Job summary
The Assistant Psychologist will work primarily within the Community Eating Difficulties Service (CEDS), while also providing psychological support to the ARFID pathway.

A key part of the role will be to contribute to multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultations, bringing a psychological perspective to discussions about children and young people presenting with eating difficulties. The Assistant Psychologist will work alongside the wider MDT to support psychologically informed assessment, formulation and care planning, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.

Within the ARFID pathway, the Assistant Psychologist will have a specific role in developing and delivering an 8-week parent and carer workshop programme. The workshop will provide parents and carers with psychological understanding, psychoeducation and practical strategies to support children and young people experiencing ARFID.

Main duties of the job

• Attend and actively contribute to CEDS multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.
• Provide psychological perspectives during MDT consultations regarding children and young people with eating difficulties.
• Support the MDT to consider psychological, behavioural, emotional and relational factors that may be contributing to or maintaining difficulties.
• Assist with psychological assessment as appropriate and within the scope of the Assistant Psychologist role.
• Support the collection of information from young people, parents/carers and professionals.
• Contribute to psychological formulations under supervision.
• Support the delivery of agreed psychological interventions and psychoeducation

About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your application, we encourage you to review the Trust's guidance on the use of AI within the recruitment process. Further information can be found on Join Us :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or www.mpft.nhs.uk/joinus

Job responsibilities

• Work primarily within CEDS and contribute to the wider psychological provision of the service.
• Attend and contribute to MDT meetings and consultations.
• Provide psychological perspectives to support formulation and care planning.
• Work collaboratively with psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, dietitians, therapists and other members of the MDT.
• Support the assessment and understanding of psychological factors associated with eating difficulties.
• Contribute to the ARFID pathway through psychologically informed support.
• Develop and deliver an 8-week ARFID parent and carer workshop.
• Provide psychoeducation about ARFID, including understanding the presentation, maintaining factors, anxiety, sensory sensitivities and difficulties around eating.
• Support parents and carers to develop practical strategies to help their child or young person.
• Provide a supportive space for parents and carers to share experiences and learn from one another.
• Gather feedback and outcome information to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop.
• Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement.
• Maintain appropriate clinical records and documentation.
• Work within the Assistant Psychologist role, with regular supervision from a qualified psychologist.

Person Specification
Evidence of working as an AP
Essential

• Evidence of working as an AP

Desirable

• Evidence of working with CYP

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of running therapy groups

Desirable

• Writing and setting up groups for therapy

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.