Assistant Psychologist

INTERNAL ONLY - This post is open to Berkshire Healthcare NHS Employees Only

Interviews will be held on 03 June 2024.

Our award-winning Wokingham Older Adults Mental Health Team is looking for an enthusiastic, caring and highly motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and innovative service. We are a multi-disciplinary team with specialist skills in supporting older people with mental health needs and people with dementia. We are interested to appoint someone with a passion for working with this client group.

You will co-ordinate and undertake evidence-based group work for people with a diagnosis of dementia (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy), working alongside other team members. You will contribute to formulation, neuropsychological assessments and/or psychological interventions under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. There are opportunities to engage in service evaluation, audit and research.

You will receive regular individual supervision and there will be opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. You will attend trust-wide psychology meetings, where you will have the opportunity to learn about psychological services and contribute to ideas for developing these. You will also be able to attend regional BPS faculty meetings to understand psychological approaches for supporting older people.

Working pattern and service operating hours: Normal rota hours are 9-5pm.,

• To co-ordinate and assist in the development and facilitation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups, for people with dementia.


• To undertake brief assessments of clients attending CST to determine suitability for this intervention.


• To manage a large database of referrals and carry out audits on this data.


• To assist in psychological assessments, formulation and intervention under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. This will include supporting people with mental health difficulties and dementia (e.g. Positive Behaviour Support interventions for people with dementia and therapy skills work on a 1-1 basis).


• To assist in the co-ordination and delivery of the team's Cognitive Screening Clinic.


• To attend and contribute to MDT and wider service/Trust meetings as appropriate.


• To contribute to the training and support of other staff.


• To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.


• To receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.


• To maintain accurate clinical documentation as per guidance.


• To participate in training and opportunities for continuing professional development.


• To ensure adherence to Trust policies.
  
  Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust isa specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.


We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer. We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you'll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority


• Committed to providing good quality, safe services


• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions


We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.

Benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.


• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell


• Generous NHS pension scheme


• Excellent learning and career development opportunities


• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme


• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services


• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants


• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces community to support equality


• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.


• Free parking across Trust sites