Assistant Psychologist

Job responsibilities

To assist and support high-quality specialist neurodevelopmental assessments as part of a multi-disciplinary team to children and young people (0-19 years) and their families and carers.

Assist in psychological assessment, utilising psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, structured observations including home and discreet school observations. Carry out semi-structured interviews as part of the history taking procedure with the client, family members and other agencies involved with the service user.

Analyse the results of these assessments and develop an appropriate treatment package under the supervision of a child clinical psychologist. Provide this treatment package as appropriate.

Liaise with education, local authority and other partner agencies to gather information as part of an neurodevelopmental assessments.

Assist Child Psychology staff with administrative tasks associated with the provision of psychology input to service users e.g., preparation and production of reports and letters; photocopying; production of training packs and psycho educational resources.

Communicate complex and sensitive information empathically, using language which is appropriate to the client group e.g., under 16, and which takes into account any learning difficulties, special needs.

To assist in communicating in a skilled and sensitive manner, information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans.

Apply the knowledge acquired through Psychology Degree on psychological theory to therapy. Independently research syndromes and theories relevant to yours and Young Minds Matter colleagues clinical work to supplement knowledge and contribute to clinical assessments, formulations and therapeutic interventions. Do this via books, literature searches using the internet, direct observation and training via clinical psychologists and Young Minds Matter staff.

Plan and prioritise work effectively in order to combine a clinical caseload with research commitments. Schedule appointments, room booking and booking test equipment.

To participate in regular team meetings and contribute to the development of the service.

To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording, report writing and the responsible exercise of professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice of the Health Care Professions Council, the British Psychological Society and providers policies and procedures.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• Knowledge of psychological theories relevant to children and young people and the particular problems encountered by this age group.
• Knowledge of research methodologies to assist with service audit and development
• An understanding of psychological theories associated with child work, including attachment theory and child development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of some of the assessment tools used within Child Clinical Psychology

Qualifications

Essential

• A BPS accredited Honours Degree in Psychology at a 2:1 or higher.

Desirable

• Registration with the BPS
• Other related academic qualifications to Masters level

Experience

Essential

• Relevant paid or voluntary work with children and young people and their carers.
• Knowledge of the assessment process for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders for children and young people.
• An interest and enthusiasm in working with children and young people.
• Experience in developing and undertaking research/audit projects.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children & young people with mental health, emotional and/or behavioural problems
• Experience of using psychological interventions with children and young people with mental health, emotional and/or learning difficulties.
• Experience of group work
• Experience of developing and delivering training
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team

Skills & Understanding

Essential

• A high level of drive and motivation to acquire knowledge, new skills, and experiences to develop as a psychologist.
• Ability to work flexibility as part of a wider team.
• Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to the work within the service.
• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft application and other electronic systems
• The ability to keep up-to-date records in accordance with Trust, HCPC, and BPS guidelines
• Ability to work at an appropriate level of autonomy.
• Ability for prolonged and intense concentration for extended periods of time during assessments and interventions
• Ability to sit in restricted positions for long periods when working with clients and travelling in the community.
• Ability to maintain concentration and remain focused even within busy and distracting working and home environments
• Ability to contain organisational stress and ability to hold the stress of others
• Ability to meet clinical deadlines
• Ability to cope with unexpected interruptions or unpredictable behaviour by clients
• Ability to cope with distressed service users; to cope with challenging behaviours, attitudes
• Ability to occasionally cope with verbal abuse and aggression with no other professional to immediately call upon
• Ability to manage clients who present with challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviours and who lack self control.
• Ability to travel independently within the community

Desirable

• Understanding and experience of quantitative and qualitative analysis of data

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).