Research Assistant (CAMHS) | South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust

South West London & St George's Mental Health NHS Trust; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health trust in London is seeking a proactive Psychology graduate for a research position within their MHST teams. This role focuses on Emotionally Based School Avoidance, aiming to enhance support through research and evaluation. Applicants should possess a strong psychology degree, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. Join a progressive organization committed to improving mental health care.

Qualifications

• Ability to adapt based on feedback.
• Commitment to using data for clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Teach and supervise psychology staff.
• Assist in service development projects.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to work cohesively across stakeholders

Proactive approach

Motivation to learn

Education

Upper second class honours psychology degree

Job description

Overview

SWLSTG MH Trust currently runs 12 schools based Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) across Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth. These teams are part of the wider CAMHS directorate within the Trust. Each team is led and supervised by an experienced Clinical Psychologist. Our Trust headquarters is located within the grounds of Springfield University Hospital in Tooting. Your main base will be at The Priory CofE Primary School in Wimbledon but the role will involve travel throughout the borough of Merton to different schools or bases as necessary. There will also be the expectation to work productively from home as appropriate on occasion. Some flexibility is required around travel and a variability of work timetable. Clinically, although the role is predominantly research-focused, there may be occasional opportunities to shadow or support clinical work relevant to the project, under appropriate supervision from a qualified clinical psychologist.

Responsibilities

• Teaching, Training and Supervision: In common with all Psychology and Psychotherapies staff to receive regular 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 contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care as appropriate.
• Management, Recruitment and Service Development: To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
• To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.
• Research and Service Evaluation: To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
• To undertake qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
• To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
• Other: 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 resources and visual aids relevant to the research project, as required.
• To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

Role and Project

We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, collaborative Psychology graduate to join our MHST teams in Merton. The successful applicant will take on a research position looking at Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) across the borough. This is an exciting pilot project, which aims to explore school-based EBSA support across the borough, placing student and parent voices at the heart of auditing, evaluating and shaping EBSA support.

Applicants will require

• An upper second class honours psychology degree
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work cohesively across stakeholders
• Motivation to learn and be challenged
• Ability to use feedback and adapt accordingly
• Good organisational skills
• Commitment to using data to assess clinical outcomes
• A proactive approach and capacity to work independently

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'. This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.