Band 4 Assistant Psychologist - Chippenham

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service is looking for a Band 4 Assistant Psychologist to support clinical psychologists by providing high-quality psychological interventions under supervision. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, partake in clinical audits, and contribute to the evaluation of services. Candidates should hold a strong degree in psychology and possess relevant experience in mental health settings.

Qualifications

• Good honours degree in Psychology required.
• Experience in person-facing roles and understanding of mental health.
• Eligibility for BPS graduate membership.

Responsibilities

• Support Clinical/Counselling psychologists and deliver interventions.
• Assist in audit and evaluation of services.
• Maintain clinical records and participate in team meetings.

Skills

Understanding of common mental health problems

Experience of person-facing work

Knowledge of safeguarding

Education

Good (First or 2:1) honours degree in Psychology

Eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS

Valid driving licence for the UK

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL

·To support the Clinical/Counselling psychologists within the base service.

·Where required, to prepare and deliver high quality psychological interventions under supervision, either individually or in groups.

·Where required, to offer high quality psychological assessments following instructions appropriate to the assessment tools/processes.

·To gather and organise information about clinical notes, relevant psychological interventions and clinical tools for use by other staff.

·To work alongside other team members and ensure close liaison and communication within teams.

·To work at level of autonomy appropriate to a Band 4 Assistant Psychologist. Goals to be agreed and reviewed in clinical/management supervision.

·To maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times when working with distressed people.

·To maintain clinical records, databases and other professional records as appropriate.

TEACHING AND TRAINING

·To undertake such training as might be required to maintain an appropriate level of expertise.

·To assist with the delivery of teaching and training for other members of the multidisciplinary team and staff in other agencies, in collaboration with qualified staff.

RESEARCH AND AUDIT

·Where required, to assist with the audit and evaluation of the service in collaboration with qualified clinical and counselling psychologists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

·To compile and return statistics and activity levels as required.

·Where required, to undertake literature searches and reviews.

PROFESSIONAL

·To understand and practice in line with the BPS (2009) Code of Ethics and Conduct and the DCP (2008) Professional Practice Guidelines on the role

·To participate in team business and professional meetings as appropriate.

·To be aware of and comply with all policies, procedures and directions of the Department, Service and Trust.

·To seek regular support and clinical supervision from a Practitioner Psychologist.

·To participate in individual, group and peer supervision.

·To participate in meetings with members of nursing staff and MDTs as appropriate.

·To maintain accurate and appropriate records of work.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

·To participate in service governance processes to ensure a safe and effective service.

·To support and participate in multidisciplinary clinical audit.

·To liaise with other disciplines and agencies to ensure best practice is shared.

·To promote the use of effective interventions in the service.

GENERAL

·To assist in the production of resources and materials used by the service

·To assist with the general running of the Team/Service e.g. minuting department meetings.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential criteria

• Good (First or 2:1) honours degree in Psychology
• Eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS
• Valid driving licence for the UK and access to a car for work purposes

Desirable criteria

• Introductory training in a psychological therapy

Experience and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Experience of person-facing work, either paid or voluntary.
• Understanding of common mental health problems
• Knowledge of safeguarding

Desirable criteria

• Audit or research experience.
• Experience of working in a health or care role.
• Experience of working with a range of client groups
• Experience of working with diversity
• Experience of working with or understanding of perinatal mental health