Assistant Psychologist

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our team at Dukes Wood School in Nottinghamshire. Working under the direction of the Clinical Psychologist, you will play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing, engagement and personal development of children and young people with SEMH and ASC needs.

You will work within a clinical team of Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy delivering direct and indirect interventions to support students who may struggle with attendance, behaviour, emotional regulation or engagement with learning. You will also work closely with staff to support holistic understanding of their needs and developing trauma-informed practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake baseline assessments and wellbeing interventions (for example emotional literacy, Neurodevelopmental profiler, SDQ, observations, consultation and assessments as appropriate) under supervision from a HCPC registered clinical psychologist.
• To undertake protocol based psychological assessments including neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales and direct and indirect structured observations under the supervision of a HCPC registered clinical psychologist.
• Support in the collation of assessment information to assist the development of whole school, class and individual level interventions.
• Casework linked with neurodiverse profiles and psychological formulations.
• Reflection of trauma informed practice in training, interventions and casework.
• Joint writing of baseline reports as required alongside the clinical psychologist.
• Reflect on EHCP plans in assessments and supporting young people.
• Assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups or research projects.
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of training in areas of psychology to relevant school and care staff members.
• Lead on the collection of the wellbeing routine outcome measures and maintain the database.
• Support with collecting data regarding clinical team activity and impact, as identified by the qualified psychologist.
• Lead in the development of psychological resources and materials.
• Conduct literature searches and carry out other clinical and administrative duties as appropriate to the post holder’s grade.
• Promote the wider aspirations and values of the school.
• Adhere to all working protocols.
• Attend daily briefings/handovers as required.

Administration

• Support and develop existing systems for the efficient administration tasks required within the psychology processes / wider clinical team for service provision. Linking with impact measurement.
• Work with the school SENCo to reflect on the needs of pupils and embed good practice, linking with their EHCP.
• Assist in the co-ordination of MDT referrals meetings, for example collating new referrals and supporting minute-taking.
• Maintain the highest standards of record keeping, quality of statistical data and report writing in accordance with professionals’ codes of practice of the BPS and Dukes Wood School’s policies and procedures.
• Follow all of the Kedleston/Dukes Wood School policies and procedures.
• Maintain and safely store all psychology tests, materials and other equipment.
• Manage their work diary and plan accordingly.

Other Professional Requirements

• Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the school.
• Report immediately any incidents adversely affecting children/young people, their families, staff members, or visitors on site in accordance with company policy.
• Be aware of and follow psychological guidance e.g. BPS code of ethics and conduct and Professional Practice Guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality as outlined in accordance with the psychological guidance above, in line with GDPR.
• Develop the skills and competencies that assist the delivery of current duties.
• Take responsibility for professional learning.
• Engage in relevant CPD as required and maintain a log.
• Work with professionals from relevant outside agencies or bodies as required.
• Attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews.
• Participate in weekly supervision. A minimum of one hour per week of supervision will be offered by a qualified clinical psychologist, this will be provided face to face or via video call, in a confidential setting.
• In addition to this there will be opportunities to work alongside a qualified psychologist as required for more complex casework work and opportunities for informal supervision as required.

Other duties

• Keeping up to date with matters relating to the school, its pupils, policies and curriculum.
• Attend regular meetings.
• Undertake relevant CPD.
• Carrying out other duties, as directed by the headteacher, in accordance with school policies and procedures.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• An approved qualification in Psychology conferring eligibility registration with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
• Skills in effective communication with children, staff and families.
• Abilities in analysing complex information and maintaining dataset.
• Understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Experience of working with people with a range of needs including developmental trauma; neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs.
• Experience of delivering brief structured psychological intervention under supervision or other relevant clinical/clinical-research experience.
• Good organisational skills, time management and ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a highly charged environment, demonstrating resiliency and compassion.

Our School Community

At Dukes Wood School, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our inclusive, therapeutic approach and our close partnership with families.

Join Us

Dukes Wood School part of Kedleston Group, is an independent specialist day school near Newark in Nottinghamshire, for children and young people aged between the ages of 9 and 17. We provide a safe learning environment for children and young people with a wide range of varying needs including social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), autism (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attachment difficulties (AD).

If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people, committed to inclusive practice and eager to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues at all times.

The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming application from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

We offer:

• a competitive salary and enhanced pension contributions for qualified teachers
• a comprehensive induction programme so you can hit the ground running
• continued professional development and training
• a friendly, passionate team committed to getting the best outcomes for our young people
• bonuses for refer a friend and successful OFSTED inspections
• life assurance
• cycle to work scheme, employee perks and discounts platform
• birthday treats, long service and employee of the month awards
• employee assistance and counselling service, wellbeing support and advice, free flu jab