Assistant Psychologist
Job overview
We are seeking a part-time Assistant Psychologist to work with Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as part of the OPD Pathway for 12 months.
The post-holder will work at Crowley House Women’s Approved Premises, Birmingham. The applicant will need to be comfortable working with groups and individuals in planned and ad hoc scenarios.
Whilst the women on probation are predominantly presenting with trauma and personality difficulties, they face a range of complexities such as neurodivergence, substance misuse and other mental health issues as well.
There is ample opportunity to develop therapeutic and group skills whilst at Crowley House, and to hone formulation writing and reflective practice skills.
The applicant will need to show drive, dedication, and enthusiasm for working with women with complex needs, alongside a willingness to learn and develop whilst in the role.
Main duties of the job
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification, in summary:
- To assist in the development of service user formulations, drawing upon psychological theory, models, and research.
- To provide consultancy and support to staff to maintain a psychologically informed environment and promote trauma informed working.
- To work closely with the Clinical Lead Psychotherapist, Probation Service staff and external agencies to support the operation and evaluation of the PIPE.
- To administer, score and interpret psychometric measures with both service users and staff.
- To identify, develop and deliver training to staff to support their professional development.
- To identify, develop and deliver group rehabilitative activities to service users in accordance with the PIPE model.
Working for our organisation
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;- Supporting your career development and progression
- Excellent NHS Pension scheme
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Options for flexible working
- Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
- If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
- Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
- Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates
- Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
- Free car parking at all trust sites
- Free flu vaccinations every year
- Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)
And more. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To work as part of the wider team in the Approved Premises, with Probation Service staff and other agencies to deliver the PIPE service.
- To work with women on probation independently on a one-to-one and group basis, under supervision.
- Attend and contribute to staff meetings and reflective space as per the PIPE model.
- Support the Clinical Lead with workforce development activities, consultancy, and formulation writing.
Support the Clinical Lead with data collection and recording along with conducting research.
Person specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential criteria- A First or Upper Second honours degree in psychology OR a lower Second degree with a post-graduate qualification, e.g. Masters degree
- Degree included study of Psychopathology/Clinical/Forensic issues.
EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria- Has significant experience of face-to-face work with people with complex psychological problems (including people diagnosed with personality disorder or other mental health diagnoses), learning disabilities and/or offending behaviour.
- Has experience of working alongside staff from other disciplines.
- Has worked closely with clinical or applied psychologists and has an awareness of professional standards/issues.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Essential criteria- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive, service users may show hostile or severely challenging behaviour and where verbally abusive or physically violent behaviour may occur.
- 2. High level communication skills (written and verbal)