Job overview
The research assistant will support the delivery the RELATE-YP (Relational Approach to Working with Young People who Self-Harm) trial. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial focused on the use of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) for young people (aged 13-17) who self-harm. The post holder would support research activities within the trial, including, not limited to, recruitment of participants, taking informed consent, data collection, data management, and dissemination. This will involve working closely with clinical services, young people, and families.
Main duties of the job
The Research Assistant will support the delivery the RELATE-YP (Relational Approach to Working with Young People who Self-Harm) trial. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial focused on the use of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) for young people (aged 13-17) who self-harm. The post holder would co-facilitate the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) advisory groups. These groups will include young people with experiences of self-harm, and, in a separate group, parents and carers of young people who self-harm. The post holder will organise and manage these meetings, facilitate discussion and provide a point of liaison between the advisory groups and the wider trial team. The post holder would also support the other research activities of the trial. This may include recruitment of participants, taking informed consent, data collection, data management, and dissemination.
This post is for someone with lived experience of self-harm and being supported by CAMHS. It will be important that any difficulties are currently well managed and that the post holder has a good support system in place.
The post holder will become a member of the Young People's Mental Health Research Centre, benefitting from the vibrant and supportive research environment of the Centre and existing team.
Training will be provided covering all trial activities including the trial protocol, screening and recruitment, data collection, risk management, and trial database data entry and procedures.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Promoting the RELATE-YP trial to staff and service users within the Trust and identifying and approaching potential participants.
• Managing enquires from potential recruits and/or their advocates.
• Developing and maintaining good links and relationships with clinicians and admin staff working in the CAMHS team where referrals are received.
• Reviewing referrals of new participants.
• Posting or emailing the Participant Information Sheet (PIS) to potentially eligible patients.
• Carrying out follow-up telephone calls in a sensitive manner to parents and patients who have been referred for mental health assessments and who have received a PIS to ascertain interest in taking part in the trials to confirm eligibility.
• Taking informed consent from young people and, where they are aged under 16, their parents of guardians.
• Provide detailed information to young people referred to the Healthy Minds Service, their families and advocates about their participation in the study.
• Offer study support to participants with mental health problems during their involvement in the research project.
• Liaise with appropriate multi-disciplinary team members regarding recruitment and support of research participants.
• Completing structure research assessments with participants within the trial.
• Responding effectively to risk as it arises during the course of the study, including following the risk protocol and ensuring the necessary individuals are informed of the risk.
• Ensure all trial activities are undertaken in adherence with the study protocol.
• Undertake qualitative interviews with parents and the young person/child.
• Inputting of data
• Engage in supervision, communicating openly and honestly about experiences and progress on the project
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Degree in a health or social science
Desirable criteria
* Current Good Clinical Practice certificate
* Master’s degree in psychology or other relevant field
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
* Experience of conducting research
* Experience of CAMHS as a service user
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a CAMHS setting (or equivalent)
* Demonstrable administration experience
* Experience of relevant research with children and families.
* Prior experience working as a research assistant or equivalent
* Prior experience working on a clinical trial
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of mental health problems and their treatment through clinical experience and training
* Understanding of risk management procedures within research
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection within the NHS and/or other healthcare setting/clinical organisation
* Knowledge of research methodologies
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of emotional disorders in children and young people
* Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent.
* Knowledge of the principles of GCP
* Knowledge of research methodologies
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the CAMHS service and those of the Trust.
* Able to participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions
* Computer skills including Database / Internet skills
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to manage challenging conversations with parents and young person’s / children
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the Multidisciplinary Team
* IT Skills, including Microsoft Office
* Sensitivity to the diverse needs of children and families who have been referred to CAMHS
* Strong organisational and planning skills.
Desirable criteria
* Strong skills in administrating psychological assessments (interviews, questionnaires) with clinical populations
* Good skills with risk management
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
Sponsorship - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
What happens after your application has been received?
You will be informed about the progress of your application following shortlisting via email. Only applicants who clearly demonstrate the criteria listed in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. Interview invites will be sent out via email.
What happens if I am offered the position after interview?
The hiring manager will make contact with you to verbally offer you the position. The hiring manager will then inform Recruitment of the decision and provide relevant paperwork. You will be sent a formal conditional offer via email.
What pre-employment checks will I need to complete?
By conducting pre-employment checks, the recruitment team will verify that you meet the pre-conditions of the role you have been offered. Pre-employment checks will be carried out according to. The checks are:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to the NHS will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references as part of pre-employment checks.
If you are offered a position with us and you require sponsorship to support your right to work, we will review your eligibility in line with. If the role you have been offered is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not able to evidence own your right to work, your conditional offer could be withdrawn.
What happens when pre-employment checks are complete?
Recruitment will liaise with you and the hiring manager to arrange a start date for your new position. You will then be booked on to a Trust Welcome Session and be sent your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
Other important information
* We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and recognise the importance of ensuring our diverse service user population is reflected within our workforce. Unfortunately, we know that, at present, there is underrepresentation of our communities in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from diverse communities to help us grow, learn, be better and consider brilliant innovation diverse people bring.
* If you would like to be considered under the disability confident scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria on the person specification for the post.
* If you require reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process please phone us on 0161 716 3181 at the earliest opportunity. We will support you to complete your application.
* Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee the transfer of lease cars, or cover the costs of early termination charges.
* We have a strict policy on unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Please do not contact our hiring managers directly.
We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications have been received. To ensure you application is considered, please submit at the earliest opportunity.