Assistant Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

To assist in the assessment, formulation and delivery of appropriate autism-adapted clinical interventions for referred autistic adults in Kent, who may also have a learning disability but who typically present with complex co-occurring neurodivergent issues, mental health and psychiatric disorders. This is with the aim of undertaking diagnostic assessments for clients who have been referred to us using evidence based gold standard tools such as ADOS-4 and the ADI-R (full training desirable but not essential as it will be provided).

It may also be to help referred clients maintain their place in the community and to reduce risk (ie of harm to self/others and to minimise the likelihood of related admissions to hospital or entering the criminal justice system).

Teaching, training and supervision:

To complete relevant training in order to develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.

To contribute to the training and support of other staff and volunteers in the service.

To receive regular supervision from a Registered Psychologist.

Management, recruitment and service development:

To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.

To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

Research and service evaluation:

To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.

To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.

To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.

General:

To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.

To communicate effectively both verbally and through written material to clients and staff.

To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by the Line Manager.

To adhere to the company's policies and procedures at all times.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A first-class or Upper-second class degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society

Desirable

• Postgraduate training (e.g. diploma, MSc) relevant to neurodivergent issues and mental health conditions.

Experience

Essential

• Relevant work experience with neurodivergent people with/without mental health conditions (e.g. Assistant Psychologist or other health, social care, or research roles)
• An interest in working with neurodivergent people.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in a statutory or voluntary care setting
• Experience of working with neurodivergent people in a clinical setting
• Experience of psychological assessment, therapy, or research with a mental health population
• Experience of writing assessment reports

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• An understanding of the characteristics (strengths and support needs) of neurodivergent adults with co-occurring psychological/mental health difficulties
• Ability to apply psychological knowledge to a mental health context
• Graduate-level knowledge of psychological assessment, psychological research methodology and statistical analysis
• Awareness of diversity issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to effective team functioning.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative and under supervision
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload and time
• Clean driving licence and use of own car

Desirable

• A proven ability to develop positive relationships with people with mental health difficulties, their carers, and staff within a professional setting.
• High standard IT skills

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Strong interpersonal skills
• A desire to explore a career in professional 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.

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

Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd

Address

Building 80 Churchill Square

Kings Hill

West Malling

Kent

ME19 4YU

Employer's website

http://www.sinclairstrong.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)