Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

Applications are being sought for psychology graduates who have a 2:1 degree (from a course accredited by the British Psychological Society) and an interest in working with older adults.

Main duties of the job

The role will expect the successful applicant to work alongside both qualified and trainee clinical psychologists within a friendly and well-established older adult community Rapid Intervention and Treatment/Care Home Liaison team (RITT). Some of the duties may include: supporting the development of formulations, assisting with care-planning, attending MDT's, co-facilitating group work, and delivering a variety of evidenced based interventions. The role also provides opportunity for supporting clinical governance initiatives including reviewing and implementing outcome measures and a variety of audits.

You will need to demonstrate a high level of communication skills (written & verbal) and be able to work in emotionally distressing situations. Additionally, you must possess the ability to use computers for word processing, presentations, databases, spreadsheets and email. It is a varied and interesting job role and you will receive the management, training and supervision you need to enable you to contribute fully to the work of the team and build your experience towards clinical training.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information about the role, please see the attached recruitment pack which includes a detailed job description and person specification, or visit our website via Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society

Knowledge

Essential

A good knowledge of lifespan psychology applied to health care An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with psychological/mental health difficulties or other disabilities

Experience

Essential

Contact with people with mental health difficulties and/or other disabilities Experience of working within Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Skills

Essential

Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively in both oral and written formats, and in environments which are highly emotive and stressful Research / service evaluation skills / knowledge Ability to organise and prioritise workloads within competing demands and goals Commitment and ability to work with service users where there may be significant clinical, service, and system barriers to engagement

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