PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION FACTORS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Transcription

1 PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION Post: Assistant Psychologist Band 5 Department Learning Disability Psychology Location: Lakeview Hospital Date: August 2014 FACTORS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EXPERIENCE 2:1 Honours Degree or higher in Psychology and be eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society 6 months experience working within a learning disability setting Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis. Experience working in a healthcare setting or relevant voluntary sector organisation. PROFESSIONAL OR CLINICAL DEPARTMENT KNOWLEDGE High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive. Ability to use basic research methodology Basic keyboard skills Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance. An understanding of the mental health needs of learning disabled adults and children and their families Experience using microcomputers for databases or data analysis, especially SPSS for Windows. High standard of report writing

2 COMPETENCIES SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES TOTAL An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context An understanding of psychology applied to health care An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines. An ability to interact with people with mental or physical health problems or disabilities Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively A full current driving licence and access to a car. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence. An ability to understand the developmental needs of a child and their family A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology Signature Date

3 JOB DEDSCRIPTION Job Title: Accountable to: Assistant Psychologist Clinical Director of Psychology Services through the Lead in Learning Disability Psychology Band: 5 Base: Liaises with: Learning Disability Psychology Service, Lakeview Hospital Staff in Learning Disability Services across the Trust as well as any other relevant professional staff and relevant stakeholders. JOB SUMMARY To support and enhance the professional psychological care of the clients within the service, across all sectors of care; providing psychological assessment and psychological interventions under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, working independently according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist and within an overall framework of the psychology department s policies and procedures. To undertake a range of audits relevant to the Learning Disability Psychology Service. To assist in clinically related administration, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work. KEY RESULT AREAS Clinical: 1. To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients applying psychological, including neuropsychological, tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client s care. 2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client s problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, in both community and in-patient/residential settings. 3. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups. 4. To work with other staff to assess inpatients, day patients or residents and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews. 5. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.

4 6. To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings Teaching, training and supervision 1. In common with all applied psychologists, to receive regular supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines. 2. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the postholder is employed. 3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties. 4. To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care. Management, recruitment and service development 1. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required 2. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed. Research and service evaluation 1. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects. 2. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes. 3. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members. General 1. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the postholder s professional and team/operational manager(s) 2. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures. 3. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required 4. To undertake specific administrative duties as required

5 5 To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to grade, which may be required from time to time by their Psychology Manager. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Service Quality Western Health and Social Care Trust is committed to providing the highest possible quality of service to all patients, clients and community through supporting and contributing to Trust quality initiatives. Employees are expected at all times to provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. Conduct Employees must at all times abide by Trust policies and procedures and the terms of their contract of employment. They must conduct themselves with impartiality, integrity, objectivity and honesty and maintain high standards of personal and professional accountability. Performance Employees are expected to demonstrate commitment to the Trust by ensuring regular attendance at work and efficient completion of duties. Risk Management Employee must ensure that they comply with any risk management responsibilities specific to their post, and as set out in the Trust s Risk Management Strategy. Governance The Trust is committed to the development and implementation of systems under Integrated Governance to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of services provided. Employees will be expected to co-operate and work with such systems. Records Management All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including s. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act Employees are required to be conversant with the Trust s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt. Confidentiality All information concerning patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and may not be divulged to any unauthorized person.

6 Equality & Human Rights Employees must ensure that equality and human rights issues are addressed within the post holder s area of responsibility in accordance with the Trust s Equality Scheme. Health and Safety Employees should note that under Health & Safety at Work Legislation they are required to take all reasonable steps while at work to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of those who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Smoking, Alcohol & Health The Trust operates policies on smoking, alcohol and health. Environmental Cleanliness The Trust promotes a culture of cleanliness and has adopted a partnership and collaborative approach that recognises cleanliness as the responsibility of everyone, cascading throughout every level of the organisation. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The duties and responsibilities outlined in the above job description are not intended to be definitive nor restrictive, and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Trust.