Assistant Psychologist

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CLINICAL:

·         To administer specialist neuropsychological tests, requiring in-depth knowledge of psychological and statistical principles and the characteristics of particular test administration procedures and their statistical properties, and to make detailed qualitative observations of test behaviour to inform qualified clinical judgment, within a context of clinical supervision by a qualified Clinical Psychologist.

·         As an integral part of neuropsychological assessment, to simultaneously exercise well-developed manual skills (i.e. accurate manipulation of a wide range of neuropsychological test materials, including physical materials, touch-screen computer tests), in which accuracy is important and it is often necessary to take account of interfering factors (such as patient distractibility, or level of comprehension).

·         To assist in developing specific plans for formal neuropsychological/psychological intervention/rehabilitation where appropriate, under clinical supervision.

·         To provide a variety of psychological interventions as part of a treatment plan with individuals, families or carers, under clinical supervision.

·         To communicate effectively, empathically and clearly with patients, families and carers regarding neuropsychological and psychological matters which will regularly be complicated (such as explanation of neuropsychological principles or abilities and disabilities), and will often be in an emotive atmosphere (such as communicating with patients with life-threatening conditions, traumatic experiences or psychological disorders), and which may require managing difficulties in understanding (such as cognitive deficits), or overcoming communication difficulties with patients, family or carers who are hostile, antagonistic, highly anxious or psychotic etc.

·         In carrying out the duties of the post, to exercise high levels of mental concentration for prolonged periods (for example in neuropsychological assessments of up to 4+ hours), which can involve significant emotional concentration (for example in working with people/families/carers with life-threatening conditions , or in significant psychological distress), while sitting in a constrained position for extended periods, and also to make use of well-developed manual skills (in for example, manipulation of test materials, as well as keyboard skills, and operation of electronic equipment).

·         In carrying out the duties of the post, to cope with and manage challenging behaviour occasionally, including verbal abuse and risk of physical aggression (for example from patients with frontal lobe impairment, people with learning disability or chronic and enduring mental illness). 

·         With appropriate training, the post holder will collaborate with qualified Clinical Psychologists to analyse and evaluating assessment results, and subsequently draft responses to referring clinicians.

·         Recording minutes of Multidisciplinary Team Meetings and assist qualified Clinical Psychologists in presenting psychological opinions in an accessible way to the rest of the MDT.

 RESEARCH:

• To undertake research and development activity as a major part of the job (for example on ongoing formal clinical trials), including neuropsychological test administration and other data collection and entry, database management, statistical analysis which may involve problem-solving/judgment, review and summary of multi-faceted scientific literature, and analysis of all these strands in compiling draft research papers for publication. To use computer systems to manage this information and design and produce reports, databases etc. in relation to research projects.
• To undertake audit activity as appropriate, including data collection and recording, information management and analysis, and drafting conclusions as above.

 ADMINISTRATIVE:

• To be responsible for maintaining stocks of neuropsychological test materials and ordering/re-ordering test materials and resources as necessary.
• To provide back-up administrative support in the department when administrative/secretarial staff are elsewhere, including reception of patients, answering the telephones and routine administrative tasks.
• To plan, organize and prioritise own caseload and other responsibilities and liaise as necessary with other colleagues.
• To contribute as appropriate in service/departmental policy implementation and development (by for example commenting on issues and discussing changes).

·         To observe personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources, such as computer, data projection and audio visual equipment, and psychometric test materials. 

RISK MANAGEMENT:

 ·         The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

·         Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

·         Staff should be familiar with the:

1.       Major Incident Policy

2.       Fire Policy

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY :

 The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures.  This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.