Assistant Psychologist

**Summary of responsibilities**

To provide ‘1:1 wellbeing sessions’ for young people where additional support is required, that can be targeted around identifying the cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms of their presentation and implementing coping strategies to support them.

To assist in assessments, interventions and evaluation reports for young people as part of White Trees Residential homes. This includes: completing the Psychological Formulation, Assessment and Treatment Plans, and Psychological Target Reviews. To share findings from CISS (_Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations_) / RES (_Resilience Scales for Children and Adolescents_) reports, which the Clinical Psychologist analyses and writes. To oversee Key working and Psychological Targets to monitor progression and decline and support in identifying areas of development for the young people.

To develop and deliver both mandatory and bespoke training for each home and provide staff with a better understanding of how to utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed approaches to working with the young people to better manage their behaviour and regulate their emotions. To develop and deliver monthly induction training to new/existing staff as well as training to school staff for a better understanding around certain topics such as; Developmental Trauma, Attachment Theory, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Awareness training.

To provide support to staff in identifying approaches to working with the young people upon request, and when attending Team Meetings. Team meetings are on a monthly basis, the Assistant Psychologist will attend and support staff in each meeting.

To provide reflective de-briefs around significant events or incidents. To provide additional support to staff where requested to support them in meeting the demands of their role and identify barriers to effective working.

To liaise with Professionals for example, Social Workers and CAMHS / EWMHS to ensure effective communication around therapeutic input for the young people where needed and provide reports to support in LAC Reviews and Placement Meetings. In addition, to liaise with each home's Wellbeing Lead to plan and discuss each young person’s therapeutic path, the support they will require and assisting with the relevant psychological assessments.

To complete the above work through supervision and consultation with the Clinical Psychologist and Head of Wellbeing, who provides support with therapeutic approaches for young people, provides clinical supervision, and case discussions on each young person where appropriate.

**Main duties**

**1* **Clinical*

**1.1** To undertake psychological assessments, including questionnaires, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi structured interviews with young people and adults involved in their care under the guidance of the Clinical Psychologist within supervision. Additional support provided through regular supervisions with the Head of Wellbeing.

**1.2** To assist in the preparation and delivery of assessment, intervention and care planning reports under the clinical supervision of the Clinical Psychologist.

**1.3** To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plan and therapeutic support individually and systemically through support staff, involving the therapeutic / psychological support and management of a young person’s difficulties in line with White Trees policies, under the guidance of the Clinical Psychologist. Additional support provided through regular supervisions with the Head of Wellbeing.

**1.4** To provide ‘1:1 wellbeing sessions’ to young people when this is requested and agreed to be an appropriate level therapeutic intervention. To maintain a caseload with guidance and clinical supervision from the Clinical Psychologist as well as line management supervision provided by the Head of Wellbeing.

**1.5** To attend appropriate meetings at the Head Office as required with guidance from the Head of Wellbeing.

**1.6** To contribute a young person’s perspective in team case discussions.

**1.7** To participate in risk assessments with senior staff / home managers.

**1.8** To ensure care is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of young people and staff inform practice.

**1.10** With support from a Clinical Psychologist, the Head of Wellbeing and senior colleagues, to seek to incorporate best practice by integrating the findings from research, audits, investigations, enquiries, complaints and satisfaction surveys in psychological assessment and intervention.

**1.11** To participate in audit, collection of statistics and evaluation activity within the speciality under the direction and guidance of the Clinical Psychologist and Head of Wellbeing.

**1.12** To have knowledge of and act in accordance with White Trees Group Child Protection Procedures