Assistant Psychologist

Job summary hours per week.You will provide supervised supportto Plymouth Autism Spectrum Service and wider team across the range of provision.
You will be involved in a servicethat has high demand and is constantly being creative in how they deliver theirservices to meet the needs of the locality.
Undertakes clinically supervisedassessment and intervention work with clients with varying presentations: Working within themulti-disciplinary team to assess and formulate whether someone meets DSM-Vcriteria for autism.
Developpsychological formulations.
Developcommunication tools such as social stories and easy read documents to supportassessment and intervention.
Collaboratively establish individualservice users goals.
Undertakesclinically supervised assessment and intervention work with clients withvarying presentations: Deliverpsychological interventions.
Support thewellbeing of the MDT.
Works to support research projects,service evaluations and clinical audits as required.
Support teaching to service users andthe wider MDT, plus to students in varying professional fields.
Main duties of the job Plymouth Autistic Spectrum Service is at the frontier of developing needs led and innovative models of assessment and post diagnostic support.
The team are looking for a motivated Assistant Psychologist, who can demonstrate a passion for supporting the autistic community.If you are a clinician looking for a role that enables you to shine and demonstrate your tenacity, initiative, compassion and creativity, we would love for you to come and work with us.This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted.
Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning socialenterprise delivering integrated health and social care services acrossPlymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts ofDevon and Cornwall.
Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sportscentres, and health hubs.As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, andcollaboration.
We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, whileempowering staff and those we serve.We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, inshaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the righttime and place.
Centering our work on individual needs helps people leadhealthy, independent lives.We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, trainingpathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the CareCertificate and Nurse Training Scholarships.
Our induction and preceptorshipprograms ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from allsections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mentalhealth, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities.
If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during theapplication process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description Job responsibilities Manage a caseloadwith support and clinical supervision from a designated practitionerpsychologist.
Deliver briefnon-complex therapies to service users of the respective services commensuratewith level of knowledge and skills and under supervision of qualifiedpsychological therapist/psychologist.
Co-facilitate groupor 1:1 intervention to service users of the respective services alongside andunder the supervision of qualified psychological therapists/psychologists.
Work with serviceusers using self-help materials in a creative and collaborative way and provideinformation about other local services relevant to their needs.
Under supervisionof a qualified psychologist administer, score and interpret neuropsychologicalor cognitive assessment and develop/deliver appropriate intervention plans, cognitive remediation.
Proactively andpositively contribute to the achievement of effective outcomes.
This willinclude conducting evaluations using clinical outcome measures and satisfactionsurveys.
Communicateeffectively with service users, relatives/carers and colleagues from diversebackgrounds in a manner that is sensitive, open, welcoming and person-centred.
Use IT systemseffectively.
Maintain accurate,up to date clinical records in accordance with Trust policy.
To maintain appropriate clientrecords as required by the employer.
To maintain clinical resources anddatabases as required by the team.
Manage a caseloadwith support and clinical supervision from a designated practitionerpsychologist.
Deliver briefnon-complex therapies to service users of the respective services commensuratewith level of knowledge and skills and under supervision of qualifiedpsychological therapist/psychologist.
Co-facilitate groupor 1:1 intervention to service users of the respective services alongside andunder the supervision of qualified psychological therapists/psychologists.
Work with serviceusers using self-help materials in a creative and collaborative way and provideinformation about other local services relevant to their needs.
Under supervisionof a qualified psychologist administer, score and interpret neuropsychologicalor cognitive assessment and develop/deliver appropriate intervention plans, cognitive remediation.
Proactively andpositively contribute to the achievement of effective outcomes.
This willinclude conducting evaluations using clinical outcome measures and satisfactionsurveys.
Communicateeffectively with service users, relatives/carers and colleagues from diversebackgrounds in a manner that is sensitive, open, welcoming and person-centred.
Use IT systemseffectively.
Maintain accurate,up to date clinical records in accordance with Trust policy.
To maintain appropriate clientrecords as required by the employer.
To maintain information on internalsystems and PASS app.
Human Resources To receive regularclinical supervision and line management from a Registered Clinical or ForensicPsychologist.
Required todemonstrate own duties to new staff.
Support teachinginput on a variety of training courses.
Research and Development To assist withresearch, evaluation studies and clinical audit that is relevant to theservice.
To conductstatistical analyses using SPSS and Excel and prepare data tables, graphs, etc.
To assist with thedissemination of the results to service users, carers, service managers, otherprofessionals and academic audiences.
Information Technology To maintainclinical records within the computerised patient information system (System oneclinical records).
To be competent atword processing and the use of Office software, particularly e-mail.
To conductliterature searches on electronic data-bases.
To be able to useExcel & SPSS to aid in the management of data used for research purposes.
To monitor, processand present digital assessment data form PASSAT app.
Professional development To undertakeContinuing Professional Development in line with that recommended by the Heath& Care Professions Council and the BPS.
