Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate individual to work in Ty Lafant, our 7 bed Assessment and Treatment Unit. Ty Lafant provides acute in-patient admission for adults with a learning disability who present with significant behaviours that challenge and/or complex mental health difficulties. The post-holder will work alongside the Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Lead as well as multidisciplinary colleagues to provide psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation, as well as embedding psychological thinking and ways of working within day-to-day practice. The service has a focus on PBS and trauma informed care. .

You will be part of a well-established Learning Disability Psychological Service. We provide a supportive and creative working environment and demonstrate a commitment to CPD, supervision and peer support. We have close links with the South Wales Doctoral Course in Clinical Psychology.

As part of this application, you will be expected to write an essay of no more than 250 words. Pleasewrite this essay at the start of the Supporting Information section. Please answer the question: How can an assistant psychologist support an Assessment & Treatment unit effectively? Candidates who do not answer this essay question will not be long-listed

Main duties of the job

To support and enhance access to psychological interventions for people with a learning disability who are inpatients on Ty Lafant Assessment & Treatment Unit. Key responsibilities will include:

Undertaking psychological assessments, formulations, interventions and evaluations as part of the multi-professional team and as delegated by the Unit Clinical Psychologist. Supporting the Unit Clinical Psychologist to undertake teaching and training. Supporting the Unit Clinical Psychologist to undertake clinically relevant research, service evaluation and audit.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this role; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your speciality or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.

We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.

Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good honours degree in Psychology (First or Second Class). Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS.

Desirable

Further post-graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis Relevant qualification in behaviours that challenge / Positive Behaviour Support.

Experience

Essential

Previous work as an Assistant Psychologist Experience of being with individuals with a disability Or Experience working with individuals with a learning disability. Or Experience working with people with a learning disability who engage in behaviours of concern. Has had regular clinical supervision by a qualified practitioner psychologist. Experience of functioning effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

Ability to reflect on own lived experience of psychological distress or caring for someone with a learning disability. Experience working within the Positive Behaviour Support framework.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

Ability to communicate (verbally and written) complex information to a range of stakeholders in an accessible manner. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with agreed goals that are reviewed regularly. Competent IT skills, for example statistical packages, Excel and Word. Able to undertake Positive Behaviour Management physical interventions training.

Desirable

n understanding of the theory and practice of meeting the needs of individuals presenting with emotional distress with physical and mental health problems.

Values

Essential

Demonstrates ability to develop appropriate and sensitive therapeutic relationships. Able to implement person-centred interventions (including via daily living skills) as part of a core clinical team. An ability to develop respectful and co-operative relationships with colleagues.

Other

Essential

Ability to travel to meet the requirements of the post. Ability to work within professional guidelines and health board policies.

Desirable

Ability to speak Welsh is desirable (if the successful applicant wishes to develop an understanding of the language, they will be supported through the personal development plan process).

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