Band 5 Assistant Psychologist

Overview

We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

What you will be doing?

We are looking for a psychology graduate (who has achieved the GBC), who would like the opportunity to not only make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness and substance misuse issues, by providing low level brief psychological interventions, inputting into training initiatives and assisting our HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist who will provide regular supervision. Working within our homeless team, The post-holder may also expect to be involved in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency liaison and involvement in other organisational activities. Continual training and development will be provided, as well as access to regular peer support, reflective practice, research and CPD opportunities through our national Psychology Directorate.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has an appreciation of The Forward Trust’s values, the people who use our services and how everyone can make a difference
• Able to use their skills to empower and bring out the best in others
• Possesses self-belief, is steady in the face of challenge, and challenges in the right way
• Has the patience and compassion to work with individuals and teams
• Is self-aware, reflective, and invested in their personal development
• Is a team player – collaborative, open to new ideas and ways of working
• Is comfortable with ambiguity and able to adapt to situations as they occur.

Accountabilities

• To support service delivery on our homeless project in a way that reflects our whole-person approach.
• To contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and intervention for people with emotional and mental health problems, and their families.
• To contribute to training and support programmes and initiatives for other staff within the team.
• To contribute to the assessment of health and social care needs as part of an integrated team where appropriate.
• To support in the preparation of reports for a variety of audiences as required.

Clinical Skills

1. To carry out protocol based psychological assessment using appropriate psychometric measures, direct and indirect observation, semi-structured interviews under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
2. To deliver group-based psychosocial interventions that target substance using behaviour.
3. To assist in the formulation and delivery of person-centred care involving the psychological treatment and/or management of complex problems as required.
4. To support the delivery of psychological interventions with due regard to issues of cultural, racial, and religious difference and sexual orientation.
5. To assist in the coordination and running of psychosocial groups.
6. To utilise theory, literature, and research to support evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other members of the wider team.

Teaching, Training and Supervision

1. In common with all qualified applied psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision from a qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychologist in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
2. To develop teaching skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of services.
3. To contribute to training and support programmes and initiatives for other staff within the team.

Leadership

1. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the Psychology Directorate.
2. To maintain the highest of standards of clinical governance, ethical practice, and data protection.
3. To attend meetings, where directed and appropriate, in which the service developments are planned and discussed.

What we are looking for?

1.Experience

Experience of work related to clinical psychology, either as Assistant Psychologist or Research Assistant with relevant clinical input or other relevant clinical work

Previous experience of working with complex trauma

Evidence of the ability to work effectively within an MDT

Experience of data analysis and with database management

Experience of working with individuals and groups

Experience of teaching / training other professionals

2.Knowledge and Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

Time management and organisational skills

Computer literacy skills

Knowledge of statistical analysis packages, e.g.SPSS, Excel

Base level knowledge of psychometric tests

Base level knowledge of psychological theory and models relevant to working with people complex needs

3.General and Personal Characteristics

Committed to ensuring high standards of care

Organised and able to work in a very busy environment

Committed to behaving in a professional manner always

Demonstrates a warm, empathetic manner, and demonstrates enthusiasm to work within a team

Demonstrates a flexible approach to work and a professional attitude

Open to Feedback - Open to constructive feedback in order to further develop

Innovative –  Continually searching for better ways of working

What we offer

• Training opportunities and career development
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

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Person specification

Assistant Psychologist JD