Assistant Psychologist - Learning Disability & Autism

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you an Assistant Psychologist looking for an exciting challenge in a new and dynamic service supporting children and young people?

If so, come and join our skilled and enthusiastic service based in Somerset.

This is a great opportunity to further develop your skills whilst working closely with wider mental health, education and social care services.

You will be part of a passionate and skilled MDT that works hard to provide the right support at the right time for autistic children and young people and children with learning disabilities.

We are committed to continuing professional development. Regular team meetings and supportive clinical and management supervision ensures a high quality of service is provided.

An enthusiastic approach and ability to work autonomously (under supervision of qualified clinical psychologists) and within a multidisciplinary team is required for this role.

Main duties of the job

Link LDA Assistant Psychologist

Our multidisciplinary team work to support children and young people (and their families) who might be at risk of mental health hospital admission or who might be at risk of being placed in a 52 week residential education provision.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting the team's clinical psychologists to deliver a high quality, comprehensive clinical psychology service for children, young people and their families experiencing mental health or behavioural difficulties in the context of learning disabilities and/or autism.

Link LD/A aspires to offer a responsive, compassionate, and effective neurodivergence-informed approach to working with young people and their systems. The right candidate will also be able to advocate for the needs of the young people they are working with and represent their voice/views in wide multi agency meetings.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Date posted

11 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

184-CM6179177

Job locations

Flexible around home address Taunton/Yeovil

Yeovil or Taunton

BA20 2BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will offer direct support to children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autistic young people and their carers, utilising evidence-based interventions focused on individuals, families and wider systems. This includes, but is not limited to, specialist neuropsychological assessment, adapted psychological therapy including groupwork, systemic approaches, and Positive Behavioural Support, all under supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. Additional training and CPD is actively encouraged by the service.

The post will involve support of child and family support workers through co-working and supporting case formulation. There is also an expectation that the post holder will co-facilitate consultations with network colleagues from across, health, education and social care sectors.

Additionally, the post holder will have involvement in service development/evaluation and audit projects, and the development of resources for the clinical team.

Please see attached JD for further information

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will offer direct support to children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autistic young people and their carers, utilising evidence-based interventions focused on individuals, families and wider systems. This includes, but is not limited to, specialist neuropsychological assessment, adapted psychological therapy including groupwork, systemic approaches, and Positive Behavioural Support, all under supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. Additional training and CPD is actively encouraged by the service.

The post will involve support of child and family support workers through co-working and supporting case formulation. There is also an expectation that the post holder will co-facilitate consultations with network colleagues from across, health, education and social care sectors.

Additionally, the post holder will have involvement in service development/evaluation and audit projects, and the development of resources for the clinical team.

Please see attached JD for further information

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • First degree in psychology (first or upper second)

Desirable

  • Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within health services as an assistant psychologist (or comparable role, such as CYP-IAPT)
  • Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting
  • Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers
  • Knowledge and skills in working with young people who have complex needs such as learning disabilities or autism
  • Knowledge and skills relating to psychological therapy

Desirable

  • Experience of working with people with severe mental health problems and/or neurodivergence
  • Experience of service development

Other

Essential

  • Car driver with access to a car
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • First degree in psychology (first or upper second)

Desirable

  • Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within health services as an assistant psychologist (or comparable role, such as CYP-IAPT)
  • Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting
  • Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers
  • Knowledge and skills in working with young people who have complex needs such as learning disabilities or autism
  • Knowledge and skills relating to psychological therapy

Desirable

  • Experience of working with people with severe mental health problems and/or neurodivergence
  • Experience of service development

Other

Essential

  • Car driver with access to a car

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Flexible around home address Taunton/Yeovil

Yeovil or Taunton

BA20 2BX


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Flexible around home address Taunton/Yeovil

Yeovil or Taunton

BA20 2BX


Employer's website

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

For questions about the job, contact:

Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead

Dr Shelley Bevins

shelley.bevins@somersetft.nhs.uk

07833058875

Date posted

11 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number

184-CM6179177

Job locations

Flexible around home address Taunton/Yeovil

Yeovil or Taunton

BA20 2BX


Supporting documents

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