To keep up to datewith clinical and research developments within the post-holders areas ofexpertise.
The post-holder will be expected toadhere to the HCPC code of conduct and the BPS Code of Practice.
The post holder is required to complywith all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post.
Currentversions can be found on the intranet or via your manager.
The areas listedbelow are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasis on.Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result in disciplinaryaction.
6.
COMMUNICATIONS ANDRELATIONSHIPS The post holder will: Communicate with people, theirfamilies, cares and friends, in the process of autism assessments.
The postholder will interpret words, observe and record verbal and non-verbalcommunication in accordance with DSM5 diagnostic criteria.
Develop and present psychologicalformulation both prior to and as part of MDT diagnostic decision makingprocess.
Provide support to MDT colleagues Under the guidance of the clinicalpsychologist, provide clinical supervision With the support of ClinicalPsychologist, collaborate with other Livewell Southwest teams andpractitioners.
Represent the team at appropriateevents and meetings as agreed with Clinical Psychologist/Service Manager 7.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OFTHE JOB The post holder regularly uses ITequipment, working from the office base and home.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFOR ALL POSTS The post holder is required tocomply with all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post.Current versions can be found on the intranet or via your manager.
The areaslisted below are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasison.
Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result indisciplinary action.Risk ManagementInaccordance with the Risk Management Strategy, employees will participate,whenever required, with the risk management process.
They will support linemanagers by attending mandatory and statutory training, completingincident/accident forms for every adverse event or near miss that occurs,report all defects and complaints, and communicate any dangerous situation toindividuals potentially at risk.Health and Safety at WorkYou mustco-operate with those in authority and others in meeting the statutoryrequirements and in following policies and procedures.
A copy of the Health and Safety Policy isavailable from the intranet or from the Risk Management Department.You arereminded that in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 youhave a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself and to othersaffected by your work activities.
You willbe notified where your post carries a requirement for immunisation.
You may be required to be able toundertake physical intervention training and participate in physicalintervention as part of a physical intervention team and Basic Life Support (BLS).Safeguarding Children andAdultsAllemployees have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children andadults and are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards theirhealth and wellbeing.
Familiarisation with and adherence to national andlocal safeguarding adults and children policies is an essential requirementupon all employees.
Livewell Southwest has specific safeguarding policies andin addition, employees also have a responsibility to practice and work withinthe multi-agency policy developed by the Safeguarding Adults Board and theSafeguarding Children Board.
Staff are also required to participate in relatedmandatory/statutory training.ResearchFor clinical posts at bands 5 and 6,there is an expectation that engagement in research will be part of this role.Therefore, an awareness of the value and relevance of research is expected, andthe post holder should either support existing research within their specialtyarea as appropriate or identify opportunities to raise awareness of researchpossibilities.
For clinical posts atband 7 and above, the post holder will be required to actively participate incomplex audits using research methodology or participate as required inclinical trials or equipment testing and will demonstrate high levelinvolvement in local ongoing research projects.OtherThis Job Descriptionis not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will nottake place without consultation between the post holder and their manager.
Jobdescriptions should be reviewed at least annually at the appraisal meeting.TheWorking Time Regulations apply to all employees of Livewell Southwest.
LivewellSouthwest will not permit staff in all employments to work in excess of 48hours in any one week except where there are exceptional service needs where anabsolute limit of averaging over a reference period of 17 weeks would apply.
Person Specification Knowledge Essential Knowledge of psychological theory in the context of mental health and neurodiversity.
Knowledge of issues relating to the diagnosis and post diagnostic support for autistic people Knowledge of research and audit methodologies Desirable Knowledge and understanding of relevant and current research around ASD Knowledge and understanding of autism assessment methodology An understanding of community Psychology Knowledge and understanding of current legislation related to autistic people Skills Essential Report writing, manage caseload, formulation negotiation, presentation, analytical, planning & organisational, subject to the provision of the Equality Act, able to drive across Plymouth & other geographical areas etc.
The applicant must be comfortable working in community settings Desirable Motivational interviewing ADOS assessment and scoring Neuro-developmental History interviews Have practiced Community Psychology App and webpage editing and building Qualifications Essential Essential Graduated with undergraduate degree in psychology minimum 2:1 OR 2:2 with evidence of additional academic abilities within the last 18 months.
Eligible for graduate membership of the BPS D. Desirable Training, experience or qualification relating to Autism Spectrum Condition Experience Essential Experience of working with autistic people OR individuals with neurological OR chronic health conditions, OR who have learning disabilities, in a statutory or voluntary capacity; OR life experience of coping with mental health problems or chronic health difficulties.
This may include personal experience, an active carer role, or volunteering.
or have undertaken volunteering Desirable Has experience in undertaking elements of autism assessments Can demonstrate through experience a commitment to supporting autistic people.
Experience of research and audit in real world settings.
Experience of co facilitating groups.
Experience of working in a team.
Experience of cognitive assessment and administration of these in practice.
Knowledge of community mental health settings and inpatient settings