Band 4 Assistant Psychologist-Bristol

Job overview

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join the Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS). BASS is currently undertaking a major transformation programme, moving from a predominantly diagnostic-led service towards a needs-led model of care for autistic adults.

The primary purpose of this post is to support the Researcher in Residence in the evaluation and development of this innovative service transformation. The successful candidate will contribute to service evaluation, audit, data collection, research and co-production activities, helping to generate the evidence needed to shape future autism services. There may also be opportunities to contribute to clinical activity within the service, including assessment, intervention and service development work.

This is a unique opportunity to be involved in a nationally innovative programme of work and contribute to the development of a new model of autism care. Experience of working with autistic adults and/or people with neurodevelopmental differences is desirable, alongside excellent written, organisational and interpersonal skills. A degree in Psychology recognised by the British Psychological Society is essential.

• Right to Work in the UK This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will help generate the evidence required to inform the ongoing development of the needs-led pathway and contribute to the wider evidence base for adult autism services.

The post-holder will work closely with clinicians, managers, researchers, autistic people and system partners, gaining experience of service evaluation and implementation within a complex healthcare environment. Subject to service need and workload, there will also be opportunities to contribute to clinical activity within BASS, including supporting assessment, intervention, service development and psychologically-informed work with autistic adults.

Applicants should have experience of working with autistic people and/or people with neurodevelopmental differences and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for improving outcomes for this client group. Experience of research, audit, service evaluation or data analysis is highly desirable, alongside excellent written communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. The successful applicant will be expected to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, managing a varied workload and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To support the evaluation, development and implementation of the Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS) transformation programme, working closely with the Researcher in Residence and multidisciplinary team. The post-holder will contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of a novel needs-led model of care for autistic adults and people with neurodevelopmental differences across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The primary focus of the role will be to assist with service evaluation, audit, co-production, data collection, literature reviews and research activities associated with the transformation programme. The post-holder will support the generation of evidence to inform pathway development, workforce planning, intervention design and service improvement, helping to ensure that transformation is informed by robust data and real-world learning.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with clinicians, managers, autistic people, carers and system partners to support ongoing evaluation of the new clinical model and contribute to the wider evidence base for adult autism services.

Subject to service need and workload, the post-holder may also contribute to clinical activity within BASS, including supporting assessment, intervention, service development and training activities under appropriate supervision.

Experience of working with autistic adults or people with neurodevelopmental differences is essential, alongside excellent written, analytical and interpersonal communication skills. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience of applied research, service evaluation and quality improvement within a specialist multidisciplinary service undergoing major transformation.

Supervision will be provided by the Researcher in Residence and a clinical Psychologist within the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

To assist the multi-disciplinary diagnostic team in delivering specialist autism assessments to a mixed clinical population. Psychometric assessments and clinical interviews will be conducted face-to-face, over the telephone and via video-conferencing and written up into technical reports to inform the diagnostic outcome.

To contribute to the ongoing running and evaluation of the BASS diagnostic clinic.

To assist in the planning, delivery and evaluation of psycho-educational groups and other community-based interventions, within the post-diagnostic service as required.

To gather and organise information about opportunities and resources in the local area, which may be of benefit to service users (e.g. voluntary and community organisations, educational and recreational opportunities).

To contribute to the development of novel, psychologically-informed and evidence-based interventions, optimised for use with this client group alongside Clinical Psychologists and the post-diagnostic team.

To deliver teaching and training to other professionals in collaboration with qualified Clinical Psychologists and other members of the team.

To undertake research and audit activities under the guidance of the researcher in residence and Lead Clinical Psychologist

To undertake continuing professional development and personal clinical supervision.

Please see Job Description for full details

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.