Assistant Psychologist EPIC (DMBC)

Full Time 37 Hours

Temporary 12 month

Grade 7 £24,044 - £26,740 depending on experience

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Assistant Psychologist to join the Psychology Team which sits within Doncaster Councils’ Young People’s Service (YPS). The post-holder will be based at the EPIC Learning Provision.

The YPS has worked hard in developing a systemic and psychologically informed culture within the existing structure. This is an opportunity for the post-holder to be involved in an innovative way of working with young people attending EPIC Learning. This may involve working with young people with a history of trauma, mental health challenges and who present with challenging and/or criminal behaviours. This is a challenging role but if you enjoy working with young people and their families and making a difference to children’s lives then you will find this post rewarding and fulfilling.

EPIC an acronym for Encouraging Potential Inspiring Change has, in partnership with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council developed an alternative learning provision to support young people who have been excluded from mainstream school. EPIC’s background within Youth Crime Prevention has highlighted the correlation between young people who are excluded and those that enter the criminal justice system. The project aims to prevent young people from being permanently excluded from mainstream school and during the package of support provided, information will be gained in order for the young person to be re-integrated back into mainstream school as part of a bespoke transition plan.

The key role will be to complete a psychological profile assessment of each young person open to EPIC Learning, including the completion of a cognitive assessment and various psychometric assessments. The post holder will also facilitate group based, and 1:1 interventions, for young people attending EPIC Learning, having the opportunity to gain experience in using different psychological models (e.g., CBT, Motivational interviewing and DBT). The post-holder will be required to aid in building confidence, independence, resilience and role model appropriate interventions with the young people being supported.

There will also be the opportunity to provide psycho-education sessions for clients and provide staff training to support cohesive communication and integration of psychological models and knowledge. The post-holder will be supervised to support the development of psychological case formulations and undertake further specific assessments where required. The post-holder will be required to attend and contribute to a variety of multiagency meetings relating to young people, including writing professional reports when requested.

Within this role you will have the opportunity to work in a flexible and dynamic way to meet the needs of this challenging client group. The role will allow you to enhance your psychological insight in relation to this client group, through development of assessment and formulation skills. Development of clinical skills will also be supported. Furthermore, under the supervision of the Psychology Service Manager, the post-holder may have the opportunity in supporting in the delivery of teaching and training to partner agency staff.

The post-holder will be provided with opportunities to expand their experience with conducting audits, collection and analysis of statistics, development of audit and/or research projects and clinically related administration. Doncaster Council is also committed to developing and supporting the workforce and if you are employed in this role then you can look forward to on-going professional development and training.

The team is looking for an enthusiastic, robust, committed individual who has a keen interest in working with complex and challenging young people. The role is also suitable for those looking to expand their skills and experience and work towards a career within Psychology. The psychology team is supportive and consists of staff who have varying expertise that they are always willing to share. The team provides a range of opportunities for its members to explore their interests and gain knowledge in areas that they are passionate about.

The role may require regular travel across Doncaster. Holding a driving license is not essential but the ability to travel independently across the borough to meet the needs of the service where necessary is required.

Doncaster Council is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of the selection process you will be required to undergo criminal records Bureau Check.

If you require more detail please contact Dr Jodie Howarth-Beal (Forensic Psychologist) on 01302 736100/07817087942.

Should you wish to apply please read the Job Description & Person Specification and complete the online application form by: