Job Title: Assistant Psychologist (Band 5)
Responsible to: Clinical Psychologist
Job Reference number : AP/SS/01
£29,970 pro rata
Hours: 20hrs pw
Location BB7 9SE
JOB PURPOSE
To support and enhance the development and implementation of the Psychology Service within CES Champions Charity. To work under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist working independently, where appropriate, according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist and within the overall framework of the team’s policies and procedures. To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work. This role will include supervised direct clinical experience dependent on experience.
ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CAUDA EQUINA CHAMPIONS CHARITY
Cauda Equina Champions Charity is a UK-based, patient-led organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) and their families.
The charity's mission is to raise awareness of CES, reduce trauma and isolation following diagnosis, and promote positive recoveries. They offer a range of bespoke services, including Clinical psychology, Psychosexual and CBT Therapy.
The charity’s psychology service sits at its very core, as it works to plug the gaps in NHS services offered to people living with chronic cauda equina syndrome.
The charity has developed a strong team of therapists who have experience and insight into the issues this patient group uniquely face, and focus is on the of the development and continuous improvement of this service.
ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical (under supervision)
1. To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients applying psychological, including neuropsychological, tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care.
2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care/intervention plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist.
3. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.
4. To assist in the development of a “psychologically-based” framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place e.g. assisting in preparation of treatment plans, self-help materials and psycho educational materials.
5. To attend and contribute to appropriate meetings.
Teaching, training and supervision
1. In common with all clinical psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
2. To gain wider experience of professional psychology.
3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
4. To assist qualified professional psychologists in the delivery of teaching and training.
Management, recruitment and service development
1. As the service provision develops, to manage and develop the service systems and pathways, and to monitor and manage referral wait list sand allocation. To provide signposting support where and when appropriate.
2. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
3. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.
Research and service evaluation
1. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
2. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
3. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified psychologists in evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
General
1. 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 postholder’s manager.
2. 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 Board policies and procedures.
3. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
4. To adhere to the Healthcare Support Worker code of conduct
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
1. The postholder would be responsible for the correct and appropriate use of psychometric testing equipment involving the precise manipulation of equipment in a clinical setting in tests which are often timed.
2. The postholder would be required to use computer software for databases, statistical analysis for research and for the preparation of materials for clinical use. In addition, a requirement of the job would be to develop and maintain a clinical database and extract appropriate information for the purposes of research and audit and to inform service developments.
3. Competence in the use of databases and internet systems is essential.
DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder would expect to be supervised on at least a weekly basis, from a qualified clinical psychologist. Clinical supervision will be available more often, as required. While work would be carried out independently, this would be within the guidance and supervision of a clinical psychologist and line manager.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Within the clinical work:
1. To communicate clearly and empathically to clients, families and carers.
2. To establish a rapport with individuals who have mental health needs, learning disabilities or other difficulties, some of whom may be distressed.
3. To discuss and negotiate clinical work with colleagues.
4. To discuss clinical work with other agencies and professionals.
5. To provide written reports and assessments for clients, their families and other agencies where appropriate and required.
For research, audit and training:
1. To write reports on research and audit activities which are clear, concise and provide some interpretation/analysis of work.
2. Where appropriate to present to internal and wider audience research and audit findings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
1. The postholder is required to maintain concentration over lengthy interviews with clients and to be active throughout in maintaining the therapeutic relationship, in pursuing the therapeutic process and in recording the interview.
2. In assessment and psychometric testing, the postholder would be required to manipulate intricate test materials in specific ways and under pressure of time while recording responses.
3. Some keyboard skills would be necessary in the use of computers.
4. Required to sit in a constrained position for client therapy/ interview sessions.
5. Ability to drive is also desirable.
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
1. To use theoretical understandings in the applied setting.
2. To balance the demands of service support, research/audit and clinical aspects of the post.
3. To exercise initiative within the boundaries of supervised practice and defined clinical/research parameters.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
· An upper second-class honours degree or higher in psychology.
· Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
· Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, physical health, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
EXPERIENCE
· Some paid or voluntary experience demonstrating where relating to other people is a central part of the role.
· Experience of paid work in direct care provision.
· Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
· Experience of work in physical health settings.
· Experience of work within spinal cord injury settings.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
· High level communication skills (written and verbal)
· Ability to communicate at a high level, information to patients, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
· An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
· An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context
· A theoretical framework in psychology, particularly in the areas of applied psychology and developmental psychology
· A good understanding of social science methodology and statistics
· Good IT skills with an advanced ability to use word processing, database and statistical software packages
· Proficiency in Excel.
· Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
· Understanding of data collection and ability to complete an audit/service evaluation
· High standard of report writing.
· Ability to communicate with people across age range and abilities
PERSONAL
· An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
· An ability to interact with people with mental health problems or disabilities.
· Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
· An interest in working in physical and mental health settings.
· Experience in and/or knowledge of the charitable organisation system.
For a full job description and to apply please email claire@championscharity.org.uk