Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

An exciting opportunityhas arisen for an assistant psychologist to join the Complex Needs Service(CNS) in Worcestershire. CNS work with adults (18+) with complex emotional andrelational needs to offer a clear, structured treatment pathway consisting ofevidenced-based interventions including MBT, DBT and SCM. The ideal candidatewill have a strong team work ethic, an ability to work flexibility and excellentcommunication skills.

We will provideyou with the support and resources needed to help aid your personal andprofessional development, including opportunities to learn new skills andbroaden your understanding of a range of psychological models. You will berequired to work across the county; over the course of a working week thereforeit is essential you can fulfil the travel requirements of the post. Please not this post may close early if a large number of applicationsare received.

Main duties of the job

The role involves working alongside a psychologist and other teammembers, as part of a supportive integrated team to enable effectiveimplementation and delivery of interventions. A typical week would involve;supporting the processing of new referrals into the service, supporting colleagueswithin the service and wider trust by helping co-produce and facilitate trainingand CPD events; participating in the delivery of group and individual interventionsincluding DBT, MBT and SCM, assisting the team in clinically relatedadministration including supporting service evaluations, collecting outcomedata and statistics, and contributing to the development of audit and/orresearch projects.

About us

At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over 100 sites.

We will support you to thrive; offer flexible working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. Its why we were named Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award at the 2022 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.

What we offer

27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service

Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours

Flexible and agile working opportunities

Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support

Wide range of staff networks such as LGBT+ and ENRICH (Equality Network for Race Inclusion and Cultural Heritage)

Health service discounts and online benefits including excellent cycle to work and car salary sacrifice schemes

Health and wellbeing opportunities

If you would like to know more, please visit our careers website.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be expectedto act in line with the values and beliefs of the organisation and promotethese on a day-to-day basis. They will receive regular supervision, in accordancewith British Psychological Societys guidance. Key responsibilities include butare not limited to:

Undertaking structured interviews, psychological assessments andobservations of individuals and groups. Assisting in the formulation and delivery of care plans whichinclude psychological treatment and / or management of a patients problems,considering a range of clinical information and dynamics Working under supervision with patients who may be emotionallydistressed, difficult to engage, abusive or hostile. Working closely with professionals, social workers, supportworkers and administrative staff as appropriate within the specified servicearea.

For fulldetails of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the jobdescription and person specification attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

BSc/BA Honours Degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society I understand that I will be asked to provide original certificates to verify my qualifications at point of offer

Desirable

Other relevant academic qualifications , MSc, Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate in a relevant field

Additional Criteria

Essential

A desire and commitment to work with people displaying personality difficulties and or histories of complex trauma

Desirable

Desire and interest/willingness to develop psychodynamic and analytical concepts relating the personality development.

Knowledge

Essential

A good understanding of the needs and difficulties of patients who attract a diagnosis of EUPD/BPD. Knowledge and awareness of evidence-based practice relating to patients within the specified service area, including psychological assessment and therapy techniques , DBT/MBT/SCM. Graduate knowledge of research design and methodology

Desirable

Understanding and experience of Structured Clinical Management and or other specific evidence-based interventions for working with EUPD traits

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Commitment to promoting patients rights, independence, choice and inclusion and a person-centred approach to care.

Desirable

Good presentation and teaching skills in formal large group and small informal settings Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate complex, technical and clinically sensitive information to non-psychologists, including other professionals and individual patients who may have difficulties with communication and understanding.

Experience

Desirable

Experience/Exposure to people with mental health needs either on a paid and or voluntary basis Experience of working with patients in the specified service area (EUPD/Complex Emotional Needs) ideally as an assistant psychologist. Other relevant paid or voluntary work experience including research experience Experience of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working Experience in the assessment and delivering psychological interventions, including cognitive assessment and cognitive behavioural therapies

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