Assistant Psychologist
This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Psychologist to join the Children’s Psychological Medicine team based at the Children’s Hospital Oxford (CHOX). The successful applicant will join an enthusiastic and dedicated team of clinicians working across the Trust. Assistant psychologists play a key role within the department and are a valued part of the clinical team. The post provides a varied and interesting range of clinical work offering broad experience for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical psychology.
This role offers the opportunity to work in a busy and challenging medical environment under the supervision of an experienced clinical psychologist. This is an established role supporting delivery of a psychological service to neonates (3 days a week) and to the general paediatric out-patient service (2 days a week). The Children's Psychological Medicine service forms part of the Trust wide Psychological Medicine service providing psychological care as an integrated part of the medical care provided to patients
The department consists of 4 assistants, 20 psychologists, 4 psychiatrists and a family therapist, providing opportunities for both formal and informal consultation with staff trained in a broad range of therapeutic approaches. The department operates an in-patient rota with two clinicians allocated to support the in-patient service each day so there are always clinicians at hand.
The post-holder will be based within the children's hospital and neonatal unit located on the John Radcliffe site. The role may involve some working across sites. The assistant role will be key in ensuring that families are aware of the psychological support available and are able to access this when needed.
Within the neonatal service the post holder will play a key role in offering universal and targeted support to infants, families and staff. This will include introducing the psychology team to families, undertaking some targeted intervention where appropriate, supporting the running of our inpatient and outpatient groups and assisting the more senior clinicians with reflective practice sessions. Supporting the smooth running of the service through managing our online databases and undertaking audits and evaluations will also be a key part of the role.
Within the general paediatric component of the job there are opportunities to work directly with children and young people with a wide range of health conditions, for example supporting engagement in medical procedures, managing anxiety and undertaking psychometric assessment. The department also runs a number of treatment groups including Tree of Life to which our Assistants contribute. As well as clinical work there are opportunities to engage in research projects and teaching as required.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching Trusts in the country. Oxford is a nationally recognized centre for medical education, professional training and research and as such seeks to recruit and retain those at the forefront of their field. The Trust has a strong ethos of supporting staff to achieve their potential and there are opportunities for research, as well as access to training and professional development.
Oxford University Hospitals offer a wide range of general and specialist clinical services which include a thriving psychological presence across the life span. There is access to a range of resources across sites including library facilities, canteens and cafes as well as an established staff support and well-being service.
The city itself is a large and cosmopolitan one with a range of museums and art galleries. There is access to a range of shopping locations, a vibrant café and bar scene and a number of established music venues to suit all tastes. The city has served as the backdrop for many films and television series and there are a number of specialist tours for those who are keen to explore further. The city is surrounded by picturesque countryside with the Otmoor wildlife reserve, historic Woodstock and Blenheim Palace less than 30 minutes away. We are also within an hour of London and of Heathrow for those looking to travel further afield. For more information see
For a more detailed description of the job please see the attached job description and person specification.
You are also welcome to contact Dr Jacinta Cordwell (jacinta.cordwell@ouh.nhs.uk) if you would like to discuss the post.
This advert closes on Sunday 26 Jan 2025
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