Band 5 Assistant Psychologist (Acute Pathway) - Swindon

Job overview

This role has been developed as part of a transformation programme across our acute services, designed to increase access to evidence based psychological treatment. You will work closely with the Practitioner Psychologists and other Psychological Practitioners working across the acute pathway.

The postholder will support the delivery of individual and group evidence-based psychological interventions, to service users on Applewood Ward and under the Swindon Intensive Service (SIS). They will also support the Practitioner Psychologists in the facilitation of team formulations for these two teams, for example reviewing and summarizing the clinical record in preparation for the team formulation session. The postholder will support the qualified Practitioner Psychologists in the evaluation of the service provided, and in undertaking relevant QI projects.

Swindon Psychological Therapies Service (PTS) comprises a supportive team of Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, CBT Therapists, Arts Psychotherapists and a Family Therapist. We have established links with local training providers in Clinical and Counselling Psychology, and also take undergraduate placement students from the Bath psychology course. As a team we are supporting several QI projects.

The team has a strong emphasis on promoting staff wellbeing, including a monthly wellbeing newsletter. We actively support staff in their ongoing professional development and have a bi-monthly CPD Club.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will support the Practitioner Psychologists working on Applewood ward and Swindon Intensive Service (SIS) to deliver assessment, formulation and evidence based psychological interventions for service users, and carers, on the acute pathway. There will also be opportunities to support the delivery of team formulation and reflective practice for the wider MDTs working across Applewood and SIS. The postholder will support the delivery of training to the wider MDT around psychologically informed, brief interventions.

Applewood ward:   Applewood ward is a 16 bedded unit, providing input for male service users of working age experiencing acute mental health difficulties. The ward is located at Sandalwood Court.

Swindon Intensive Service (SIS): Swindon Intensive Services offer rapid assessment and treatment for people who are experiencing a mental health emergency. The team provides proactive and intensive support to avoid the symptoms of a mental health emergency getting worse. The aim of the service is to offer treatment and care in an individual’s own home as an alternative to hospital admission. The team are based at Sandalwood Court.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description and Person Specification for further details of the job role and main responsibilities.

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.