Job summary
The research assistant will support the delivery the RELATE-YP (Relational Approach to Working with Young People who Self-Harm) trial. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial focused on the use of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) for young people (aged 13-17) who self-harm. The post holder would support research activities within the trial, including, not limited to, recruitment of participants, taking informed consent, data collection, data management, and dissemination. This will involve working closely with clinical services, young people, and families.
Main duties of the job
The Research Assistant will support the delivery the RELATE-YP (Relational Approach to Working with Young People who Self-Harm) trial. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial focused on the use of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) for young people (aged 13-17) who self-harm. The post holder would co-facilitate the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) advisory groups. These groups will include young people with experiences of self-harm, and, in a separate group, parents and carers of young people who self-harm. The post holder willorganise and manage these meetings, facilitate discussion and provide a point of liaison between the advisory groups and the wider trial team. The post holder would also support the other research activities of the trial. This may include recruitment of participants, taking informed consent, data collection, data management, and dissemination.
This post is for someone with lived experience of self-harm and being supported by CAMHS. It will be important that any difficulties are currently well managed and that the post holder has a good support system in place.
The post holder will become a member of the Young People's Mental Health Research Centre, benefitting from the vibrant and supportive research environment of the Centre and existing team.Training will be provided covering all trial activities including the trial protocol, screening and recruitment, data collection, risk management, and trial database data entry and procedures.
About us
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We're really proud of our#PennineCarePeopleand do everything we can to make sure we're a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
- Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
- Access to Continued Professional Development
- Involvement in improvement and research activities
- Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
- Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Job description
Job responsibilities
Promoting the RELATE-YP trial to staff and service users within the Trust and identifying and approaching potential participants. Managing enquires from potential recruits and/or their advocates. Developing and maintaining good links and relationships with clinicians and admin staff working in the CAMHS team where referrals are received. Reviewing referrals of new participants. Posting or emailing the Participant Information Sheet (PIS) to potentially eligible patients. Carrying out follow-up telephone calls in a sensitive manner to parents and patients who have been referred for mental health assessments and who have received a PIS to ascertain interest in taking part in the trials to confirm eligibility. Taking informed consent from young people and, where they are aged under 16, their parents of guardians. Provide detailed information to young people referred to the Healthy Minds Service, their families and advocates about their participation in the study. Offer study support to participants with mental health problems during their involvement in the research project. Liaise with appropriate multi-disciplinary team members regarding recruitment and support of research participants. Completing structure research assessments with participants within the trial. Responding effectively to risk as it arises during the course of the study, including following the risk protocol and ensuring the necessary individuals are informed of the risk. Ensure all trial activities are undertaken in adherence with the study protocol. Undertake qualitative interviews with parents and the young person/child. Inputting of data Engage in supervision, communicating openly and honestly about experiences andprogress on the project
Job description
Job responsibilities
Promoting the RELATE-YP trial to staff and service users within the Trust and identifying and approaching potential participants. Managing enquires from potential recruits and/or their advocates. Developing and maintaining good links and relationships with clinicians and admin staff working in the CAMHS team where referrals are received. Reviewing referrals of new participants. Posting or emailing the Participant Information Sheet (PIS) to potentially eligible patients. Carrying out follow-up telephone calls in a sensitive manner to parents and patients who have been referred for mental health assessments and who have received a PIS to ascertain interest in taking part in the trials to confirm eligibility. Taking informed consent from young people and, where they are aged under 16, their parents of guardians. Provide detailed information to young people referred to the Healthy Minds Service, their families and advocates about their participation in the study. Offer study support to participants with mental health problems during their involvement in the research project. Liaise with appropriate multi-disciplinary team members regarding recruitment and support of research participants. Completing structure research assessments with participants within the trial. Responding effectively to risk as it arises during the course of the study, including following the risk protocol and ensuring the necessary individuals are informed of the risk. Ensure all trial activities are undertaken in adherence with the study protocol. Undertake qualitative interviews with parents and the young person/child. Inputting of data Engage in supervision, communicating openly and honestly about experiences andprogress on the project
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in a health or social science
Desirable
- Current Good Clinical Practice certificate
- Master's degree in psychology or other relevant field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
- Experience of conducting research
- Experience of CAMHS as a service user
Desirable
- Experience of working in a CAMHS setting (or equivalent)
- Demonstrable administration experience
- Experience of relevant research with children and families.
- Prior experience working as a research assistant or equivalent
- Prior experience working on a clinical trial
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health problems and their treatment through clinical experience and training
- Understanding of risk management procedures within research
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection within the NHS and/or other healthcare setting/clinical organisation
- Knowledge of research methodologies
Desirable
- Knowledge of emotional disorders in children and young people
- Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent.
- Knowledge of the principles of GCP
- Knowledge of research methodologies
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the CAMHS service and those of the Trust.
- Able to participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions
- Computer skills including Database / Internet skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage challenging conversations with parents and young person's / children
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the Multidisciplinary Team
- IT Skills, including Microsoft Office
- Sensitivity to the diverse needs of children and families who have been referred to CAMHS
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
Desirable
- Strong skills in administrating psychological assessments (interviews, questionnaires) with clinical populations
- Good skills with risk management
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in a health or social science
Desirable
- Current Good Clinical Practice certificate
- Master's degree in psychology or other relevant field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
- Experience of conducting research
- Experience of CAMHS as a service user
Desirable
- Experience of working in a CAMHS setting (or equivalent)
- Demonstrable administration experience
- Experience of relevant research with children and families.
- Prior experience working as a research assistant or equivalent
- Prior experience working on a clinical trial
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health problems and their treatment through clinical experience and training
- Understanding of risk management procedures within research
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection within the NHS and/or other healthcare setting/clinical organisation
- Knowledge of research methodologies
Desirable
- Knowledge of emotional disorders in children and young people
- Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent.
- Knowledge of the principles of GCP
- Knowledge of research methodologies
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the CAMHS service and those of the Trust.
- Able to participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions
- Computer skills including Database / Internet skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage challenging conversations with parents and young person's / children
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the Multidisciplinary Team
- IT Skills, including Microsoft Office
- Sensitivity to the diverse needs of children and families who have been referred to CAMHS
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
Desirable
- Strong skills in administrating psychological assessments (interviews, questionnaires) with clinical populations
- Good skills with risk management
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).
Additional information
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).
