Assistant Psychologist - Forensic Psychology Service

+ the provision of psychological assessment and intervention under the clinical supervision of a registered psychologist
+ working independently according to a plan agreed with a registered psychologist and within the overall framework of the team and Trust policies and procedures
+ assisting in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, and assisting with teaching and project work as required
+ working with families and carers under the supervision of the registered psychologist
+ the post-holder may be required to conduct some additional work in the community and on the non-forensic general psychiatric wards at Goodmayes Hospital, This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,313 to a maximum of £5,436 p.a. pro rata for part time)., The post-holder will be based in NELFT's Forensic Low-Secure Inpatient Unit and will be responsible to the Professional Lead for the Adult Forensic Psychology Service. The post-holder will work to support and enhance the psychological rehabilitation of inpatient service-users who are detained under the Mental Health Act. Key responsibilities in the role of Assistant Psychologist will include: the provision of psychological assessment and intervention under the clinical supervision of a Registered Psychologist; working independently according to a plan agreed with a Registered Psychologist and within the overall framework of the team and Trust policies and procedures; assisting in clinically related administration, conduct of audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, and assisting with teaching and project work as required. The post-holder will also work with families and carers under the supervision of the Registered
Psychologist. Additionally, the post-holder may be required to conduct some work in the community and with the non-forensic general psychiatric wards at Goodmayes Hospital. Working in inpatient forensic services may include occasional exposure to challenging conditions such as verbal abuse or hostility., + To assist in the psychological assessment of clients referred to the forensic psychology service. This will require interpretation of complex information from a variety of sources including a range of psychological / psychometric tests, self-report measures, and semi-structured interviews with service users and others involved in their care, under supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
+ To assist in the undertaking of Violence Risk Assessments, Sexual Violence Risk Assessments, Stalking Assessments and other structured professional judgement assessments of service-users using evidence-based assessment tools, under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
+ To assist in the formulation and implementation of care plans involving the psychological treatment/management of service-users' difficulties, and to participate in the delivery of psychological interventions / agreed care plans arising from such formulation, under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist.
+ To assist in the development and facilitation of psychological treatment groups as appropriate and under supervision as required.
+ To assist in delivering appropriate interventions to Families and Carers of service-users detained in the forensic low-secure unit under supervision.
+ To produce written reports of assessments carried out and to communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner with service-users, carers and multi-disciplinary professionals.
+ To provide psychoeducational approaches using recovery-based models, such as coping skills, relapse prevention and/or harm minimisation in dual-diagnosis and substance misuse, under supervision as required.
+ To work with other members of the multi-disciplinary team in the review of service-user care and in preparation for care plan review meetings.
+ To undertake joint work with other clinical staff as required by the care plan, based on psychological understanding of service-users' difficulties.
+ To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings, care plan reviews and case formulation meetings as appropriate and as directed by the Forensic Pathway Lead.
Teaching, Training and Supervision
+ In accordance with good practice guidelines, the post holder will receive regular clinical professional supervision from a Registered Psychologist. This involves guidance and discussion of clinical work, research and service development. This will be in line with the British Psychological Society's, NELFT's and the psychology department's policies on supervision.
+ To utilise supervision regularly as agreed with supervisor.
+ To maintain own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process.
+ To undertake continued professional development in line with BPS recommendations in order to develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
+ To assist qualified psychologists in the department in the delivery of training and provision of support to other professional groups.
+ To attend mandatory security training required for working on the forensic ward.
+ To attend all mandatory training as required by Trust policy.
+ To participate, as appropriate, in the training of other Health Service personnel and staff from other agencies involved in the provision of services to service users.
Clinical Audit and Research and Service Development
+ To assist in the design and implementation of clinical audit/service-related research.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist, to initiate and undertake research projects, including monitoring and evaluating services for service users and/or their families/carers.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist, to undertake data collection and analysis, using appropriate statistical programmes.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist, tp provide reports and summaries of clinical audits and research projects.
+ To undertake literature searches to assist qualified psychologists in their duties.
+ To assist in the design and implementation of service developments within psychology.
Administration
+ To comply with Trust policy regarding the use of the intranet, internet and e-mail and the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.
