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- Tasks: Support young males in their therapeutic journey through assessments and engaging activities.
- Company: Apple Orchard provides a nurturing environment for young people aged 12-18 in rural Surrey and West Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension, employee discounts, wellbeing programmes, and fully funded training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a supportive and caring team culture.
- Qualifications: BSc in Psychology or MSc in progress; registration with BPS or HCPC required.
- Other info: Driving licence preferred due to rural location; DBS check required for successful applicants.
The predicted salary is between 23200 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract: Part time, permanent
Salary: £11,648 pro rata salary (£29,120 FTE)
Specific Hours: 16 hours per week (40 hours FTE)
Apple Orchard have five homes in Surrey and West Sussex. Each home is set in a rural location and offers a comfortable homely environment for young males aged 12-18 years. We currently have an opening for an experienced Assistant Psychologist to join our Therapy team, who specialise in assessment and intervention of adolescent males who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. We aim to help young people to develop insight into their experiences in order that they can move on from their often damaged traumatic past. We support them as they take steps to make sense of their lives by providing clear and safe boundaries and achievable goals. This includes positive reinforcement strategies such as reward charts and free time. Central to our work is the need to provide a high level of nurturing which ensures all the basic needs of the young person are met to the highest standard. This includes providing a home that has a warm and friendly atmosphere where great emphasis is placed on building supportive relationships and positive attachments.
Duties and responsibilities:
- You will be required to have knowledge of processing and interpreting cognitive and personality assessments under the supervision of a Forensic Psychologist.
- Have extensive administration skills to support all recording of work undertaken with the young male adults.
- Being able to feedback to young people, therapists and staff as required.
- You will need to input data, analysis and research, providing case summaries and background reports.
Essential Criteria:
- Must hold a BSc degree in Psychology or hold an MSc or be working towards an MSc as a minimum. Or have had specific Psychometric training.
- Be registered with either BPS or HCPC.
- You would need to be willing to engage the young people in a wide range of activities and support them through their time at Apple Orchard and support the young people through their therapeutic journey.
- You must be able to challenge unacceptable behaviour, provide firm boundaries and provide care which meets the needs of the individual.
- Must be able to work as part of a team.
- To follow delegated tasks and handovers.
- Be able to maintain policies and procedures.
- Can communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Be able to write and produce well written reports.
- Have the ability to engage and listen.
Desirable Criteria:
- The ideal candidate would have some experience of working with teenage boys or challenging behaviour and have a willingness to further develop their skills.
- Due to the home being in a rural area, you would need access to travel. A driving licence is desirable but not essential.
Benefits:
- Company pension.
- Access to our Exchange Employee Discount Scheme.
- Access to wellbeing programmes via our Exchange Provision.
- Promotion opportunities.
- Fully funded training for your recognised qualifications.
If you feel that you could use your skills to support this work through creating a caring and stimulating environment allowing for a range of opportunities and life experiences for the young people, then we want to hear from you. Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Assistant Psychologist employer: Polaris
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Psychologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of adolescent males who have engaged in harmful behaviour. Understanding their backgrounds and the therapeutic approaches used can help you connect better during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of psychology, especially those who work with young people. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cognitive and personality assessments. Be ready to share examples of how you've applied your knowledge in practical settings, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork skills by discussing past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others. Highlighting your ability to work within a team will be crucial, as this role requires strong collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Psychologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Assistant Psychologist. Emphasise any work with adolescents, particularly those with challenging behaviours, and include your educational qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with young people and your understanding of their needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide support and nurture, as well as your knowledge of psychological assessments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in communication, teamwork, and report writing. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with young people or managed challenging situations in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Show Your Passion for Psychology
Make sure to express your genuine interest in psychology, especially in working with adolescents. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenging behaviours and situations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed similar scenarios, highlighting your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Assessment Tools
Since the role involves processing cognitive and personality assessments, brush up on the tools and methods used in these evaluations. Being able to discuss them confidently will show your preparedness and understanding of the job requirements.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
This position requires collaboration with therapists and staff. Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams, how you contribute to group dynamics, and your approach to following delegated tasks and handovers.
