Assistant Psychologist - Band 4

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

3d ago

Job
Full-time
Entry & Junior Level
Research & Development
Healthcare
London

AI generated summary

You must have an accredited psychology degree, mental health understanding, research knowledge, health experience, strong communication skills, IT proficiency, and the ability to work in stressful settings.
You will manage referrals, assist psychologists, maintain databases, support patients, attend meetings, conduct audits, and ensure adherence to service guidelines while receiving supervision.

Requirements

1. An upper-second-class or higher Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology or MSc Psychology Conversion that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society
2. Understanding of psychology and mental health as applied to health
3. Knowledge of psychological research methodology and statistical analysis
4. Awareness of equality and diversity issues through attendance of relevant training or spaces where this is considered actively
5. Experience of working in a health, mental health or social care setting
6. Experience of conducting research projects or audits
7. Experience that supports working with diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through work, research, volunteering and / or lived experience.
8. High level verbal communication skills including the ability to adapt and communicate sensitive information for multiple audiences. Please provide examples.
9. High level written communication skills
10. Well-developed IT skills including management of databases, data entry and analysis of research data
11. Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively
12. Ability to identify and follow relevant clinical governance procedures.
13. Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, participating in effective team functioning and holding team roles
14. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
15. Ability to be in the presence of emotionally stressful situations such as patients, family members or staff who are distressed by present or past events on the wards

Responsibilities

To support and enhance the provision of psychological care for patients referred to the Psycho-oncology service through management of referrals following service procedures and protocols. This includes contacting all patients to book appointments and liaison with patients seeking psychological support.
To attend weekly team meetings / complex case discussion and record team discussion
To manage the administrative aspects of the service through maintenance of the referrals database and entry of appointments on the hospital electronic patient record system (Cerner).
To support psychological practitioners in the delivery of brief assessment and intervention for a small number of patients as discussed with the team and through supervision as experience permits
To support practitioner psychologists with clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work, as agreed in supervision
To work following guidelines and the policies and procedures of the service, while closely supervised and regularly seeking help from clinical/professional supervisors or managers.
To contribute to the effective working of the psycho-oncology service by helping to register new referrals, contacting and liaising with patients and staff to book psychology appointments
To facilitate the delivery of outcome measures as and where appropriate
To support a small number of patients as experience permits
To assist psychologists in audit of the clinical work they carry out with patients, their families and with staff.
To act in a manner that supports a psychologically informed framework for the service.
To follow policies and procedures in own area of work
To participate in the consultation and engagement of service users in evaluating the psychology services so as to meet the needs of local communities in a way which recognises diverse needs and different attitudes.
To take care of, and use carefully, the Trust’s equipment and physical resources.
To disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations or published articles.
To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded as required by Trust policies and local procedures.
Under the supervision of the practitioner psychologist to maintain the highest standards of record keeping and report writing, according to professional and Trust guidelines, including electronic data entry.
To maintain databases and enter data, and perform analyses and produce reports.
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 in the development in the Trust of evidence based practice.
Under guidance to conduct surveys with service users and carers to gather views on service provision
To receive regular clinical and professional supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines
To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post-holder is employed.
To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
To undertake personal training relevant to the post in agreement with the supervising psychologist and the manager.
To travel to meetings hospital sites as appropriate and across the Trust when required.
To complete all mandatory training in a timely fashion and to enter supervision sessions on the relevant portal and follow trust policies relating to its management

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the Assistant Psychologist position?

An upper-second-class or higher Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology or an MSc Psychology Conversion accredited by the British Psychological Society, which confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society.

Is experience in a healthcare setting necessary for this role?

Yes, experience of working in a health, mental health, or social care setting is essential for this position.

What are the main clinical responsibilities of the Assistant Psychologist?

Main clinical responsibilities include managing referrals, contacting patients, delivering brief assessments and interventions, and supporting psychological practitioners with related administration and audits.

Will I receive supervision in this role?

Yes, the post holder will receive supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist, as well as have opportunities for group supervision.

Are there opportunities for professional development and training?

Yes, the post holder will have access to regular professional meetings, continuing professional development (CPD), and will be encouraged to participate in relevant training.

What type of communication skills are required for this position?

High-level verbal communication skills are required, including the ability to adapt and communicate sensitive information effectively to multiple audiences.

Can I apply if my experience is mostly through volunteering?

Yes, experience that supports working with diversity within local communities can be gained through work, research, volunteering, and/or lived experience.

Is the role location flexible?

The post holder will be based across St Mary’s, Charing Cross, and Hammersmith Hospitals, with some opportunity for remote working.

What is the process for booking appointments for patients?

The Assistant Psychologist will contact patients to book appointments and liaise with them seeking psychological support.

Are there any desirable criteria for applicants?

Yes, desirable criteria include further CPD or postgraduate training relevant to health, experience within the NHS or medical settings, and experience in delivering psychological therapies or psychoeducation.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

There's a place for you at CNWL.

Science & Healthcare

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has almost 6,550 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes, Surrey and areas beyond. We provide a wide range of services to treat people with a a variety of health needs, including common physical health problems, long-term conditions, mental health, learning disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and sexual health. We are here to provide support for people through every stage of life. Our catchment area covers a range of vibrant and diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken, ranging from areas of deprivation to areas of affluence. We are committed to providing services that need the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference.