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 role will involve the recruitment of participants, following informed assent and consent processes, supporting people with lived experience advising on the project, presenting to a variety of stakeholders about the project at events and meetings, supporting the dissemination and communication plan, and undertaking a range of clinical research assessments as per study protocols and local guidelines for the completion of research documentation. The role also involves providing information and answering any questions or queries from patients, staff, stakeholders, participants and carers about the study.
The post holder will use excellent communication skills to communicate with a variety of stakeholders and have advanced organisational skills to prioritise and effectively manage their workload.
About us
The post holder will work independently according to an agreed plan and under supervision within the Trust's R&D framework. The Research and Innovation Department has responsibility for all elements of research governance within the Trust and provides corporate support to internal staff and external partners undertaking research, service evaluations and innovation projects.
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.
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 structured research assessments with participants within the trial.
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 structured research assessments with participants within the trial.
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
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 & 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
Work Related Circumstances
Essential
- Mobility to travel across sites.
- Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required.
- Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
- Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
- Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
- Experience of conducting research
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
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
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 & 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
Work Related Circumstances
Essential
- Mobility to travel across sites.
- Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required.
- Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
- Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
- Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
- Experience of conducting research
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
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).
