Assistant Psychologist HMP Woodhill

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

11d ago

Job
Full-time
Entry, Junior & Mid Level
Research & Development
Healthcare
Milton Keynes

AI generated summary

You need a 2:1 Psychology degree, relevant clinical experience, teamwork skills, research knowledge, IT proficiency, and the ability to manage emotional distress and complex information.
You will assist with assessments, interventions, data management, and service evaluation while supporting treatment and facilitating psycho-educational groups under supervision.

Requirements

Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS
Relevant clinical and research skills
Experience of working as part of a team
Basic knowledge of databases, research skills and methodology
Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health context
An understanding of psychology applied to health care
Further post graduate training in relevant area of professional psychology, health and social care practice, and / or research design and analysis
Experience of working with people with complex needs
Experience of working with people with disabilities, in a health or Mental Health setting and or work with people with complex needs
Experience of the use of psychometric tests
Experience of group work and individual therapeutic contact
Experience of in-patient settings
Experience of teaching other health professionals
Lived experience of mental health issues
To be able to communicate effectively under pressure and maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times
To be able to provide and receive complex sensitive or contentious information in a potentially highly emotive atmosphere. To be able to work with resistance to ideas
High standard of report writing
To assimilate complex information and use reflective/analytic thinking, to apply psychological perspectives in work in a healthcare setting
Ability to be flexible and cope with multiple demands. Capable of using initiative and organise work to agreed goals. Ability to work independently and know when to ask for and use supervision, identifying when there is need for advice and using supervision at agreed intervals
Information technology skills. To have highly developed IT skills and good working knowledge of statistical packages
Need to maintain frequent high levels of concentration for long periods in managing agreed projects alone or with team members
Ability to tolerate and remain calm in the face of high levels of emotional distress and emotional demands
Ability to tolerate occasional exposure to verbal abuse and hostility
Ability to use a PC
To sit for extended periods of time in constrained positions in order to complete PC-based projects and other project tasks

Responsibilities

To undertake projects relating to service development and evaluation.
To set up databases, spreadsheets and using advanced IT skills in evaluation audit and research.
To support assessment and treatment interventions undertaken by the service as appropriate to level of competence and training.
To undertake direct and indirect clinical work as required under live or regular supervision from qualified applied HPC registered Psychologist.
To plan, organise and co-teach psycho-educational courses and groups with appropriately qualified professional staff.
To liaise with a range of services (including health, social care and voluntary agencies) relevant to the working area.
To undertake assessments and interventions (for example neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews of clients, family members and others involved in the clients care), as appropriate to level of training, competence and under live or regular supervision from a qualified practitioner Psychologist.
To assist in the development of psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service.
To formulate and deliver care, training or research plans within settings where there may be a hostile atmosphere, challenging behaviour or high levels of expressed emotion.
To conduct literature searches, collate audit and outcome evidence, analyse relevant data and produce reports to inform and enhance care delivered by the service.
To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups, training or research projects.
If required, to compile risk histories to inform care plans, risk and crisis plans.
To work with other team members to improve care, training and research practices and the quality of life of clients.
To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings.
To support the delivery of evidence based psychological interventions for clients.
To carry out other clinical and administrative tasks as appropriate to the post holder’s grade.
To be up to date with both de-escalation, physical breakaway and PMVA techniques appropriate to the service environment.

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the Assistant Psychologist position?

Candidates must hold an Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology or an equivalent qualification. They should also be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Is prior experience required for this job?

No specific prior experience is required, but relevant clinical and research skills, as well as some experience of working as part of a team, are essential.

What type of supervision will I receive in this role?

You will work under live or regular supervision from qualified applied HPC registered Psychologists and/or Psychological Therapists.

Will I have the opportunity to contribute to psychological practices?

Yes, the role entails supporting and enhancing professional psychological practice within the service, helping to improve assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

Is training provided for new staff?

Yes, the organization provides opportunities for staff development and career advancement.

Will I be required to work with clients who exhibit challenging behavior?

Yes, the role involves formulating and delivering care plans in environments where there may be a hostile atmosphere and challenging behavior.

What IT skills are necessary for this position?

Candidates should have highly developed IT skills, including a good working knowledge of statistical packages, and experience in setting up databases and spreadsheets.

Is experience with psychometric tests necessary for this job?

While experience with psychometric tests is desirable, it is not a mandatory requirement.

Will I be involved in multi-disciplinary meetings?

Yes, attendance and contribution to multi-disciplinary meetings are part of the responsibilities of this role.

Are there opportunities to co-teach or run therapeutic groups in this position?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to plan, organize, and co-teach psycho-educational courses and groups with qualified professional staff.

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.