Job summary
37.5 hours per week. An exciting
opportunity has arisen within the Plymouth CAMHS Eating Disorder Pathway. We are
looking for an Assistant Psychologist (AP) to join the pathway to support and
enhance the psychological care of Children, Young
People and Families (CYPFS), providing psychological assessment
and psychological interventions under the supervision of a qualified
professional psychologist. The successful post holder will work independently
according to a plan agreed with a qualified clinical psychologist and pathway
leads to the overall framework of the pathways policies and procedures, where
they will be responsible for assessing, treating CYPFS in relation to a range
of complex difficulties including emotional, psychological, neurodevelopmental and
with behaviours considered challenging.
Our aim is to
improve CYPFS mental health through the effective delivery of regularly
reviewable psychological interventions using the Anna Freud iThrive framework
to inform and provide safe, effective, cost efficient, timely and accessible
services that are in accordance with national and local priorities and
responsive to the needs and views of local CYPFS.
The post of AP within the Eating Disorder Pathway (EDP) will be an integral role within
the specialist CAMHS Eating Disorder Pathway. The pathway offers a dedicated
service for (CYPFS) referred with an Eating Disorder in line with the Maudsley
Model FT-AN, FT-BN and NICE Guidelines.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in the formulation and
delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management
of a young peoples problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional
psychologist and other professionals in the pathway within a community setting.
The post holder will assist in the coordination and
running of therapeutic groups alongside other team members.
The
post holder will care coordinate cases where indicated, formulate care plans
collaboratively with CYPFS and use resources creatively to provide therapy for
CYPFS; uniquely tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet their needs. They
will ensure CYPFS receive interventions according to NICE guidance and local
pathways of care.
To post holder will work with other pathway members to
assess patients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary
reviews.
The post holder will work within the risk assessments
undertaken within the overall framework of the team while observing Livewell Southwests and national policies/procedures.
To
utilise research skills for audit, policy, service evaluation/development and
research within the areas served by the team/service.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.
We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.
Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:
Protected CPD time for registered staff
Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff
Leadership & mentoring programmes
Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training
A Robust Preceptorship
A bespoke induction programme
Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
a) To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of CYPFS applying
psychological, including neuropsychological and cognitive testing, self-report
measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and
semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in
the CYPFS care.
b) To assist in the psychological formulation and delivery of care plans
involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems,
under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist and other
professionals in the pathway in a community setting.
c) The post holder will work within the risk assessments undertaken within the
overall framework of the pathway while observing Livewell Southwests and
national policies and procedures.
d) To work with other staff members within the pathway to assess children
and young people and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary
reviews.
e) The post holder will work with other professionals within the pathway to
assess patients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary
reviews.
f) To manage a caseload of children and young
people who are experiencing highly complex and persistent mental health
difficulties.
g) To establish rapport and build effective working relationships with CYPFS
and all those involved in their psychological, emotional, and behavioural
well-being.
h) To work jointly with other team members within the eating disorder
pathway and professionals in delivering the most appropriate clinical service
to young people, children, and families/carers.
i) To assist in the creation, coordination and running of therapeutic
groups within the eating disorder pathway.
j) To follow appropriate local Safeguarding Adults and
Children policies in all clinical work, including close liaison with all
relevant agencies.
k) To participate in regular review and ongoing
discussion of cases in treatment with other members of the multi-disciplinary
team and where appropriate, co-ordinate and organise network meetings with
professional members of other agencies.
l) To provide risk assessment of, and intervention to, young
people and children who may present in local
acute settings in line with agreed procedures.
m) To liaise and consult with the wider professional network
in the care of CYPFS.
n) To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of
understanding and care to the benefit of all CYPFS of the organisation, across
all settings where care takes place.
o) To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings
including team meetings, team supervisions and case discussions.
p) To assist in the design and implementation of service development
projects within the organisation as required.
q) To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and
discussed.
r) To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner,
information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of
children and young people under their
care and to effectively evaluate progress.
s) To participate in the multi-disciplinary assessment and
treatment of children and young people.
Training and
Supervision
a)
To participate in regular supervision
(clinical and line management) in accordance with good practice guidelines of
the BPS and Livewell Southwest policy.
b)
To participate in the organisations annual
Appraisal process.
c)
To attend all relevant mandatory training.
d)
Assist with the preparation and delivery of
work-based learning for learners across partner placement areas, as
appropriate.
e) Assist with the delivery of informal teaching as agreed within the organisation
and Universities.
Research, Audit and Evaluation
a)
To assist in the design and implementation of
audit and research projects.
b)
To support the pathway and clinical pathway
manager in the collection and reporting of routine outcome measures.
c)
To undertake data collection, analysis, the
production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
d)
To undertake searches of evidence-based
literature and research to assist the pathway clinical psychologist in evidence-based
practice in individual work and work with other pathway members.
General
a) To maintain HCPC professional registration and to
maintain the highest professional standards of practice, through professional
self-governance in accordance with the relevant professional codes of practice
and Trust policies and procedures, and active participation in internal and
external CPD training in consultation with the post-holders professional and
service managers(s).
b) To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies,
and issues in relation to both the specific cohort of CYPFS and mental health.
c) To comply with the Professional Codes of Conduct and to be aware of
changes in these. To maintain up to date knowledge of all relevant legislation
and local policies and procedures implementing this.
d) To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest standard and in
accordance with currently quality initiatives within the work area.
e) To comply with all relevant Livewell Southwests policies, procedures,
and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and
Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in
these.
f) To comply at all times with the Livewell Southwests Information
Governance related policies. Staff members are required to respect the
confidentiality of information about staff, CYPFS and the organisation and in
particular the confidentiality and security of personal identifiable
information in line with the Data Protection Act. All staff are responsible for
ensuring that any data created by them is timely, comprehensive, accurate, and
fit for the purposes for which it is intended.
g) To adhere to the administrative and audit protocols of
the organisation. To develop and maintain audit protocols for the service.
h) To regularly attend and participate in team meetings,
away-days and other professional meetings that are appropriate to the role. To
attend local and regional groups agreed to be appropriate for the role.
i) 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 HCPC, British Psychological Society and Livewell Southwests policies and
procedures.
j) To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national
and local policies, and issues in relation to CYPFS with mental health issues.
k) The post holder will be required to work
flexibly in terms of base and clinical hours.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
a) To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of CYPFS applying
psychological, including neuropsychological and cognitive testing, self-report
measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and
semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in
the CYPFS care.
b) To assist in the psychological formulation and delivery of care plans
involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems,
under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist and other
professionals in the pathway in a community setting.
c) The post holder will work within the risk assessments undertaken within the
overall framework of the pathway while observing Livewell Southwests and
national policies and procedures.
d) To work with other staff members within the pathway to assess children
and young people and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary
reviews.
e) The post holder will work with other professionals within the pathway to
assess patients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary
reviews.
f) To manage a caseload of children and young
people who are experiencing highly complex and persistent mental health
difficulties.
g) To establish rapport and build effective working relationships with CYPFS
and all those involved in their psychological, emotional, and behavioural
well-being.
h) To work jointly with other team members within the eating disorder
pathway and professionals in delivering the most appropriate clinical service
to young people, children, and families/carers.
i) To assist in the creation, coordination and running of therapeutic
groups within the eating disorder pathway.
j) To follow appropriate local Safeguarding Adults and
Children policies in all clinical work, including close liaison with all
relevant agencies.
k) To participate in regular review and ongoing
discussion of cases in treatment with other members of the multi-disciplinary
team and where appropriate, co-ordinate and organise network meetings with
professional members of other agencies.
l) To provide risk assessment of, and intervention to, young
people and children who may present in local
acute settings in line with agreed procedures.
m) To liaise and consult with the wider professional network
in the care of CYPFS.
n) To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of
understanding and care to the benefit of all CYPFS of the organisation, across
all settings where care takes place.
o) To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings
including team meetings, team supervisions and case discussions.
p) To assist in the design and implementation of service development
projects within the organisation as required.
q) To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and
discussed.
r) To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner,
information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of
children and young people under their
care and to effectively evaluate progress.
s) To participate in the multi-disciplinary assessment and
treatment of children and young people.
Training and
Supervision
a)
To participate in regular supervision
(clinical and line management) in accordance with good practice guidelines of
the BPS and Livewell Southwest policy.
b)
To participate in the organisations annual
Appraisal process.
c)
To attend all relevant mandatory training.
d)
Assist with the preparation and delivery of
work-based learning for learners across partner placement areas, as
appropriate.
e) Assist with the delivery of informal teaching as agreed within the organisation
and Universities.
Research, Audit and Evaluation
a)
To assist in the design and implementation of
audit and research projects.
b)
To support the pathway and clinical pathway
manager in the collection and reporting of routine outcome measures.
c)
To undertake data collection, analysis, the
production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
d)
To undertake searches of evidence-based
literature and research to assist the pathway clinical psychologist in evidence-based
practice in individual work and work with other pathway members.
