Assistant Psychologist in West Malling

Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd is a well-regarded psychology-led independent practice commissioned by the NHS to provide a range of services for adults with mental health needs (predominantly neurodivergent adults) across Kent and Medway. We are looking to appoint a full-time Assistant Psychologist, with strong interpersonal skills, to join our friendly and supportive team based at Kings Hill near Maidstone.

Main duties of the job

As an integral part of the team, the post-holder will provide clinical & administrative support to process referrals, compile risk summaries, conduct audits, service evaluations and provide a range of direct assessments and psychological interventions under the supervision of an experienced Registered Psychologist. The applicant should be positive, hardworking, organised and reliable, capable of preparing excellent clinical reports and carrying out direct clinical work. During the initial probationary period, there will be a requirement to work from our team base at Kings Hill, after which some flexibility may be negotiated around hybrid working. Travel to other parts of Kent will be essential to the clinical aspects of the role. There are opportunities for progression/preceptorship within the service, reflective practice, support for relevant CPD and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), as well as pay and annual leave being commensurate with NHS and a company pension scheme with Group/Life Cover benefit. There are opportunities to work in other parts of the wider service (e.g. CLDA, AMH & PBS) with appropriate training and supervision.

About us

Our well-established, vibrant and innovative team of experienced Health Practitioners includes Clinical and Forensic Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, a Speech and Language Therapist and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners. Previous applicants are welcome to re-apply. This job advert may close early if enough applications have been received prior to the closing date. Any applications received after the advert is closed will not be considered.

Job responsibilities

• Clinical: To assist in the assessment, formulation and delivery of appropriate autism-adapted clinical interventions for referred autistic adults in Kent, who may also have a learning disability but typically present with complex co-occurring neurodivergent issues, mental health and psychiatric disorders. This is with the aim of undertaking diagnostic assessments for clients who have been referred to us using evidence-based gold standard tools such as ADOS-4 and the ADI-R (full training desirable but not essential as it will be provided). It may also be to help referred clients maintain their place in the community and to reduce risk (i.e. of harm to self/others and to minimise the likelihood of related admissions to hospital or entering the criminal justice system).
• Teaching, training and supervision: To complete relevant training in order to develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties. To contribute to the training and support of other staff and volunteers in the service. To receive regular supervision from a Registered Psychologist.
• 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 data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified psychologists in evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other team members.
• General: 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 communicate effectively both verbally and through written material to clients and staff. To undertake specific administrative duties as required. To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by the Line Manager. To adhere to the company's policies and procedures at all times.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: A first-class or Upper-second class degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society. Postgraduate training (e.g. diploma, MSc) relevant to neurodivergent issues and mental health conditions.
• Experience: Relevant work experience with neurodivergent people with/without mental health conditions (e.g. Assistant Psychologist or other health, social care, or research roles). An interest in working with neurodivergent people. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in a statutory or voluntary care setting. Experience of working with neurodivergent people in a clinical setting. Experience of psychological assessment, therapy, or research with a mental health population. Experience of writing assessment reports.
• Knowledge & Skills: An understanding of the characteristics (strengths and support needs) of neurodivergent adults with co-occurring psychological/mental health difficulties. Ability to apply psychological knowledge to a mental health context. Graduate-level knowledge of psychological assessment, psychological research methodology and statistical analysis. Awareness of diversity issues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. An ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to effective team functioning. Ability to work independently using own initiative and under supervision. Ability to organise and prioritise workload and time. Clean driving licence and use of own car. A proven ability to develop positive relationships with people with mental health difficulties, their carers, and staff within a professional setting. High standard IT skills.
• Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills. A desire to explore a career in professional psychology.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£26,529 to £29,114 a year. Agenda for Change Pay Scale.