Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and organised Assistant Psychologist with an interest in gaining clinical experience of working with older adults and people with dementia. The full-time post will provide the successful applicant with an exciting opportunity to develop skills in specialist neuropsychological assessment and multidisciplinary team working.
This post is situated within our age inclusive Specialist Dementia and Frailty Service (SDFS) which has been commissioned and developed to meet the needs of people with dementia, their families and those who care for them. The service is MSNAP accredited and staffed by a dedicated and compassionate multidisciplinary team.
Our team bases are in Colchester and Clacton and serve the North East locality of the Trust (Colchester and Tendring areas).
The post holder will be well supported by a team of five qualified Psychologists and two Assistant Psychologists. The clinical work will be primarily based in the Memory Assessment Service and the post holder will be expected to work under supervision to carry out neuropsychological assessments in clinic (or home settings where appropriate) to contribute to the diagnosis of dementia.
There will also be opportunity to assist with other aspects of our work including co-facilitation of group work for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, data collection, service evaluation, and audits of outcome under the guidance of senior staff. There will be opportunities for CPD related to the role.
Psychologists working in the Trust enjoy close academic and training links with the University of Essex Doctoral Training Course in Clinical Psychology and provide regular placements for trainees.
EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Day One Flexible Employer
The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment
Join our Staff bank
What is Staff Bank?
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.
If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank
The post holder will be line managed by the Consultant Psychologist and receive regular supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist. You will work semi-autonomously within our professional guidelines and within a framework of MDT working.
- To complete neuropsychological assessments contributing to the differential diagnosis of dementia in the age inclusive Memory Assessment Service under close supervision. This will include test administration, interpretation, report writing and discussing the results with service users and their families.
- To be responsible for collating and monitoring the supply of test materials used in the Memory Assessment Service.
- To either co-facilitate the psychoeducation group for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or support the work of the Clinical Psychologist on the dementia inpatient ward depending on service needs.
- To ensure the maintenance of accurate and timely documentation/records on all service users in line with professional code and Trust policy.
- Liaise with staff in a variety of settings, ensuring that teams are able to respond effectively and efficiently to the needs of people with cognitive impairment or dementia in their care.
- Attend MDT meetings when required to provide input, learn about patients, agree care plans.
- Assist in the continuing development of a high quality service that is underpinned by evidence based practice, NICE guidance and MSNAP accredited care standards.
- To jointly ensure the service meets the agreed key performance indicators/contractual targets and adheres to local and government initiatives.
- Assist in data collection/maintenance of spreadsheets and analysis and the use and analysis of patient reported outcome measures and service user feedback.
- To assist with audits.
- To participate in weekly supervision with a qualified Clinical Psychologist