
Take responsibility for the accurate and timely collection and recording of data and ensuring all personally identifiable information is protected and used only for the purposes for which it was intended. Comply with all health and safety legislation and local policies and procedures. Adhere to all organisational policies. Have knowledge and understanding of technology in the workplace which is sufficient to maintain their efficiency and also how technology can empower service users in a digital environment.
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be reviewed in light of the changing needs of Pathfinder in consultation with the postholder.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- An honours degree in that satisfies the British Psychological Society criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership
Desirable
- Post graduate training in areas relevant to psychological practice, mental health and/or research design and analysis
Values
Essential
- Accountability Respectfulness Enthusiasm Support High professional standards
Desirable
- Continuous Improvement Responsive to service users Engaging leadership style Strong customer service belief Transparency and honesty Discreet Change oriented
Experience
Essential
- Work experience in any organisation Experience of research methodology, data collection, analysis and report writing Knowledge of a broad range of Psychological theories and the application of these to severe and enduring mental health problems
- Experience of working in an environment that has challenging behvaiour
- Experience of completing psychiatric assessments
Desirable
- Experience designing and conducting large scale research, audit or service evaluations Previous experience working with service users and families Knowledge of Psychological Therapies Knowledge of
- NICE guidelines Knowledge of policies and legislation relevant to recovery based services
Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills High level communication skills verbal and written with professionals, children, young people and families Good time management skills Proficient IT skills
Desirable
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users and families
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- An honours degree in that satisfies the British Psychological Society criteria for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership
Desirable
- Post graduate training in areas relevant to psychological practice, mental health and/or research design and analysis
Values
Essential
- Accountability Respectfulness Enthusiasm Support High professional standards
Desirable
- Continuous Improvement Responsive to service users Engaging leadership style Strong customer service belief Transparency and honesty Discreet Change oriented
Experience
Essential
- Work experience in any organisation Experience of research methodology, data collection, analysis and report writing Knowledge of a broad range of Psychological theories and the application of these to severe and enduring mental health problems
- Experience of working in an environment that has challenging behvaiour
- Experience of completing psychiatric assessments
Desirable
- Experience designing and conducting large scale research, audit or service evaluations Previous experience working with service users and families Knowledge of Psychological Therapies Knowledge of
- NICE guidelines Knowledge of policies and legislation relevant to recovery based services
Skills
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills High level communication skills verbal and written with professionals, children, young people and families Good time management skills Proficient IT skills
Desirable
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users and families
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
Pathfinder Ashness Care
Address
2-6
Jersey Avenue
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 2JQ
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Pathfinder Ashness Care
Address
2-6
Jersey Avenue
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 2JQ
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
02 June 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£26,530 to £29,970 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
L0122-25-0002
Job locations
2-6
Jersey Avenue
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 2JQ
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