Job summary
We are seeking an Assistant Psychologist to join our dynamic team in the Recovery Day Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a unique branch of addictions and mental health. The post holder will have the chance to make a significant difference to residents in Milton Keynes challenged with addiction and to be part of the group day programme in playing a key role in their treatment and recovery.

The successful candidate will be an energetic and robust individual with sophisticated and sensitive clinical skills, and a proven track record of delivering high quality services in either the NHS, social care or the private sector.

We are based in ARC-MK, within a dedicated and purpose-designed service.

Main duties of the job
As an Assistant Psychologist you will be expected to support qualified clinical staff in completing assessments, delivering individual and group therapy and conducting audit and evaluation. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the specialist psychological intervention programmes offered in the service, which are primarily motivational interviewing and CBT based. The post will also include exposure to research endeavours being undertaken.

There is a strong organisational support element to the role in the form of overseeing the referral and assessment booking process, using databases and patient management systems, and providing administrative assistance to the team as required. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently is essential. Supervision will be offered by qualified clinical/counselling psychologists.

The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and committed team player with a genuine interest in addictions and mental health.

About us
The working environment will be a specialist NHS addictions service and group programme staffed by a multi-disciplinary team working with outpatients. The post-holder will have a working base at ARC-MK.

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.

Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.

Job responsibilities
Clinical and administrative

• To plan and undertake assessments of clients. This may include using motivational interviewing techniques, self-report measures, risk assessment, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care. Assessments will involve making judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options, as well as requiring prolonged concentration.
• To write clinical summaries and care plans based on information gleaned at assessment and present these to the multi-disciplinary team
• To provide motivational interventions to clients on the CBT group and individual programme.
• To work in a highly emotive atmosphere with clients with addiction problems on a regular basis, and be able to communicate sensitive and complex information, whilst maintaining a high degree of professionalism at all times. May be subject to verbal aggression in individual sessions.
• To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups, under the supervision of a qualified member of staff.
• To liaise with referrers and clients and facilitate the referral process along with administrative staff. To maintain an oversight of client engagement from first contact to discharge
• To assist managers and senior staff as required to ensure the safe daily operation of the clinic

Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Essential

• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including the ability to communicate around subjects that may be highly emotive
• Highly computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues
• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities.
• An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context

Desirable

• Experience of using databases for data analysis, especially SPSS.
• High standard of report writing
• Knowledge of patient database

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

• A 2:1 honours degree or higher in psychology
• Eligibility to Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society

Desirable

• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology including CAMHS, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.

EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Previous direct work in a clinical setting with clients experiencing addiction or mental health problems
• Experience of research

Desirable

• Experience of paid work in direct care provision.

OTHER
Essential

• Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.

Desirable

• A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).