Assistant Psychologist

Adult Autism Assessment

Job summary

Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd is a well-regarded psychology-led independent practice and is commissioned by the NHS to provide a range of services for autistic adults with complex needs (but without a learning disability) across Kent and the south east, including services provided by KAMCAS. We are looking to appoint a full-time assistant psychologist, with strong interpersonal skills, to join our friendly and supportive team based at Kings Hill near Maidstone. KAMCAS is a well-established, vibrant and innovative multi-disciplinary team comprising a lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, two senior Clinical Psychologists, two Forensic Psychologists and five Assistant Psychologists, also including a Senior Assistant Psychologist with a mentoring role. In KAMCAS we also have a Case Manager, two Occupational Therapists, a small Positive Behavior Support team, and a Speech and Language Therapist.

About us

Sinclair Strong Consultants Limited is a well-regarded independent Psychology-led service. In addition to ASD, we work across adult mental health, personal injury sectors, and within community and secure services for people with autism and intellectual disability.   

We offer a salary in line with Agenda for Change and an annual leave entitlement commensurate with the NHS. We are passionate about supporting professional development both in house and regular attendance at external courses.  

Main duties of the job

As an integral part of the KAMCAS team, the post-holder will provide clinical and administrative support to process referrals, compile risk summaries, conduct audits and service evaluations and to provide a range of direct assessments and psychological interventions under the supervision of an experienced Registered Psychologist. During the initial probationary period there will be a requirement to work from our team base at Kings Hill, after which some flexibility may be negotiated around some hybrid working. Travel to other parts of Kent will be essential to the clinical aspects of the role.

There are opportunities for progression/preceptorship within the service, reflective practice, support for relevant CPD and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), as well as pay and annual leave being commensurate with NHS and a company pension scheme with Group/Life Cover benefit. There are opportunities for PBS experience and more varied work in other parts of the wider service (eg Out of hours support service) as agreed with line manager, with appropriate training and supervision. Current and previous Assistant Psychologists within the Company have been supported to progress along their career pathways through enrolment in further training opportunities, such as Master and Doctoral programmes. Nine previous Assistant Psychologists have secured Doctoral training posts.

Job description

Responsibilities clinical:

To assist in the assessment, formulation and delivery of appropriate autism-adapted clinical interventions for referred autistic adults in Kent, who do not have a learning disability but who typically present initially with complex co-occurring neuro-developmental, mental health and psychiatric disorders. This with the aim of helping referred clients to maintain their place in the community and to reduce risk (ie of harm to self/others and to minimise the likelihood of related admissions to hospital or entering the criminal justice system).

Teaching, training and supervision:

• In common with all clinical psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
• To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties
• To contribute to the training and support of other staff and volunteers in the service.

Management, recruitment and service development:

• To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
• To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

Research and service evaluation:

• To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
• To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
• To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.

General:

• To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the potholders professional and team/operational manager(s).
• To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures. To communicate effectively both verbally and through written material to clients and staff.
• To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
• To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time by their Line Manager.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

A first-class or Upper-second class degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Registration of the British Psychological Society.

Desirable criteria:

Postgraduate training relevant to mental health/ASD (e.g. diploma, MSc in a clinical subject relevant to the post).

Experience

Essential criteria:

Relevant work experience with people with neurodevelopmental and/or mental health conditions (e.g. Assistant Psychologist or other health, social care, or research roles) An interest in working with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Desirable criteria:

Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in a statutory or voluntary care setting Experience of working with ASD in a clinical setting Experience of psychological assessment, therapy, or research with a mental health population Experience of writing assessment reports.

Knowledge & skills

Essential criteria:

An understanding of the needs and difficulties of autistic adults including co-occurring psychological/mental health difficulties and other neurodevelopmental conditions Ability to apply psychological knowledge to a mental health context Graduate-level knowledge of psychological assessment, psychological research methodology and statistical analysis Awareness of racial and cultural diversity issues Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A proven ability to develop positive relationships with people with mental health difficulties, their carers, and staff within a professional setting. An ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to effective team functioning. High standard IT skills Ability to work independently using own initiative and under supervision Ability to organise and prioritise workload and time Clean driving licence and use of own car.

Personal attributes

Essential criteria:

Strong interpersonal skills. A desire to explore a career in professional psychology.

Disclosure and barring service check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

For further information please see: NHS Careers website (opens in a new window)

Employer details

Employer name: Sinclair-Strong Consultants Limited

Employer address: Building 80, Churchill Square, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4YU