Assistant Psychologist

Clinical

To support Psychologists/Psychological Therapists with assessments and interventions (e.g. risk assessments, neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews) of service users, family members and others involved in the service users care, as appropriate to level of training, competence and under live or regular supervision from a qualified Psychologist/Psychological Therapist. To formulate and deliver care, training or research plans within settings where there may be a hostile atmosphere, challenging behaviour or high levels of expressed emotion. To support the delivery of evidence based psychological interventions for service users. To assist in the development of psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care to the benefit of all service users of the service. To conduct literature searches, collate audit and outcome evidence, analyse relevant data and produce reports to inform and enhance care delivered by the service. To work with other team members to improve care, training and research practices and the quality of life of service users. To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings. To carry out other clinical and administrative tasks as appropriate to the post holders grade. To prepare and manage materials for clinical groups and evaluation projects. Teaching, training and supervision: To receive regular supervision and line management from a Psychologist/Psychological Therapist. To gain wider experience of professional psychology and psychosocial interventions and management, within the principal service area where the post holder is employed. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties. To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care.

IT responsibilities

To develop and manage systems for efficient administration and co-ordination of care, training or research. To establish and maintain records and statistics concerning the service. To be acquainted with, implement and maintain all relevant Trust and Psychology and Psychological Therapies policies and procedures. To report immediately any incidents affecting staff, users or visitors on health and probation service property in accordance with Trust and HMPPS policies. To manage diaries, work plans and project plans as required. To carry out other administrative tasks as appropriate to the post holders grade.

Research and service evaluation

To initiate, implement and contribute to the evaluation, monitoring and development of the service, including audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within and across the service, to help develop and improve services. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research in order to promote evidence based clinical practice. This will contribute to the clinical work of Psychologists/Psychological Therapists and other team members. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects with the service as required. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

General

To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the post holders professional and service manager(s). To contribute to the development and articulation of best practice across the service, by continuing to develop relevant professional skills, taking part in regular professional supervision and appraisal and maintaining an active engagement with current developments in the relevant disciplines. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording, report writing and the responsible exercise of professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice and Trust/LPP/HMPPS policies and procedures. To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to both the specific client group and mental health. To maintain confidentiality and information governance in line with Trust and HMPPS policy.