Assistant Psychologist

The purpose of this job description is to outline the level of responsibility and accountability of this post. This will ensure that all work undertaken by our staff is clearly identified and carried out under clear lines of accountability.
**Aim of the role**:
The post holder will be expected to support their team, department and organisation to achieve the Trust’s Values in their day to day work. They are:
We are kind.
We are respectful.
We work together with our communities.
**The post holder will achieve this by**:
1. Working alongside children and families to continually work towards improving and maintaining high standards
2. To initiate and develop new ideas and methods in consultation with the Team and autism Head of Service.
3. Participate in research, audit reviews and other initiatives in accordance with Clinical Governance.
4. Actively contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures based upon best practice.
**Key Responsibilities**:
1. Assisting in the provision of a psychological service to children and families within the specialty under the direction of the supervising clinical psychologist.
2. To be responsible for the planning and prioritisation of own workload and activities following the direction and guidelines given by the supervising clinical psychologist.
3. To undertake assessments of children to inform the diagnosis of possible social communication disorders in clinic, school, home and nursery settings.
4. To deliver post-diagnostic parent groups for parents of children who are autistic.
5. To work within guidelines given by the supervising clinical psychologist.
6. To support a research grant to develop pre-school autism service pathway within our service. The research part of the role is under the supervision of Dr Hilary Toulmin
Our Values 2025 - 2030
Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.
**They are**:
We are kind.
We are respectful.
We work together with our communities.
These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15%of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,714 and a maximum payment of £5,941 - per annum, pro rata for part time).
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI
during the recruitment process.
Clinical Skills
1. To undertake protocol based psychological assessment of clients through direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. Knowledge of typical and atypical neurodevelopment, classification and assessment is vital for this post.
2. To deliver post-diagnostic groups for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, this includes planning these group with support from clinical psychologist.
3. To be a member of the appropriate multi-disciplinary team providing services to the client group, under the guidance of the supervising clinical psychologist.
4. The post holder will have a personal duty of care for Trust equipment and facilities.
5. To be responsible for the planning and prioritisation of own workload and activities following the direction and guidelines given by the clinical psychologist.
6. To be capable of working in clinical situations which require concentration, and which may involve distressing or emotionally demanding circumstances or where there is risk of verbal or physical aggression.
7. To maintain and update client records in accordance with Trust and professional guidelines.
8. To support the team in management of the waiting lists, this includes telephone call reviews, sending out school reports and chasing school reports, preparing clients for MDT discussion and for assessment.
9. The post holder may be required to demonstrate their own duties to others.
10. To receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines and Trust policy.
11. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
Computer/Administration
1. To Adhere to RIO guidelines when inputting data.