About this role
Job summary
BASE: North Devon 0.6 wte - temporary post
The Devon Memory Service runs clinics across Devon and the post holder will be required to provide cover to those clinic as the need arises (Exeter, Torbay and Tavistock).
We are looking to recruit an Assistant Psychologist to assist Senior Clinicians, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, working independently within the limits agreed with the supervisor.
The role is dynamic and challenging and requires a flexible, can-do attitude. The post holder will administer and score neuropsychological assessments as part of the dementia assessment pathway. The post holder may be required to deliver group and individualised psychological interventions.
The post holder will support the service in the delivery of training initiatives, utilise research skills for audit, literature reviews, service development and other research initiatives.
We will support you to learn the skills you need to thrive in the role. We will offer you the training and development support you need to begin a fulfilling career. In return, you will need to be motivated, flexible and eager to learn.
We are home to both qualified and non-qualified psychologists and psychological therapists from a range of theoretical backgrounds and interests. We have a number of forums for connecting and gaining CPD. We have links with universities for clinical psychology trainees.
Main duties of the job
You will have experience of working in a team. The role involves communication, so we expect that you have excellent verbal and written skills.
Interacting with patients and the public you will be confident in giving clinical information and advice that improves their experience. Dealing with sensitive information daily, you will understand the importance of data security.
You will often work under pressure and without direct supervision, so we are looking for someone confident and capable. You will be flexible and tolerant of change. You will prioritise tasks, and manage your own workload, providing support for your colleagues where required.
You will become an important part of the team, working to ensure that every patient receives high quality care. You may be required to support the induction of new staff member, demonstrating activities to them and providing supervision to support their learning.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description Job responsibilities
The principal purpose of the role is to improve the psychological health & wellbeing of people in receipt of services by Devon Partnership Trust Memory Service and Older Persons Mental Health Services. This will be achieved in this post by -
Providing a Psychology and Psychological Therapies service to the Devon Memory Service as a key component of integrated mental health and wellbeing services in Devon Partnership Trust.
Implement specific assessment and psychological interventions and provide advice and consultancy to patients, family members, carers and professionals under the supervision and management of the Clinical Psychologist.
The post holder will be line managed by the Devon Memory Service Professional Lead and supported by senior colleagues within the local Older Persons Psychology and Community team. The post holder will be expected to make good use of the expertise of others within the service to further develop their knowledge and clinical skills with this client group
To work independently within a defined managed and occupational context. To work within professional guidelines and Devon Partnership Trust procedures and protocols.
The post holder will receive regular professional and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy and to Professional Practice Guidelines set out by the British Psychological Society.
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner with clients who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be hostile, antagonistic or highly emotionally disturbed.
To work closely with colleagues in the multi-professional integrated mental health and wellbeing service on a day to day basis.
To communicate with a wide range of health & social care staff in hospital and in community settings in a skilled and sensitive manner, complex and sensitive information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under the services care. To provide support & guidance in the application of psychological principles and techniques and to foster reflective practice.
To maintain and build good working relationships with senior professional staff and managers in Devon Partnership Trust. To foster a positive approach to the integrated mental health and wellbeing service and to enable effective negotiation.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
The post-holder will recognise own clinical competencies, knowledge base and experience, and practice within this, acting as a positive role model, and seek support as required.
To make informed and well-reasoned decisions, recognising when to seek further advice from a registered practitioner.
To take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
The post holder will present punctually for duty in a professional manner, correctly dressed according to Trust Policy.
Planning and Organisational Skills
To plan and prioritise own workload, balancing the demands of patient care, support and guidance of carers and professionals, service research and development activities.
To provide psychology knowledge to the multi-professional planning, development and marketing of mental health and wellbeing services.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
To undertake assessments, and deliver treatment plans within a supervised context for individuals, carers, families and groups. To demonstrate awareness of diversity issues.
To provide advice, guidance and consultation on psychological aspects of patient care to colleagues, other service providers, patients, supporters and families.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
The post holder is responsible for their own professional actions, acting within Trust policies and procedures and Professional Practice Guidelines, working within clearly defined occupational procedures.
To follow policy guidance in own role and to comment on proposed policy changes and service developments.
To undertake service-relevant research and development activity agreed within the psychology service. To organise personal or service led research and development activities, as required.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
Careful use of equipment.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
To assist the work of less experienced assistants and/or trainees as required.
To provide supervision to health and social care colleagues relevant to their role under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
To maintain accurate records in accordance with professional and local guidelines and policies.
To be responsible for using an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.
Develop and maintain information systems as required including relevant and accurate notes on electronic care records.
Ensure information resources including the Intranet are consulted regularly to maintain a current knowledge of Trust, Directorate and Team priorities and safety initiatives.
Ensure information is shared with key stakeholders and other agencies in a secure manner.
Responsibility for Research and Development
To take part in research projects and audit when required to do so.
Freedom to Act
To work within the Trust operational policies and service specifications of the teams.
To organise and take responsibility for own work and caseload under the guidance of a Clinical Psychologist and within standard protocols.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
To ensure all clinical care and treatment provided by psychologists is carried out under appropriate supervision and leadership.
To ensure that all psychologists continuously update the skills and techniques relevant to their clinical work.
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities Essential
Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills. Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions. Organisation and time management skills
Desirable
Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues. Small -scale project management. Able to remain in, concentrate on and carry out cognitive assessments over prolonged periods of time.
Other Essential
Ability to work independently within defined occupational procedures and use initiative within the service setting. Ability to work as a member of a clinical team. Ability to tolerate ambiguity, and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery contexts. Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively. Able to travel A DBS Check will be required for this role.
Experience Essential
Experience, and/or training in diversity awareness and social inequality
Desirable
Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients across a wide range of care settings, including outpatient, community, primary care and in patient settings. Experience gained during supervised training of working In Older Peoples Mental Health Services Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision.
Qualifications Essential
BA or BSc in Psychology (recognised by the British Psychological Society) Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis IT Skills
Knowledge Essential
Personal: An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines and with people with mental health problems.
Desirable
Clinical placement and/or supervised practise in mental health services or working with older people, people with dementia, or people with complex mental health needs. Further training in an Older Adults clinical setting Basic knowledge of Dementia Basic knowledge/experience of neuropsychological assessments
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 Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address Health and Wellbeing Clinic
North Devon District Hospital
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)