Assistant Psychologist

This is a HYBRID/REMOTE job. Some onsite working around the Manchester area is required.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and experienced Assistant Psychologist to support the provision therapeutic support for complex high risk adolescents living in residential care. The therapeutic modality is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and we have a comprehensive model of care within the home - The SPIRAL model. The post-holder's role will be to:

• Embed a therapeutic model of care within the care homes.
• Help residential care staff plan and maintain an environment that is conducive to the health and well being of the children.
• Work directly with young people in care.
• Liaise with the multi-agency network around a child's care
• Assess and manage risk.

This post is supervised by a Senior Psychologist and will offer valuable opportunities to gain experience in areas relevant to people wishing to apply for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. We also offer extensive CPD opportunies and alternatives routes to relevant qualifications or promotion through our commitment to 'growing our own' future leaders and therapy teams.

All staff can supplement their pay by delivering training in the SPIRAL model. Train the Trainer training in this is available.

JOB PURPOSE
To support the provision of therapeutic care and therapeutic support for children in residential care homes, within an evidence based attachment focused and trauma informed model of care; to help team members plan and maintain an environment that is conducive to the health and well being of the children; to work directly with children under supervision; to deliver consultation and training to care home staff. Aspire is the only non-NHS pilot site for a large multi-site NHS England and Health Education England project - Youth Intensive Psychological Practitioner Pilot. Research and trainee opportunities for Cohort 3 may be possible for APs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support for staff

• Provide guidance and advice to residential care staff in rolling out the therapeutic programme and following the care, therapy and risk management plans devised by the Senior Psychologists
• Support the home’s case management systems by attending children’s conferences, reviews, core groups and other meetings, maintaining children’s records to the highest quality standards, contributing to risk assessment and management, being available for and otherwise supporting incident debriefs
• Attend and contribute to your supervision sessions, appraisal and training events.
• Support delivery of assessments and therapeutic care to children in care or after adoption by variously conducting assessments with children and families, supporting them in therapy, coaching them in applying skills in everyday life and holding therapeutic sessions or conversations with them and their families
• With Care Coordinators and key workers, support the maintenance and development of positive relationships with all partners, including Local Authorities and parents.
• Support the development of a structured environment, in particular, ensuring children’s weekly planners are devised and implemented effectively, including the provision of positive leisure activities. Helping the children to overcome emotional or psychological barriers to accessing social, educational and leisure opportunities.
• Assess and manage risk under supervision.
• Deliver training sessions to care staff

ESSENTIAL

Educational

Degree in Psychology, minimum 2:1

Knowledge of psychological health and disorder in both children and adults.

Understanding of Behavioural and Social Learning Theory

Experience

At least 2 years experience working with children in a paid capacity within a health or social care setting.

Experience working with children who are emotionally dysregulated and exhibit challenging behaviours

Experience of working with high risk presentations including suicidality, self harm, violence, reckless behaviours and running away

Experience assessing risk and writing risk management plans

Skills

Ability to apply clinical formulations (devised by the Senior Psychologist) to day to day care and therapeutic support

Ability to understand and manage risky presentations including suicidality, self harm, violence, reckless behaviours and running away

Ability assess risk and write risk management plans

Ability to understand and address Childhood Criminal or Sexual Exploitation.

Abiity to engage young people, build rapport and deveop trust

Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively for staff

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Personal Qualities

Commitment to personal and staff development.

Commitment to equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

Commitment to multi agency & multi disciplinary teamwork

Emotional resilience and self awareness.

Highest standards of professionalism at all times

Willingness to work flexibly

Full driving licence

DESIRABLE
Experience working in a children’s residential or health care setting.
Knowledge and experience of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Knowledge of Children Acts, associated regulations and Guidance.

To apply, please submit a CV wth a cover letter that sets out:

* Why you are attracted to the post

* How you meet the Person Spec.

Due to the large number of applicants anticipated please do not request additional information at this stage. If you are short-listed for interview there will be opportunities to discuss the role in more detail.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £27,055.00-£29,180.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Clinical work and consultation remains face to face. Many meetings now take place online.

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Experience:

• CAMHS or LAC: 2 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oldham, OL1 3AB