Assistant Psychologist/Assistant Systemic Family Therapy Practitioner
The main responsibility of this role is to support the development and delivery of systemic family therapy and family-inclusive practice across the Forensic Directorate inpatient services.
Working under the supervision of the Principal Systemic Family Therapist, the post holder will contribute to the coordination, preparation, and delivery of family interventions across medium secure and low secure services, including non‑LD adult male wards and LD rehabilitation pathways.
The role combines direct patient‑facing activity, indirect clinical support, and service development support. The post holder will assist with family engagement, preparation of materials, gathering of relational information, and evaluation of service activity, contributing to the embedding of family‑inclusive practice across the secure pathway.
The role does not carry autonomous clinical responsibility and all clinical tasks are undertaken under supervision.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
Main duties of the job
All clinical tasks are undertaken under the supervision of the Principal Systemic Family Therapist or another qualified clinician.
Clinical and Family Support
Support the preparation and coordination of systemic family therapy sessions, including liaison with families and carers regarding practical arrangements.
Assist in gathering relevant relational and background information to inform systemic formulation.
Contribute to documentation of family sessions and care planning processes.
Support the development of accessible materials for families, including adaptation for individuals with communication or cognitive differences within LD services.
Where appropriate and agreed, co‑facilitate elements of psychoeducational or family‑focused group work.
Engagement and Pathway Support
Working along side the Family Engagement and Liaison Lead (FELL), assist in supporting family engagement across medium secure and low secure services.
Contribute to ensuring family involvement is considered within CPA processes, rehabilitation planning, and discharge planning.
Support coordination of meetings involving families and networks, including preparation of relevant materials.
About us
We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Because we cover the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year.
Our vision is simple: We are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. And everything we do is guided by our values caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Join us - if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's doing well together.
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification section for detailed duties and requirements of the role.
What is High Cost Area Allowance?
The High‑Cost Area (HCA) allowance, also referred to as London Weighting is a payment made to employees who work in London and the surrounding areas.
As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment each month.
As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment each month. 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,346 and a maximum payment of £2,270. (the agreed annual amount will be divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly).
Person Specification
Training, Qualifications and Registration
* Good honours degree in Psychology (minimum 2:1) or relevant degree in a related discipline.
* Eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (if psychology degree).
* Training in systemic theory or therapy
Experience
* Experience of working with people within a mental health setting.
* Experience supporting data collection, audit, or service evaluation activity.
* Experience of working within Forensic inpatient settings.
* Experience working with families and/or carers in a support or voluntary capacity.
* Experience working within Learning Disability services.
Knowledge and Skills
* Basic understanding of systemic or family-based approaches to mental health.
* Ability to communicate sensitively with individuals and families in emotionally charged situations.
* Ability to organise and prioritise workload under supervision with Good written communication skills and attention to detail.
* Competent IT skills including data entry and document preparation.
* Capacity to manage exposure to distressing material within a secure setting.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£28,392 to £31,157 a yearper annum + (high-cost area supplement)
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