Assistant Psychologist

Job overview

Job summary

We are seeking an Assistant Psychologist to join our dynamic team in the Recovery Day Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a unique branch of addictions and mental health. The post holder will have the chance to make a significant difference to residents in Milton Keynes challenged with addiction and to be part of the group day programme in playing a key role in their treatment and recovery.

The successful candidate will be an energetic and robust individual with sophisticated and sensitive clinical skills, and a proven track record of delivering high quality services in either the NHS, social care or the private sector.

We are based in ARC-MK, within a dedicated and purpose-designed service.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Psychologist you will be expected to support qualified clinical staff in completing assessments, delivering individual and group therapy and conducting audit and evaluation. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the specialist psychological intervention programmes offered in the service, which are primarily motivational interviewing and CBT based. The post will also include exposure to research endeavours being undertaken.

There is a strong organisational support element to the role in the form of overseeing the referral and assessment booking process, using databases and patient management systems, and providing administrative assistance to the team as required. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently is essential. Supervision will be offered by qualified clinical/counselling psychologists.

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and committed team player with a genuine interest in addictions and mental health.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job responsibilities

For further information about the advertised role, please refer to the job description & person specification included in the documents section of this advert.

Clinical and administrative

• To plan and undertake assessments of clients. This may include using motivational interviewing techniques, self-report measures, risk assessment, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care. Assessments will involve making judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options, as well as requiring prolonged concentration.
• To write clinical summaries and care plans based on information gleaned at assessment and present these to the multi-disciplinary team
• To provide motivational interventions to clients on the CBT group and individual programme.
• To work in a highly emotive atmosphere with clients with addiction problems on a regular basis, and be able to communicate sensitive and complex information, whilst maintaining a high degree of professionalism at all times. May be subject to verbal aggression in individual sessions.
• To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups, under the supervision of a qualified member of staff.
• To liaise with referrers and clients and facilitate the referral process along with administrative staff. To maintain an oversight of client engagement from first contact to discharge
• To assist managers and senior staff as required to ensure the safe daily operation of the clinic

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.