General
a) To maintain HCPC professional registration and to
maintain the highest professional standards of practice, through professional
self-governance in accordance with the relevant professional codes of practice
and Trust policies and procedures, and active participation in internal and
external CPD training in consultation with the post-holders professional and
service managers(s).
b) To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies,
and issues in relation to both the specific cohort of CYPFS and mental health.
c) To comply with the Professional Codes of Conduct and to be aware of
changes in these. To maintain up to date knowledge of all relevant legislation
and local policies and procedures implementing this.
d) To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest standard and in
accordance with currently quality initiatives within the work area.
e) To comply with all relevant Livewell Southwests policies, procedures,
and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and
Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in
these.
f) To comply at all times with the Livewell Southwests Information
Governance related policies. Staff members are required to respect the
confidentiality of information about staff, CYPFS and the organisation and in
particular the confidentiality and security of personal identifiable
information in line with the Data Protection Act. All staff are responsible for
ensuring that any data created by them is timely, comprehensive, accurate, and
fit for the purposes for which it is intended.
g) To adhere to the administrative and audit protocols of
the organisation. To develop and maintain audit protocols for the service.
h) To regularly attend and participate in team meetings,
away-days and other professional meetings that are appropriate to the role. To
attend local and regional groups agreed to be appropriate for the role.
i) 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 HCPC, British Psychological Society and Livewell Southwests policies and
procedures.
j) To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national
and local policies, and issues in relation to CYPFS with mental health issues.
k) The post holder will be required to work
flexibly in terms of base and clinical hours.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Work with children and adolescents with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
Desirable
- Experience of working as a psychology assistant within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience of working with service users with complex, risky presentations and/or within a psychological service setting.
- Experience of working with people who experience an eating disorder.
- Experience of using assessment skills.
- Experience of delivering psychologically informed interventions such as CBT.
- Experience of working in CAMHS
- Experience of working with families
- Experience of conducting psychological assessments.
Physical and Personal attributes
Essential
- Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
- A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years: subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy.
- Post-holder may be working in the community such as schools or GP practices, and outpatient clinics.
- Responsibilities include sitting and concentrating for long periods of time at the computer, in consultation with patients, and in meetings.
- Clinical practice involves frequent contact with emotionally distressed children and families and occasionally violent patients.
- Assessment activities may include transporting of Psychometric testing equipment.
- A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability
Knowledge
Essential
- Research methods and report writing.
- Proven experience using SPSS and/or other statistical software.
- An understanding of the needs
- and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
- An understanding of psychology applied to mental health care.
- An understanding of the importance of robust risk management within a multidisciplinary approach.
- Awareness of current, evidence based, stepped care models of care as detailed in NICE guidance.
Desirable
- Knowledge of psychological disorders using engagement approaches and clinical
- assessment skills required for
- presentations within eating disorders
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues and general knowledge about BAME groups
- Working on an inpatient psychiatric ward.
- Post-graduate experience of conducting research projects or audits.
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree (First or Upper Second-class degree) in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Skills
Essential
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
- Ability to work with a degree of independence.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills (sensitivity and respect of ethical research and clinical practice)
- Skills in providing supporting teaching and training provided by psychologists or others to other professional groups.
- Well-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data.
- Ability to manage occasional emotionally stressful situations such as working with victims of abuse or trauma, or with people who engage in severe self-harming or aggressive behaviour.
- Able to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information that may not be welcomed to patients, carers and colleagues.
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.
- Experience using computers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
Desirable
- High standard of report writing.
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care and eating disorders.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Work with children and adolescents with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
Desirable
- Experience of working as a psychology assistant within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience of working with service users with complex, risky presentations and/or within a psychological service setting.
- Experience of working with people who experience an eating disorder.
- Experience of using assessment skills.
- Experience of delivering psychologically informed interventions such as CBT.
- Experience of working in CAMHS
- Experience of working with families
- Experience of conducting psychological assessments.
Physical and Personal attributes
Essential
- Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
- A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years: subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy.
- Post-holder may be working in the community such as schools or GP practices, and outpatient clinics.
- Responsibilities include sitting and concentrating for long periods of time at the computer, in consultation with patients, and in meetings.
- Clinical practice involves frequent contact with emotionally distressed children and families and occasionally violent patients.
- Assessment activities may include transporting of Psychometric testing equipment.
- A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability
Knowledge
Essential
- Research methods and report writing.
- Proven experience using SPSS and/or other statistical software.
- An understanding of the needs
- and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
- An understanding of psychology applied to mental health care.
- An understanding of the importance of robust risk management within a multidisciplinary approach.
- Awareness of current, evidence based, stepped care models of care as detailed in NICE guidance.
Desirable
- Knowledge of psychological disorders using engagement approaches and clinical
- assessment skills required for
- presentations within eating disorders
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues and general knowledge about BAME groups
- Working on an inpatient psychiatric ward.
- Post-graduate experience of conducting research projects or audits.
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree (First or Upper Second-class degree) in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Skills
Essential
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
- Ability to work with a degree of independence.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills (sensitivity and respect of ethical research and clinical practice)
- Skills in providing supporting teaching and training provided by psychologists or others to other professional groups.
- Well-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data.
- Ability to manage occasional emotionally stressful situations such as working with victims of abuse or trauma, or with people who engage in severe self-harming or aggressive behaviour.
- Able to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information that may not be welcomed to patients, carers and colleagues.
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.
- Experience using computers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
Desirable
- High standard of report writing.
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care and eating disorders.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