+ To be familiar and competent in the use of mainstream IT packages.
+ To make appropriate use of test interpretation software packages in line with the test company's requirements.
Communication
To have a wide range of knowledge in approaches to communicating and managing service user care.
· To be able to effectively communicate with colleagues, peers, senior managers and clinical leads within the Trust.
· To be able to communicate complex service user related information facilitating positive outcomes and ensuring collaborative working.
· To participate in the review and development of clinical policies and to identify potential improvements to service provision.
Teaching, Training and Supervision
+ In accordance with good practice guidelines, the post holder will receive regular clinical professional supervision from a Registered Psychologist. This involves guidance and discussion of clinical work, research and service development. This should be in line with the British Psychological Society's, NELFT's and the psychology department's policies on supervision.
+ To utilise supervision regularly as agreed with supervisor.
+ To maintain own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process.
+ To undertake continued professional development in line with BPS recommendations in order to develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties.
+ To assist qualified psychologists in the department in the delivery of training and provision of support to other professional groups.
+ To attend mandatory security training required for working on the forensic ward.
+ To attend all mandatory training as required by Trust policy.
+ To participate, as appropriate, in the training of other Health Service personnel and staff from other agencies involved in the provision of services to service users.
Clinical Audit and Research and Service Development
+ To assist in the design and implementation of clinical audit/service-related research.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist to initiate and undertake research projects, including monitoring and evaluating services for service users and/or their families/carers.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist, to undertake data collection and analysis, using appropriate statistical programmes.
+ Under the direction and guidance of a qualified psychologist, to provide reports and summaries of clinical audits and research projects.
+ To undertake literature searches to assist qualified psychologists in their duties.
+ To assist in the design and implementation of service developments within psychology.
Management
+ In liaison with relevant administrative staff, to ensure the proper maintenance of case records and the collection of appropriate statistical data.
+ In conjunction with other personnel, to be responsible for the security of the office and filing systems.
General
+ To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping including electronic data entry and recording, report writing and the responsible exercise of professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.
+ To promote psychology and psychological services by the development and maintenance of constructive working relationships with service users, carers and Trust staff.
+ To maintain appropriate personal standards of conduct consistent with professional practice and Trust policy.
+ The post holder must at all times carry out their duties with regard to NELFT's Equality and Diversity at Work Policies.
+ To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
+ To assist in clinically related administration, audits, collection of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects, teaching and project work.
+ To use an appropriate range of office IT packages.
+ To ensure adherence to relevant health and safety standards and other policies within the Trust.
Benefits
We believe in bringing your authentic and best self to work, in order to deliver the best care to our patients. We are committed to supporting our employees holistically. Here is a snapshot of what is on offer at NELFT:
+ A long-standing and award-winning approach to equality and diversity with supportive networks for ethnic minority staff, staff with disabilities or long term/chronic conditions and LGBT staff.
+ A commitment to supporting colleagues to achieve a work life balance, through flexible working opportunities and our efforts to support our working parents and carers. This has resulted in us being recognised as a 'Top 10 Family Friendly Employer' from the Working Families Charity.
+ Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to our employee assistance programme, staff psychological support, individual wellbeing conversations and a network of health and wellbeing ambassadors.
+ Detailed information about our wellbeing and benefits offer can be found in this link.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's a job share, part time hours or another flexible pattern.
Supporting our Armed Forces
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. We have supportive policies, guaranteed interview schemes for veterans. reservists and military spouses and give additional leave to our Reservists so that they can attend their annual camp.

We welcome applications from motivated and enthusiastic individuals who want to join our committed multi-disciplinary team.

Joining #TeamNELFT means you'll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We're CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award winning equality and diversity initiatives and staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest heavily in your development, because when you are valued and supported, we provide the best care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been featured in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for three consecutive years, and we have achieved a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Along with our staff networks and training opportunities, we work hard to embed a just and compassionate culture here at NELFT.
Find out more about NELFT careers and what makes our Trust a great place to work, in this video