Assistant Psychologist

Job Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Assistant Psychologist to join our Older Adult Mental Health wards at St Georges Hospital, Stafford.

The role is varied and provides opportunity to build upon clinical skills, develop and implement group interventions, utilise service evaluation and research skills and develop multidisciplinary team working skills; therefore good time keeping skills and being able to manage multiple, competing demands are essential to the role.

This opportunity would provide an ideal basis for individuals wishing to pursue Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology. Further training and CPD opportunities are accessible within this role.

You will be well supported with supervision from the Registered Psychologists in the team and there will be opportunity for networking with other Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Clinical Psychologists and other mental health professionals.

You will join a diverse and supportive group of psychological practitioners, within a service committed to ongoing professional development for staff.

Main duties of the job

As part of this role, you will be expected to:

• Undertake protocol based psychological assessments with service users, family members and others involved in the service user's care.
• Assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a service user's problems, including simple procedures and techniques related to psychological therapies.
• Assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups including receiving and managing referrals under guidance, facilitating service user attendance, co-delivering the workshop material and recording outcomes.
• Attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary pathway meetings.
• Assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
• Assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, and development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work.

Working for our organisation

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Check out the videos below showcasing why you should grow your career here with us at MPFT:
Why Work for Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTube

Development and Progression Within Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTube

For more information please read the attached job description and person spec

Person specification

Qualifications
Essential criteria

• A First or Upper Second honours degree in psychology OR a lower class with a post-graduate qualification e.g.: Masters degree.
• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.

Desirable criteria

• Further training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, autism, personality disorder and/or research design and analysis.

Experience
Essential criteria

• Experience of working with people in a clinical or other supportive environment
• Has experience of working alongside staff from other agencies / voluntary services
• Has worked with clinical psychologists and has an awareness of professional standards/issues.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and /or dementia
• Experience of inpatient work
• Previous experience as an Assistant psychologist or Allied health professional assistant
• Experience of working with people experiencing psychological trauma

Skills & Knowledge

Essential criteria

• High level communication skills (written and verbal)
• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
• An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.