Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

1. An upper second class (2:1) honours degree or higher in psychology, or an equivalent qualification, which confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
2. Demonstrable interest and/or learning in relevant areas of applied psychology and mental health practice
3. Experience that supports working with people with mental health difficulties, neurological difficulties or learning disability: This could have been obtained through employment, volunteering, lived experience or research or education
4. Ability to conduct service evaluation and research particularly within a clinical setting
5. Ability to travel independently between locations to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position, with minimal impact on daily productivity
6. Experience of socio-economic disadvantage that has caused barriers to access to unpaid work experience opportunities, relevant to pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.

In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Sarah Walden on 01189047197 or email: [email protected] wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Scheme Eligibility Requirements

Essential

• Must NOT be currently studying for a post graduate qualification or enrolled to study for a post graduate qualification whilst employed in this post.
• Must not have held any substantial previous (paid or voluntary) Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant or similar posts. Previous work experience as an Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant or similar, amounting to less than the equivalent of four weeks full time is nonetheless permissible.
• Experience of socio-economic disadvantage that has contributed to barriers to access to unpaid work experience opportunities, relevant to pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology.

Education, qualifications or training

Essential

• An upper second class (2:1) honours degree or higher in psychology, or an equivalent qualification, which confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• (Entitled to) Graduate Membership of British Psychological Society

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

• Can demonstrate additional interest and/or learning in relevant areas of applied psychology and mental health practice
• Evidence of an interest in pursuing a career in the psychological professions

Desirable

• Undertaken additional training (e.g. practice-based training and workshops) in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, neuropsychology, health and social care practice and/or research design and analysis

Previous Experience

Essential

• Experience that supports working with people with any of the following: mental health difficulties; neurological difficulties, learning disabilities, eating disorder, personality difficulties or people with emotion regulation difficulties. This could be obtained through employment, volunteering, lived experience, research, or education.

Desirable

• Experience conducting service evaluation and research, particularly within a clinical setting
• Experience of providing direct clinical or social care
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential

• Awareness of psychological theory, practice and evidence-based psychological interventions as relevant to this role
• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotional
• Appreciation of the needs and challenges face by people with mental health difficulties, neurological difficulties and learning disabilities
• Ability to apply existing psychological theory and knowledge within a mental health, dementia and/or learning disabilities context
• Ability to appropriately communicate sensitive information to service users, carers and colleagues
• Ability to conduct service evaluation and research particularly within a clinical setting
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including a high standard of letter and report writing

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to interact and engage with people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, neurological difficulties and learning disabilities
• Ability to work under supervision, using own initiative to think quickly on the spot in often challenging situations and to deliver work as agreed and reviewed at regular intervals
• Ability to recognise the limits of own competencies and to seek supervision and support as required to practice safely and within professional guidelines
• Able to work flexibly as required
• Able to travel independently between locations to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position, with minimal impact on daily productivity

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Erlegh House, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6BZ

Reading

RG6 6BZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)