About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as an Assistant Psychologist predominantly with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and 'Difficult Asthma' services, in the Cardiac, Respiratory, and Intensive Care (CRIC) Directorate at Royal Brompton Hospital (RBH) site (SW3).
The post will offer regular supervision with a Paediatric Psychologist which will allow the post-holder to develop their clinical skills, reflective thinking and to understand important issues affecting the NHS and service delivery. There are multiple opportunities to contribute to service audit and quality improvement research projects.
All posts are an excellent opportunity for those wishing to apply for the Clinical Doctorate in Psychology and provides exceptional opportunities for Continued Professional Development, such as BPS-accredited training courses.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY MAY CLOSE EARLY DUE TO HIGH LEVEL OF APPLICANTS**
Main duties of the job
To provide clinical work for children, young people and parents under the care of the Cystic Fibrosis and Difficult Asthma Services as required, under the direct guidance and close clinical and professional supervision of a practitioner psychologist. Clinical work may include engagement, completing assessments, formulation and involvement as needed in 1:1 and group interventions for children, young people and families referred to the service. Using Excel to manage large datasets, including checking data quality and using functions to generate summary statistics Undertaking analyses to support the team with audit and research Contributing to multidisciplinary meetings and discussions We meet regularly as a team to explore clinical dilemmas and share new learning across the service. Supervision will be provided by a practitioner psychologist within the team. Additional opportunities include, but do not stop with, monthly team reflective practice and peer supervision groups. Service relevant CPD is actively encouraged.
About us
The post holder will be joining a team of paediatric psychologists providing psychological care for children, young people and families at Royal Brompton Hospital, under the Cardio-Respiratory and Intensive Care Directorate at GSTT . We have established links with the large team of paediatric psychologists at Evelina Children's Hospital.
As a flexible working friendly organization, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our patients, our staff and for you. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern. If it works for the service, we'll make it work for you.
Job description Job responsibilities
To be involved in the assessment, formulation and occasional intervention offered to children, young people and their parents seen by the Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis and Difficult Asthma Services. This will include demonstrable skills in multi-disciplinary working, individual case management and administration of mood screening questions and responding to the results for both children and their parents.
When required, to attend referrals triage meeting and to contribute to decisions around eligibility of referrals for the RBH paediatric psychology service.
To participate with facilitating regular referral/caseload review meetings for the team and to keep accurate records of MDT care plans following clinic.
To actively participate in MDT meetings as required
To work within a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to enhance the quality of care to individuals, carers and families under the service.
To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of individuals, applying psychological and cognitive tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi- structured interviews with individuals, family members and carers.
To help develop clinical resources for use by individuals seen within each of the services.
To support clinical work (triaging, assessments and interventions) carried out within the service.
To assist in the preparation of clinical reports under the supervision of supervising Clinical Psychologist.
To participate in Paediatric Psychology Department activities and meetings and to attend conferences and external meetings as appropriate.
Please see attached JD and Person Specification for full information.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
An upper second-class honours degree or higher in psychology. Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society/HCPC
Desirable
Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Previous experience Essential
Work with individuals affected by physical ill-health and/or medical conditions/disability. Experience of working psychologically in a clinical setting Experience of using computers for patient databases or data-analysis.
Desirable
Experience of paid work in direct care provision. Experience of working in health (Hospital) setting Experience of conducting audit and/or research of clinical relevance Experience of group work
Skills/Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the impact of different paediatric difficulties on individuals and their families. Sound knowledge of psychological research methodology & statistical analysis Knowledge of child protection legislation Skills in leading group activities Well-developed IT skills including using a variety of multi-media materials suitable for presentations within public, professional and academic settings. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals. Good communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to engage & interact with individuals with health problems. Ability to communicate sensitive information to families, carers and colleagues and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive. An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to an applied health/developmental context. Ability to identify & employ mechanisms of clinical governance as appropriate, to maintain the highest quality standards in clinical practice. Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to effective team functioning. An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines in a health-care setting and with individuals from a range of backgrounds. An ability to be creative and flexible in working with children and families. Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
Desirable
Understanding and respect of issues of cultural and ethnic diversity. Knowledge of standardised psychological assessments (e.g. WISC V, WIAT). Knowledge of the impact physical health and neurodevelopmental difficulties can have on individuals and their families Skills in communicating with people who have sensory impairments and learning difficulties An interest in working with individuals and families affected by illness and disability. Some knowledge of the literature and issues associated with complex developmental presentations, autistic spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability and sensory disorders Some knowledge of the theory and practice of working with children with paediatric disorders including cultural and political issues and cognitive and developmental aspects pertaining to all of the above. A desire to explore a career as a psychological professional.
Physical Requirements Essential
Ability to maintain periods of prolonged concentration frequently throughout the day as required for complex methods of psychological assessment and delivery of interventions. Availability 9am-5pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays to be on site to attend the out patient clinic appointments and meet with patients and their families face to face.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address Paediatric Psychology Service
Royal Brompton Hospital
London
SW3 6NP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)