Assistant Psychologist inEastchurch inEastchurch PUBLISHED TUE 7 JAN 2025

GOOD SALARY
MENTAL HEALTH NHS

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust rGNKMGB5

Opportunity to work alongside experienced Clinical Psychologists and contribute to the overall psychology provision in prisons.

Hands-on experience in facilitating therapeutic groups and conducting individual psychology and neuropsychology assessments.

Independently manage clinical responsibilities while adhering to protocols and plans agreed upon with qualified psychologists.

Access to regular clinical supervision and a wide range of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities within the Trust.

Involvement in clinically related administration, audits, statistics collection, and the development of research projects, enhancing professional skills.

Engagement in a multidisciplinary team, promoting collaboration and learning from various healthcare professionals across multiple settings.

The Assistant Psychologist role at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in Eastchurch involves working closely with the Clinical Psychologist to provide psychological support within the prison system. Key responsibilities include facilitating therapeutic groups, conducting individual psychology and neuropsychology assessments, and collaborating with staff to manage service users. The role also encompasses various administrative tasks, engagement in audit or research projects, maintaining clinical records, and participating in professional development initiatives, supported by regular supervision from a qualified psychologist.

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust offers a wide range of healthcare services across community and secure environments, including mental health care and support for individuals with learning disabilities. The Trust emphasises the importance of maintaining high professional standards and provides opportunities for continuous professional development for its staff members. The organisation is committed to improving lives through the best possible care, operating across numerous sites, including hospitals and prisons in the South of England.

The post holder will have the opportunity of working alongside the Clinical Psychologist within the service.

The post holder will contribute to the overall psychology provision within the prisons. Clinical duties will include; facilitating psychologically informed therapeutic groups, individual psychology assessments (including neuropsychology assessments), and working with staff teams to support the management of service users. Working independently according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist and within the overall framework of the team’s policies and procedures. To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, and development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work.

Regular and routine clinical supervision with the Psychologist will be provided as well as access to the wider Trust CPD opportunities, including a specific monthly Assistant Psychologist CPD group.

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 and report writing 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 as might be required by the line manager for the post.

Oxleas offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services to people in community and secure environment settings. Our services include community health care such as district nursing and speech and language therapy, care for people with learning disabilities and mental health care such as psychiatry, nursing and therapies. Our multidisciplinary teams look after people of all ages and we work in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local councils and the voluntary sector and through our new provider collaboratives. Our 4,300 members of staff work in many different settings including hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children’s centres, schools and people’s homes.

We have over 125 sites in a variety of locations in the South of England. In London we operate within the Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley Greenwich and into Kent. We manage hospital sites including Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup and Memorial Hospital, Woolwich, as well as the Bracton Centre, our medium secure unit for people with mental health needs. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services providing healthcare to prisons within Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Kent and South London. We are proud of the care we provide and our people.

Our Purpose Is To Improve Lives By Providing The Best Possible Care To Our Patients And Their Families. This Is Strengthened By Our New Values

We’re Kind
We’re Fair
We Listen
We Care

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Clare Denny Job title: Recruitment & Retention Resourcing Officer Email address: Telephone number:

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More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

More about MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the fragility of mental well-being across different demographics, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. It has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of mental health care, accessibility, and the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses. Learn more...

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.