Assistant Psychologist inUxbridge inUxbridge PUBLISHED 13 SEP 2024
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An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
Job Overview- An additional part of role will be to support professionals who are providing psychological support for the ‘Staying Close’ project. Staying Close aims to provide stable accommodation and comprehensive support to care-experienced young people, aged 18+, who are leaving residential or supported living placements. This will be delivered in partnership with a range of agencies and organisations, including health, education, and employment providers. The aim is to ensure that young people receive joined-up support that meets their needs
- To support and enhance the professional psychological care of children, young people and their carers across all sectors of social care; providing psychological assessment and interventions under the supervision and direction of a qualified clinical psychologist, working according to the plan agreed with a qualified clinical psychologist and within the overall framework of the Service’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.
- To undertake direct and indirect structured observations of clients.
- To assist the qualified clinical psychologists by developing resources for use with children, young people and their families.
- To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologists.
- To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups where required.
- 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.
- To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.
- To join the Multi Agency Psychological Support (MAPS) Service - which is located in the local authority (London Borough of Hillingdon) and is part of an existing NHS service. The MAPS service comprises of a team of psychologists and art psychotherapists, providing a service for children, young people and young adults who are in/leaving care and/or adopted or have special guardianship orders, or who are children in need of protection, children in need, or vulnerable children referred to the stronger families service. We work closely with our Hillingdon CAMHS service.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Research and service evaluation
- To assist in the design and implementation of audit and service evaluation projects.
- To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
- To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
- 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 post holder’s professional and team/operational manager(s).
- To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping, report writing and consultation records in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.
- To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
- To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
- To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by their Psychology Manager.
- To contribute to gathering information in order to develop comprehensive formulations with the Clinical Psychologist.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 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, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential criteria
- Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Experience of working within a CAMHS Service
- Experience of work in direct care provision.
- Experience of working with children who are looked after or on the edge of care with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Experience of working within a Social Services setting.
Knowledge And Skills
Essential criteria
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
- Ability to communicate sensitive 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
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care.
- Experience of running groups.
- Experience of collecting and analysing routine outcome measures.
- High stand of report writing
- Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis.
Essential criteria
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact with people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.
- Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
Job Overview
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Research and service evaluation
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
Experience
Essential criteria
Knowledge And Skills
Essential criteria
Essential criteria
- An additional part of role will be to support professionals who are providing psychological support for the ‘Staying Close’ project. Staying Close aims to provide stable accommodation and comprehensive support to care-experienced young people, aged 18+, who are leaving residential or supported living placements. This will be delivered in partnership with a range of agencies and organisations, including health, education, and employment providers. The aim is to ensure that young people receive joined-up support that meets their needs
- To support and enhance the professional psychological care of children, young people and their carers across all sectors of social care; providing psychological assessment and interventions under the supervision and direction of a qualified clinical psychologist, working according to the plan agreed with a qualified clinical psychologist and within the overall framework of the Service’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.
- To undertake direct and indirect structured observations of clients.
- To assist the qualified clinical psychologists by developing resources for use with children, young people and their families.
- To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologists.
- To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups where required.
- 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.
- To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.
- To join the Multi Agency Psychological Support (MAPS) Service - which is located in the local authority (London Borough of Hillingdon) and is part of an existing NHS service. The MAPS service comprises of a team of psychologists and art psychotherapists, providing a service for children, young people and young adults who are in/leaving care and/or adopted or have special guardianship orders, or who are children in need of protection, children in need, or vulnerable children referred to the stronger families service. We work closely with our Hillingdon CAMHS service.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Research and service evaluation
- To assist in the design and implementation of audit and service evaluation projects.
- To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
- To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
- 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 post holder’s professional and team/operational manager(s).
- To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping, report writing and consultation records in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.
- To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
- To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
- To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by their Psychology Manager.
- To contribute to gathering information in order to develop comprehensive formulations with the Clinical Psychologist.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 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, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential criteria
- Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Experience of working within a CAMHS Service
- Experience of work in direct care provision.
- Experience of working with children who are looked after or on the edge of care with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Experience of working within a Social Services setting.
Knowledge And Skills
Essential criteria
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
- Ability to communicate sensitive 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
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care.
- Experience of running groups.
- Experience of collecting and analysing routine outcome measures.
- High stand of report writing
- Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis.
Essential criteria
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact with people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.
- Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
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Useful skills for an Assistant Psychologist:
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To work as an Assistant Psychologist in the UK, several skills and qualifications are generally expected. While specific requirements may vary by employer, here are some key skills and attributes that are typically valuable for this role:
1. Educational Background
- Relevant Degree: A degree in psychology or a closely related field, typically at least at the upper second-class level (2:1) is usually required.
- Knowledge of Psychological Principles: Understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and statistics.
2. Experience
- Work Experience: Previous experience in a psychological or clinical setting is often beneficial. This could include volunteering, internships, or paid roles that involve direct contact with clients.
- Research Experience: Experience in conducting or assisting with psychological research can be advantageous.
3. Communication Skills
- Verbal Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
- Written Communication: Strong writing skills for documenting assessments, reports, and research findings.
4. Interpersonal Skills
- Empathy and Rapport Building: Ability to empathize with clients and build strong therapeutic relationships.
- Active Listening: Skill in listening to clients’ concerns and responding appropriately.
5. Analytical Skills
- Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex information, assess clients' needs, and contribute to treatment plans.
- Problem-Solving: Aptitude for addressing challenges and developing effective solutions.
6. Organizational Skills
- Time Management: Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Record Keeping: Strong attention to detail in maintaining accurate and confidential records.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration
- Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals, including psychologists, therapists, and healthcare staff.
8. Sensitivity and Professionalism
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Awareness of ethical considerations in psychology.
9. Adaptability and Resilience
- Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and manage stressful situations effectively.
10. Continued Professional Development
- A commitment to ongoing learning and development within the field of psychology, including engaging in relevant training and workshops.
Additional Considerations:
- Membership in Professional Bodies: While not always required, registration with organizations like the British Psychological Society (BPS) may enhance your qualifications.
- Specialized Skills: Depending on the specific area the role is focused on (e.g., clinical, educational, forensic psychology), additional specialized skills may be relevant.
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inUxbridge
51.54850006103516 -0.4796110093593597 Uxbridge, England, United Kingdom 
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