Assistant Psychologist Bishops Stortford, England
Job description
Summary of responsibilities
The Assistant Psychologist works within the Wellbeing Department.
To provide ‘1:1 Wellbeing sessions’ for young people where additional support is required, that can be targeted around identifying the cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms of their presentation and implementing coping strategies to support them.
To assist in assessments, interventions and evaluation reports for young people as part of White Trees Residential homes. This includes: completing the Psychological Formulation, Assessment and Treatment Plans, and Psychological Target Reviews. To share findings from CISS (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations) / RES (Resilience Scales for Children and Adolescents) reports, which the Clinical Psychologist analyses and writes. To oversee Key working and Psychological Targets to monitor progression and decline and support in identifying areas of development for the young people.
To assist in implementation both mandatory and bespoke training for each home and provide staff with a better understanding of how to utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed approaches to working with the young people to better manage their behaviour and regulate their emotions. To assist in the implementation of monthly induction training to new/existing staff as well as training to school staff for a better understanding around certain topics such as; Developmental Trauma, Attachment Theory, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Awareness training.
To provide support to staff in identifying approaches to working with the young people upon request, and when attending Team Meetings. Team meetings are on a monthly basis, the Wellbeing Lead will attend and support staff in each meeting.
To provide support to staff through reflective de-briefs around significant events or incidents. To provide additional support to staff where requested to support them in meeting the demands of their role and identify barriers to effective working.
To liaise with Professionals for example, Social Workers and CAMHS / EWMHS to ensure effective communication around therapeutic input for the young people where needed and provide reports to support in LAC Reviews and Placement Meetings. In addition, to liaise with each home's Wellbeing Lead to plan and discuss each young person’s therapeutic path, the support they will require and assisting with the relevant psychological assessments.
The above duties are carried out with the support of the Senior Management Team and Wellbeing Department. Clinical Supervisions are provided regularly with the Clinical Psychologist.
Main duties
1* Clinical*
1.1 To undertake psychological assessments, including questionnaires, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi structured interviews with young people and adults involved in their care under the guidance of the Clinical Psychologist within supervision. Additional support provided through regular supervisions with the Head of Wellbeing.
1.2 To assist in the preparation and delivery of assessment, intervention and care planning reports under the clinical supervision of the Clinical Psychologist.
1.3 To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plan and therapeutic support individually and systemically through support staff, involving the therapeutic / psychological support and management of a young person’s difficulties in line with White Trees policies, under the guidance of the Clinical Psychologist. Additional support provided through regular supervisions with the Head of Wellbeing.
1.4 To provide ‘1:1 wellbeing sessions’ to young people when this is requested and agreed to be an appropriate level therapeutic intervention. To maintain a caseload with guidance and clinical supervision from the Clinical Psychologist as well as line management supervision provided by the Head of Wellbeing.
1.5 To attend appropriate meetings at the Head Office as required with guidance from the Head of Wellbeing.
1.6 To contribute a young person’s perspective in team case discussions.
1.7 To participate in risk assessments with senior staff / home managers.
1.8 To ensure care is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of young people and staff inform practice.
1.9 To follow and operate with the British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct and Practice Guideline (https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologists/standards-and-guidelines)
1.10 With support from a Clinical Psychologist, the Head of Wellbeing and senior colleagues, to seek to incorporate best practice by integrating the findings from research, audits, investigations, enquiries, complaints and satisfaction surveys in psychological assessment and intervention.
1.11 To participate in audit, collection of statistics and evaluation activity within the speciality under the direction and guidance of the Clinical Psychologist and Head of Wellbeing.
1.12 To have knowledge of and act in accordance with White Trees Group Child Protection Procedures.
1.13 To comply with all White Trees Group policies and procedures.
1.14 To participate in regular clinical and line management supervision systems as well as the Individual Performance Review/Appraisal process, CPD, and mandatory training.
2* Leadership*
2.1 To assist in the implementation of staff training with the support of the Head of Wellbeing and through supervision with the Clinical Psychologist.
2.2 Under the guidance of and through supervision with the Clinical Psychologist, to provide advice, guidance and consultation to staff, contributing directly to young people’s care plans.
3* Administrative*
3.1 To maintain clinical notes / records to agreed standards and timescales as set by White Trees Group record keeping policies.
3.2 To provide up to date reports on young people.
3.3 To provide literature searches / handouts / training materials in support of evidence based treatment requirements.
3.4 To collect and analyse data for audit, service planning and outcome / evaluation purposes.
3.5 To research literature and update psychological resources within the homes.
4* Education*
4.1 To participate in regular clinical supervision (fortnightly) with the Clinical Psychologist.
4.2 To participate in regular (approximately once a month) Line Management Supervision with the Head of Wellbeing.
4.3 To attend and engage in in-house training opportunities.
4.4 To ensure continuing professional development (e.g. reading relevant literature, training courses, workshops)
4.5 To meet with and shadow colleagues and relevant outside agencies as part of the induction process in order to enhance knowledge / skills, facilitate sound networking and to learn about different processes as well as procedures within and between services.
4.6 To undertake such reading and training as required to fulfil ongoing clinical needs (e.g. acquire a basic knowledge of a range of common mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions and have knowledge of psychological assessment tools for use with children and adolescents).
5* Limits of Authority*
5.1 May not take annual leave without prior agreement of the manager.
5.2 May authorise expenditure for resources (e.g. books, sensory items) to support young people’s psychological wellbeing within agreed limits.
6* General Requirements*
Ensure they:
● Are familiar with and adhere to policies and procedures at all times.
● Are aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and the specific responsibilities placed on individuals who care for such clients. Adhering to any relevant safeguarding policies and acting in a way that safeguards the health, safety and well- being of children at all times.
● Take all reasonable steps to manage and promote a safe and healthy working environment which is free from discrimination.
● Comply with the White Trees Group policy on confidentiality and The Data Protection Act 2018 / General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), relating to information held manually or on computerised systems.
● Respect the confidentiality and privacy of clients and staff at all times.
● Participate in health and safety training.
● Participate in personal training, development, appraisal, and attend all relevant training courses as required.
● Comply with the professional body (British Psychological Society) code of conduct.
Candidates are required to hold a Degree in Psychology. Part time / Flexible hours are also available within this role.
The job description will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process, to ensure that it reflects the responsibilities of the post. No changes will be made without full consultation with the post holder.
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bishop's Stortford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: One location
