Job summary
Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd is a well-regardedpsychology-led independent practice and is commissioned by the NHS to provide arange of services for autistic adults with complex needs (but without alearning disability) across Kent and the south east, including servicesprovided by KAMCAS. We are looking to appoint a full-time assistant psychologist, with strong interpersonal skills, to join our friendlyand supportive team based at Kings Hill near Maidstone.
KAMCAS is a well-established, vibrant and innovativemulti-disciplinary team comprising a lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, twosenior Clinical Psychologists, two Forensic Psychologists and five AssistantPsychologists, also including a Senior Assistant Psychologist with a mentoringrole. In KAMCAS we also have a Case Manager, two OccupationalTherapists, a small Positive Behaviour Support team, and a Speech andLanguage Therapist.
Main duties of the job
As an integral part of the KAMCASteam, the post-holder will provide clinical and administrative support toprocess referrals, compile risk summaries, conduct audits and serviceevaluations and to provide a range of direct assessments and psychologicalinterventions under the supervision of an experienced Registered Psychologist.During the initial probationary period there will be a requirement to work fromour team base at Kings Hill, after which some flexibility may be negotiatedaround some hybrid working. Travel to other parts of Kent will be essential tothe clinical aspects of the role.
There are opportunitiesfor progression/preceptorship within the service, reflective practice, supportfor relevant CPD and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), as well as pay andannual leave being commensurate with NHS and a company pension scheme withGroup/Life Cover benefit.
There are opportunitiesfor PBS experience and more varied work in other parts of the wider service (egOut of hours support service) as agreed with line manager, with appropriate trainingand supervision. Current and previous Assistant Psychologists within theCompany have been supported to progress along their career pathways throughenrolment in further training opportunities, such as Master and Doctoralprogrammes. Nine previous AssistantPsychologists have secured Doctoral training posts.
About us
Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd is a well-regarded psychology-led independent practice and is commissioned by the NHS to provide a range of services for autistic adults with complex needs (but without a learning disability) across Kent and the south east, including services provided by KAMCAS. We are looking to appoint a full-time, with strong interpersonal skills, to join our friendly and supportive team based at Kings Hill near Maidstone.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities
Clinical:
1. To assist in the assessment, formulation and delivery of appropriate autism-adapted clinical interventions for referred autistic adults in Kent, who do not have a learning disability but who typically present initially with complex co-occurring neuro-developmental, mental health and psychiatric disorders. This with the aim of helping referred clients to maintain their place in the community and to reduce risk (ie of harm to self/others and to minimise the likelihood of related admissions to hospital or entering the criminal justice system).
Teaching, training and supervision:
2. In common with all clinical psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties
4. To contribute to the training and support of other staff and volunteers in the service.
Management, recruitment and service development:
5. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
6. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.
Research and service evaluation:
7. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
8. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
9. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
General:
10. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the potholders professional and team/operational manager(s).
11. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures. To communicate effectively both verbally and through written material to clients and staff.
12. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
13. To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by their Line Manager.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
14. A first-class or Upper-second class degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
15. Postgraduate training relevant to mental health/ASD ( diploma, MSc in a clinical subject relevant to the post)
Experience
Essential
16. Relevant work experience with people with neurodevelopmental and/or mental health conditions ( Assistant Psychologist or other health, social care, or research roles)
17. An interest in working with neurodevelopmental conditions
Desirable
18. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in a statutory or voluntary care setting
19. Experience of working with ASD in a clinical setting
20. Experience of psychological assessment, therapy, or research with a mental health population
21. Experience of writing assessment reports
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
22. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of autistic adults including co-occurring psychological/mental health difficulties and other neurodevelopmental conditions
23. Ability to apply psychological knowledge to a mental health context
24. Graduate-level knowledge of psychological assessment, psychological research methodology and statistical analysis
25. Awareness of racial and cultural diversity issues
26. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
27. A proven ability to develop positive relationships with people with mental health difficulties, their carers, and staff within a professional setting.
28. An ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to effective team functioning.
29. High standard IT skills
30. Ability to work independently using own initiative and under supervision
31. Ability to organise and prioritise workload and time
32. Clean driving licence and use of own car
Personal Attributes
Essential
33. Strong interpersonal skills
34. A desire to explore a career in professional psychology