Job summary 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. Main duties of the job 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. About us 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 caf 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 https://www.visitoxford.org. Date posted 20 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Per Annum / Pro Rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 321-CSS-6832230-B5 Job locations Children's Hospital Oxford Headley Way Oxford OX3 9DU Job description Job responsibilities 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.cordwellouh.nhs.uk) if you would like to discuss the post. Job description Job responsibilities 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.cordwellouh.nhs.uk) if you would like to discuss the post. Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Honours degree in Psychology (main subject) 2:1 or above Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society Desirable Further Qualification in an area relevant to the role (for example specific therapeutic training, additional child development training or post graduate training in neuropsychology Experience Essential Paid Assistant or Psychological Well-being Practitioner experience working with children and young people in health, social care or research Experience of psychological sssessment, formulation and intervention under supervision Desirable Paid assistant psychologist experience with young people in a medical setting Additional experience working with clients presenting with anxiety Experience of working as a Psychological Well-being Practitioner with adults KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Knowledge of child development, as expected from honours degree and in keeping with the job requirements High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive (in keeping with the job requirements - see JD). Understanding of the issues involved in working in a team. Ability to relate to others with sensitivity and to cope with high levels of distress in others. An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge (from honours degree and work experience) to a medical setting. Desirable Ability to administer and score psychometric measures under supervision Personal Qualities Essential To demonstrate effective time management skills Interest in developing skills through further training in relevant aspects of paediatric Psychology Ability to communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds Desirable Experience of working with clients who may have difficulties in communication for example sensory impairment or where English may not be a first language Other Essential Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively (assessed at interview). Team worker Desirable Car driver Person Specification Training & Qualifications Essential Honours degree in Psychology (main subject) 2:1 or above Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society Desirable Further Qualification in an area relevant to the role (for example specific therapeutic training, additional child development training or post graduate training in neuropsychology Experience Essential Paid Assistant or Psychological Well-being Practitioner experience working with children and young people in health, social care or research Experience of psychological sssessment, formulation and intervention under supervision Desirable Paid assistant psychologist experience with young people in a medical setting Additional experience working with clients presenting with anxiety Experience of working as a Psychological Well-being Practitioner with adults KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Knowledge of child development, as expected from honours degree and in keeping with the job requirements High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive (in keeping with the job requirements - see JD). Understanding of the issues involved in working in a team. Ability to relate to others with sensitivity and to cope with high levels of distress in others. An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge (from honours degree and work experience) to a medical setting. Desirable Ability to administer and score psychometric measures under supervision Personal Qualities Essential To demonstrate effective time management skills Interest in developing skills through further training in relevant aspects of paediatric Psychology Ability to communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds Desirable Experience of working with clients who may have difficulties in communication for example sensory impairment or where English may not be a first language Other Essential Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively (assessed at interview). Team worker Desirable Car driver 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Children's Hospital Oxford Headley Way Oxford OX3 9DU Employer's website https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)