Assistant Psychologist inReading inReading PUBLISHED 12 NOV 2024

Band 4 GOOD SALARY

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust rj459tsL

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Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust.

Job Summary

IN

TERNAL ONLY - THIS POST IS OPEN TO BERKSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS EMPLOYEES ONLY

An Assistant Psychologist with relevant experience to support and enhance the professional psychological care of clients within the Older People's Mental Health Service in the Reading locality.

To provide assessment including neuropsychological assessment as well as psychological interventions under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist, working independently according to a plan agreed with the Clinical Psychologist and within the overall framework of the team's policies and procedures.

To assist in doing group work and individual therapy with clients, in clinically related relevant service evaluation and audit projects, inclusive of data collection, analysis and report writing. To coordinate the provision of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the development and facilitation of groups, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, as appropriate.
To undertake psychological assessments of clients referred to the psychology service using neuropsychological assessments, self-report measures, standardised rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in a client's care, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.
To assist in the formulation of care plans involving the psychological treatment/management of patients in community settings under the supervision of the clinical lead.
To attend and contribute to MDT meetings as appropriate.
To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all users of the service.
To assist in conducting cognitive testing and neuropsychological assessments, under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.

About Us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our Values At Berkshire Healthcare Are

Caring for and about you is our top priority
Committed to providing good quality, safe services
Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

Flexible working options to support work-life balance
27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
Generous NHS pension scheme
Excellent learning and career development opportunities
'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
Free parking across Trust sites

Date posted

29 October 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-MHS557-A

Job locations

Prospect Park Hospital

Honey End Lane

Reading

RG30 4EJ

Job Description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for you to be considered for this role:

A passion and understanding for working with Older People
The ability to assess risk in both routine and urgent situations
Be a car driver with the ability and readiness to travel

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Nafera Kamara on or email: wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

Job description Job responsibilities

The must haves for you to be considered for this role:

A passion and understanding for working with Older People
The ability to assess risk in both routine and urgent situations
Be a car driver with the ability and readiness to travel

To assist in the development and facilitation of groups, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, as appropriate.
To undertake psychological assessments of clients referred to the psychology service using neuropsychological assessments, self-report measures, standardised rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in a client's care, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.
To assist in the formulation of care plans involving the psychological treatment/management of patients in community settings under the supervision of the clinical lead.
To attend and contribute to MDT meetings as appropriate.
To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all users of the service.
To assist in conducting cognitive testing and neuropsychological assessments, under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.

Caring for and about you is our top priority
Committed to providing good quality, safe services
Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

Flexible working options to support work-life balance
27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
Generous NHS pension scheme
Excellent learning and career development opportunities
'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
Free parking across Trust sites

A passion and understanding for working with Older People
The ability to assess risk in both routine and urgent situations
Be a car driver with the ability and readiness to travel

A passion and understanding for working with Older People
The ability to assess risk in both routine and urgent situations
Be a car driver with the ability and readiness to travel

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

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Useful skills for an Assistant Psychologist: Click to view

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.