Assistant Psychologist (Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Pathway)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Skills

1.    To undertake protocol based psychological assessment of clients through direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. Knowledge of typical and atypical neurodevelopment, classification and assessment is vital for this post.

2.    To deliver post-diagnostic groups for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, this includes planning these group with support from clinical psychologist.

3.    To be a member of the appropriate multi-disciplinary team providing services to the client group, under the guidance of the supervising clinical psychologist.

4.    The post holder will have a personal duty of care for Trust equipment and facilities.

5.    To be responsible for the planning and prioritisation of own workload and activities following the direction and guidelines given by the clinical psychologist.

6.    To be capable of working in clinical situations which require concentration, and which may involve distressing or emotionally demanding circumstances or where there is risk of verbal or physical aggression.

7.    To maintain and update client records in accordance with Trust and professional guidelines.

8.    To support the team in management of the waiting lists, this includes telephone call reviews, sending out school reports and chasing school reports, preparing clients for MDT discussion and for assessment.

9.    The post holder may be required to demonstrate their own duties to others.

10. To receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines and Trust policy.

11.  To prepare test materials and visual aids as required. To undertake specific administrative duties as required. 

Computer/Administration

1.    To Adhere to RIO guidelines when inputting data. 

2.    To maintain stock levels in own service area by ordering new equipment as appropriate. 

Communication

1.    To develop a rapport and a therapeutic relationship with servicers users and their carers/parents within appropriate boundaries of the role.

2.    To develop effective communication (face to face and on the telephone) with other professionals, SENCOs, Class Teachers, Teaching assistants, Nursery Staff, secretaries and suppliers.

3.    To communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

4.    To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and families and colleagues.

5.    To develop negotiating skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.

6.    To escalate informal complaints if unable to resolve in the first instance where possible.

7.    To form relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have some communication difficulties.

8.    To contribute to discussions relating to caseload management by discussing own and others input around client’s needs contributing to a well-co-ordinated care plan.

9.    To recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support to resolve.

10. To attend relevant meetings including staff meetings. 

Training

1.    Ensure that own knowledge and skills are constantly updated.

2.    Actively participate in clinical supervision.

3.    Actively participate in management supervision.

4.    Actively participate in child protection supervision.

5.    Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within the agreed time scale.

6.    Undertake mandatory training as required.

7.    Undertake RiO training as required.

8.    To keep up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good practice in Psychological therapies

9.    To develop the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided.

10. To develop the ability to reflect on practice with clinical supervisor.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.