Senior Assistant Psychologist

Detailed job description

and main responsibilities

Please see attached for full details:

The post will form a key part of the Dorset Development and Behavioural Pathway, specifically supporting the parents/carers of young people with suspected ASD. The post is intended to contribute to an efficient and supported journey for young people and their families/carers within the multiagency diagnostic pathway for ASD and related conditions. It is intended that this role will support clinicians with assessments so that their time and capacity is spent where it is needed most. The post-holder will be involved in information gathering and administering standardised assessments under supervision of the Lead Clinical Psychologist. The post-holder will be able to provide information and signpost parents to Early Help Services across Dorset which can support them further. This post is also intended to support those children and families who do not get a diagnosis but who have outstanding support needs. The post holder will need to make referrals into other services which can help. The post holder will collate and share with families and professionals, up-to-date local and national information on community and digital resources to support young people with ASD. The post holder will be supervised by a registered Clinical Psychologist working in the service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• An Upper Second or First class undergraduate psychology degree (from a BPS accredited course)
• Evidence of on-going professional development

Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject e.g. diploma, MSc in a clinical subject relevant to the post

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working with young people and families in a community setting
• Understanding of Child Development.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with parents/carers in a clinical capacity
• Experience of working with children or adults who experience a range of ASD and emotional & behavioural difficulties.
• Experience of administering cognitive/ neuropsychological assessments
• Experience of coordinating the collection of information and organisation of meetings

Technical skills and competencies

Essential criteria

• Highly developed communication skills and ability to work with young people & their families/ carers during times of stress and uncertainty.
• Good time management and ability to prioritise

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and understanding in order to Safeguard children.

Personal Attributes

Essential criteria

• Awareness of personal and professional boundaries
• The ability to instill confidence in others and in managing anxiety in other professionals and with families/carers

Desirable criteria

• An in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by young people and their families seeking ASD diagnosis and support.