Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the innovative, multi-disciplinary community mental health teams based at West Park Hospital.
Under the guidance of a clinical psychologist you will work with adults who may present with complex and enduring mental health difficulties. You will work within an established MDT supporting with psychological assessments, evidence-based treatments, audits, research and quality improvement activities.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Responsibilities
1. Working under the supervision of the clinical psychologist.
2. To complete psychological assessments.
3. Deliver evidence based psychological interventions under supervision and report progress to the qualified psychologist for further consideration.
4. Responsible for recognising the signs of client harm, abuse or neglect, including poor clinical practice, identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of children who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust Safeguarding procedures
Administrative Responsibilities
5. Undertakes administrative tasks in relation to own work and as requested.
6. Uses Microsoft Office applications on a daily basis.
7. Prepares test materials and visual aids. Uses basic psychometric testingequipment.
8. Assists in the development of self-help and other educational material for use byclients, carers and other healthcare staff
Service Improvement & Research
9. Contributes to continual safety and quality improvement activities as part of theteam.
10. Keeps up to date with new developments in the field, undertaking literaturesearches to inform evidence-based practice.
11. Demonstrates an awareness of the audit process within the clinical governanceframework and the relevant standards that are required and monitored within theteam.
12. Assists in clinical audits in own work area, undertaking data collection and basicanalysis using statistical software programmes.
About us
The successful applicant will hold the position of Assistant Psychologist and will join a team comprised of a Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapists, Community Mental Health Practitioners, Mental Health Well-being Practitioners and other professions in helping to provide a psychologically informed service within a community mental health setting.
We offer a wide range of professional development opportunities and training and encourage individuals to further develop their own clinical skills and experience. We also have a large research agenda and encourage individuals to pursue this.
We place a strong emphasis on professional and clinical supervision in order to support and develop individuals as part of our commitment in delivering the highest quality clinical service.
Date posted
18 February 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
346-DDA-023-25
Job locations
West Park Hospital
Edward Pease Way
Darlington
DL2 2TS
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are searching for a committed and enthusiastic psychology graduate who has an interest in working in a community setting, to undertake the role of Assistant Psychologist, in continuing to embed psychological ways of thinking and working within the setting.
Key responsibilities include:
13. Facilitation of psychosocial and psychoeducational groups
14. Provision of individual psychoeducation/support for service users
15. Contributing to staff training
16. Undertaking service evaluation and research
17. Collection and recording of data
18. Liaison with other members of the MDT and external agencies in keeping with the community transformation.
Psychologists & Psychological Therapists provide key leadership roles within the Trust. To support this we have developed leadership profiles for each psychology band and the profile card associated with this post is attached on NHS Jobs. You can find more information about the NHS Leadership Academys Healthcare Leadership Model and the profiles at their website. We encourage you to look at these resources as they will play a part in the interview process.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
19. Degree in psychology
20. Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
21. Numeracy, Literacy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
Desirable
22. Post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Personal Attributes
Essential
23. Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours.
24. Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers.
25. Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in distressing or emotive circumstances
26. Ability to work on own in a variety of settings using initiative appropriately
27. Able to work flexibly and co-operatively as part of a team.
28. Committed to continual quality and service improvement
29. Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and/or learning disabilities
30. Committed to promoting a positive image of the service.
31. Self aware and committed to continual personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from clinical supervision.
Desirable
32. Interest in pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology.
Skills
Essential
33. Ability to communicate information (verbal and written) effectively in a manner appropriate to the individual and situation
34. Record Keeping (within agreed timescale)
35. Methodical and accurate approach to data collection and analysis.
36. Competence in using psychometric assessment tools (within agreed timescale)
37. Breakaway techniques (within agreed timescale)
Knowledge
Essential
38. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities.
39. An awareness of the application of psychology to health care.
40. Understanding of confidentiality.
41. Awareness of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct.
Experience
Desirable
42. Experience as a psychology assistant (paid or voluntary).
43. Experience of clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
44. Experience of using psychometric assessments.
45. Experience using statistical software packages. SPSS.
46. Experience working with people with mental ill health or learning disabilities (paid or voluntary).