Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

Assistant Psychologist in Adult Mental Health

This is an exciting opportunity for those interested in working with older people with complex psychological difficulties in the context of an acute mental health crisis. This new role involves providing support to a qualified psychologist in the delivery of high-quality psychological care across the older adult mental health acute care pathway in Doncaster. We are looking for an experienced, resilient and reflective assistant psychologist who can work with enthusiasm and versatility across a 20-bed mixed sex acute ward with patients who present with either mental health difficulties and/or a cognitive impairment. The right candidate for the role will be able to balance working on their own initiative, whilst accepting regular support, guidance and supervision from a qualified clinical psychologist.

The successful candidate needs to be willing to acquire skills in various psychological approaches including Compassion focused therapy to support the delivery of a group work programme. There will also be opportunities to develop skills in making sense of acute psychological presentations. The successful candidate also needs to be willing to develop skills in supporting those with a dementia to ensure their needs are met. There will be opportunities and protected time to support the development of an exciting research programme and conduct evaluations within the service.

Main duties of the job

To assist and support the work of the Clinical Psychologist in delivering psychological assessments and interventions to older adults with mental health conditions and/or a diagnosis of dementia. This will include direct and indirect contact with current inpatients and their carers, along with liaison with the multidisciplinary team and referrers/agencies as required. In addition, the post involves assistance in clinically related administration and ongoing project work.

Knowledge, Specialist Skills, Experience & Training:

• BA (Hons) or Bsc (Hons) in Psychology class 2:1 or above.
• Direct clinical experience in an inpatient mental health setting.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, older adult needs.

Patient Contact:

1. To undertake direct work with people who present with psychological difficulties and/or organic conditions. Such work will include significant contact with people with (a) mental health problems and/or (b) challenging behaviour. The work also involves a high degree of emotional strain
2. To undertake work and liase with professionals from a variety of settings, including health care, social care, voluntary and private sectors
3. To provide care that is compassionate and based on empathy, kindness, respect and dignity

For further information contact Dr Kerry Sheldon, Principal Clinical Psychologist, kerry.sheldon@nhs.net or Sarah.Benson1@nhs.net ward manager

About us

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 3700 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values.

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

http://workwith.rdash.nhs.uk/