Assistant Psychologist-adult Mental Health

Responsible to: Clinical Psychologist

To support and enhance the development and implementation of the Psychology Service within CES Champions Charity. To work under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist working independently, where appropriate, according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist and within the overall framework of the team’s policies and procedures. To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work.

ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CAUDA EQUINA CHAMPIONS CHARITY

The charity's mission is to raise awareness of CES, reduce trauma and isolation following diagnosis, and promote positive recoveries. They offer a range of bespoke services, including Clinical psychology, Psychosexual and CBT Therapy. The charity’s psychology service sits at its very core, as it works to plug the gaps in NHS services offered to people living with chronic cauda equina syndrome. The charity has developed a strong team of therapists who have experience and insight into the issues this patient group uniquely face, and focus is on the development and continuous improvement of this service.

Clinical (under supervision)

To assist in the development of a “psychologically-based” framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place e.g. assisting in preparation of treatment plans, self-help materials and psycho educational materials.

Teaching, training and supervision

To gain wider experience of professional psychology. To assist qualified professional psychologists in the delivery of teaching and training. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes. 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 postholder’s manager. 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 Board policies and procedures. To adhere to the Healthcare Support Worker code of conduct.

The postholder would be responsible for the correct and appropriate use of psychometric testing equipment involving the precise manipulation of equipment in a clinical setting in tests which are often timed. The postholder would be required to use computer software for databases, statistical analysis for research and for the preparation of materials for clinical use. In addition, a requirement of the job would be to develop and maintain a clinical database and extract appropriate information for the purposes of research and audit and to inform service developments. Competence in the use of databases and internet systems is essential.

Clinical supervision will be available more often, as required. While work would be carried out independently, this would be within the guidance and supervision of a clinical psychologist and line manager. To establish a rapport with individuals who have mental health needs, learning disabilities or other difficulties, some of whom may be distressed. To write reports on research and audit activities which are clear, concise and provide some interpretation/analysis of work. In assessment and psychometric testing, the postholder would be required to manipulate intricate test materials in specific ways and under pressure of time while recording responses. Some keyboard skills would be necessary in the use of computers. Required to sit in a constrained position for client therapy/interview sessions. To exercise initiative within the boundaries of supervised practice and defined clinical/research parameters.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

• An upper second-class honours degree or higher in psychology.
• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, physical health, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
• Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
• Experience of work in physical health settings.
• Experience of work within spinal cord injury settings.
• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
• An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.
• A theoretical framework in psychology, particularly in the areas of applied psychology and developmental psychology.
• Good IT skills with an advanced ability to use word processing, database and statistical software packages.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
• Understanding of data collection and ability to complete an audit/service evaluation.
• High standard of report writing.
• An ability to interact with people with mental health problems or disabilities.
• An interest in working in physical and mental health settings.