*Internal MPFT only* - CAMHS CRHT, ASSISTANT PSYCHOLOGIST

Job overview

To provide support to the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT).

To provide clinical work as required by the service, under the direct guidance, close clinical and professional supervision of a practitioner psychologist.

To assist in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of data, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching of colleagues, resource development, project work and supporting young people and their families.

To work following clinical guidelines and the policies and procedures of the service, while closely supervised and regularly seeking help from clinical/professional supervisor or manager.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support intervention and recovery-focused care, contributing to a psychologically informed approach across the service. They will assist psychologists in developing clinical resources, therapeutic materials and training packages that support high-quality care and service delivery. The post holder will contribute to the design and implementation of audit, service evaluation and research projects that inform service development and evidence-based practice within the Trust. The Assistant Psychologist will undertake literature reviews and evidence-based research searches to support clinical practice and service improvement. They will assist in gathering feedback from service users and carers through surveys and other evaluation methods and contribute to the dissemination of findings through presentations, reports and published articles where appropriate. Working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will promote psychologically informed practice. They will support the induction and development of new skills. The Assistant Psychologist will receive regular clinical and professional supervision, participate in mandatory and specialist training, and take responsibility for developing the skills and competencies required for the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Assistant Psychologist will provide support to Clinical Psychologists and other members of the multi-disciplinary team in delivering high-quality psychological services to children, young people and their families within the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). This is full time substantive post working 37.5 hours per week across Monday to Friday.

The post holder will assist in the provision of psychological assessments, interventions, service evaluations, audit and research activities under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist. They will contribute to the development and delivery of psychologically informed care, supporting service users with a range of emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties.

The Assistant Psychologist will work collaboratively with colleagues across CAMHS and partner agencies to promote positive outcomes for children and young people, whilst maintaining professional standards, confidentiality and adherence to Trust policies and procedures.

Main Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of psychological assessments under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
• Support the delivery of psychological interventions and therapeutic programmes for children, young people and families.
• Gather, record and present assessment information from a range of sources including clinical interviews, psychometric measures and observations.
• Assist in formulating psychological understandings of service users' difficulties within a multi-disciplinary framework.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic interventions and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of psychologically informed care plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical records in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care.
• Liaise with professionals from health, education, social care and voluntary sector organisations where appropriate.
• Support clinicians in preparing materials and resources for assessments, interventions, groups and workshops.
• Assist with the coordination and administration of clinical pathways and service processes.
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions and service development initiatives.
• Assist with clinical audit, service evaluation and quality improvement projects.
• Collect, analyse and present data relating to clinical outcomes and service performance.
• Support research activities undertaken within the service under appropriate supervision.
• Contribute to the dissemination of findings through reports, presentations and meetings.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision with a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
• Engage in continuing professional development and mandatory training.
• Develop knowledge of psychological theories, evidence-based practice and child and adolescent mental health.
• Contribute to the development of training materials and psychoeducational resources where appropriate.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with service users, families, carers and professionals.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information in a clear, compassionate and professional manner.
• Promote engagement and participation of children, young people and families in their care.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support integrated service delivery.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
• Adhere to Trust policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Contribute to risk assessment and risk management processes as directed by qualified clinicians.
• Ensure practice is conducted in accordance with safeguarding legislation and Trust safeguarding procedures.
• Participate in appraisal, supervision and performance review processes.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

The post holder will be expected to:

• Demonstrate compassion, respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the Trust and CAMHS services.
• Uphold the Trust's values and behaviours at all times.

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.