Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake appropriate psychological work under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, this may include any of the following:

1. To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of patients mood and cognition applying psychological measures, including psychometric assessments, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with patients, family members and others involved in the patients care.

2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of intervention plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a patients problems, under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.

3. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all patients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.

4. To assist in the co-ordination and running of intervention groups, if appropriate.

5. To prepare test materials and visual/communication aids as required.

6. To perform other duties, appropriate to their grade, that may be required from time to time by the supervising Clinical Psychologist.

7. To work flexibly but in a responsive manner to patient needs as agreed with the supervising Clinical Psychologist and in discussion with the relevant Manager.

Team Work

1. To develop and maintain good working relationships with other staff within the service with the primary purpose of sharing relevant information, facilitating patient care planning and promoting optimal service delivery.

2. To attend and contribute to appropriate team and multidiscipline meetings.

3. To be an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team.

4. To contribute to a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of patients of the service across all settings and agencies serving the patient group.

Supervision

1. In common with all Assistant Psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision, in accordance with professional practice guidelines.

2. To have regular meetings with the supervising Clinical Psychologist in relation to day-to-day management.

3. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principle service areas where the post holder is employed.

4. To develop the skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.

5. To attend induction in HCT so as to become familiar with the policies, guidelines and culture of the organisation.

6. To contribute to the development and maintenance of professional standards through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes in consultation with the supervising Clinical Psychologist.

Communication skills

1. To be able to communicate with a range of people on a range of matters in a form that is appropriate to them and the situation. This will include communication with individuals with cognitive and communication impairments and will involve communication with people about difficult and sensitive matters.

2. To be able to communicate effectively using a range of skills to manage barriers to effective communication and adhere to information requirements relating to current legislation, policies and procedures.

3. To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner, information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients under their care and to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes of psychological interventions during the course of both uni- and multi-disciplinary care.

4. To convey complex, sensitive and potentially contentious information and concepts using language that is meaningful to the recipient i.e. non-technical, culturally appropriate, jargon free, clear and concise.

5. To motivate / negotiate with patients to change their lifestyle / behaviour by the application of psychological knowledge about behaviour change and motivation using clinical skills in engagement and motivation.

6. To develop and maintain good working relationships with other staff in the stroke wards, Hertfordshire Neurological Services, Hertfordshire Health and Community Services, relevant charities (such as Age UK) and acute stroke services with the purpose of facilitating patient care planning and dissemination of relevant information and to promote service delivery and planning with colleagues.

Research and service evaluation

1. To utilise theory and evidence-based literature and scientific research to support evidence-based practice in clinical work, group and family work and work with other team members.

2. Where appropriate, to undertake research and provide research advice to other staff undertaking research and audit-based activity, with reference to local and national research priorities.

3. Where appropriate, disseminate research / service evaluation findings in high quality academic and professional journals.

4. To undertake project management, including complex audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within the service to help develop service provision.

5. To use skills in the application of statistical knowledge, research design and analysis.

Person Specification

Education attainment and professional background

Essential

• Upper second class honours degree in psychology
• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
• Previous experience working as an assistant psychologist.
• Paid or voluntary experience of working with people with neurological conditions, other disabilities or mental health problems.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information effectively orally and in writing with patients, families, and other professional staff.

Desirable

• Further postgraduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Address

Danesbury Neurological Rehabilitation Centre

School Lane

Welwyn

AL6 9SB

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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