Senior Assistant Psychologist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Senior Assistant Psychologist in our Community Paediatric Service. The vacancy is ideal for candidates who have an interest in working with young people with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder/ Condition and their families. The post will involve working closely with external organisations, as well as members of the Multidisciplinary Team which includes Consultant Community Paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Nurses.

Under supervision from the Clinical Psychologist, the successful applicant will work as part of our Autistic Spectrum Disorder Pathway to provide training, support and advice to families who are in the process of seeking an assessment. This pathway is part of The Dorset Development and Behaviour Pathway which is a locally driven initiative designed to inform and support families who access our service.

The post holder will promote and coordinate the patient journey through the service, utilising an evidence based approach. They will act as a single point of contact for families to keep them informed about during the process of assessment and to give practical tips whilst waiting or making referrals to appropriate services.

We are looking for a motivated and flexible individual with an undergraduate/postgraduate degree in Psychology. Strong communication and organisational skills are required.

Interview: 13th November

Main duties of the job

The post will form a key part of the Dorset Development and Behavioural Pathway, specifically supporting the parents/carers of young people with suspected ASD. The post is intended to contribute to an efficient and supported journey for young people and their families/carers within the multiagency diagnostic pathway for ASD and related conditions. It is intended that this role will support clinicians with assessments so that their time and capacity is spent where it is needed most. The post-holder will be involved in information gathering and administering standardised assessments under supervision of the Lead Clinical Psychologist. The post-holder will be able to provide information and signpost parents to Early Help Services across Dorset which can support them further. This post is also intended to support those children and families who do not get a diagnosis but who have outstanding support needs. The post holder will need to make referrals into other services which can help. The post holder will collate and share with families and professionals, up-to-date local and national information on community and digital resources to support young people with ASD. The post holder will be supervised by a registered Clinical Psychologist working in the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached 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.