Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an assistant psychologist to join the well developed neuropsychology department at UHSussex for a fixed term post. The role will potentially involve working across all our sites - so could involve some cross site travel.

Main duties of the job

To provide the Neuropsychology team with support in delivering a professional and highly specialized neuropsychology service to referrers and patients within the catchment area of University Hospitals Sussex.

The post-holder will participate in managed and supervised clinical practice across two of our hospital sites (Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton).

Non-clinical work will include assisting with Departmental administration and audit/service development.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

1. To organise own workload under the direct support and supervision of a member of the Neuropsychology Department.

2. To carry out neuropsychological assessments as directed by members of the Neuropsychology team.

3. To contribute (where appropriate) to multidisciplinary discussions about a patients diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment and care plan issues.

4. To contribute to patient reports, treatment plans and discharge summaries.

5. To undertake specified behavioural observations and assessments of service users.

6. To seek and acquire specific clinical information by reading medical records and other sources of data.

7. To carry out specified treatment and intervention programs under close supervision.

8. To liaise or work directly with all specialists and professionals concerned on specific cases as required.

9. To communicate effectively with individual patients who may have cognitive, communication and mental health difficulties.

10. To communicate with relatives, carers and a range of other professionals.

11. To provide complex and sensitive condition-related information in verbal and written form.

12. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

13. To assist the neuropsychology team in other clinical work as required.

Administrative

1. To ensure all clinical and administrative activities are carried out safely and in compliance with UHS NHS Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines. The importance of patient confidentiality and information governance is emphasised.

2. To assist in the booking of outpatient clinics for the neuropsychology department.

3. To be responsible for relevant data collection on work activities, as required.

4. To assist in the maintenance of patient records (paper or electronic) and manage databases as required.

5. To assist with test library management.

6. To assist with photocopying and scanning.

7. To assist in maintaining and developing the Neuropsychology Service intranet information page.

8. To assist in developing patient self-help resources.

9. To undertake specific administrative duties as required including maintaining copies of test papers and scanning in test data and reports.

Training and Education

1. To receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.

2. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post holder is employed.

3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.

4. To participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives.

5. To contribute to an effective learning environment for the training and professional development of self and other staff.

Patient Care Delivery

1. To become familiar with, and work within, the BPS (British Psychological Society) and HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) professional practice guidelines relevant to the delivery of neuropsychological services in the NHS. The importance of test security is emphasized.

2. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest standards of professional practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with professional and service managers.

3. To immediately approach a member of the neuropsychology team when concerned about patient welfare or uncertainty about clinical practice and/or objectives.

4. To maintain up-to-date knowledge and skill levels in own area of work to ensure provision of the highest quality services.

5. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording, report writing and the responsible professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice of the Health Professions Council, British Psychological Society and NHS Trust policies and procedures.

6. To contribute to a healthy and safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations and Trust policies.

Learning and Development

1. To engage in professional supervision and appraisals and to maintain an active engagement with current developments in the field of clinical psychology, neuropsychology and related disciplines.

2. To be responsible for maintaining, updating, and improving own skills, knowledge and competencies, identifying education needs with Line Manager through appraisal, ensuring that those needs are addressed and completed.

3. To undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.

4. To attend mandatory training updates as required.

5. To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

Person Specification

Education and Experience

Essential

Upper Second Class Honours Degree or Higher in Psychology Entitlement to Graduate Membership of the BPS Relevant Knowledge or experience through voluntary work or study

Desirable

Previous Experience as an Assistant Psychologist Experience of using neuropsychological and other standardised assessments Further relevant training Experience of working with neuro or other disability

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

---