Assistant Psychologist

About the Role

Ellern Mede Barnet is excited to recruit an assistant psychologist skilled at working with young adults (18+ years) with eating disorders and complex co-morbid presentations e.g. ASC, complex trauma, emerging EUPD, depression, OCD and self-harm. You will be well-supported in an established and valued role, working within the multi-disciplinary team and alongside colleagues in the psychological therapies team. The post requires at least a 2:1 degree in Psychology with eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. This role is for a 1-year fixed-term position, with the option to extend to two years.

The post will suit an enthusiastic and motivated psychology graduate, ideally with previous experience as an assistant psychologist or post graduate clinical experience in the NHS, who can show an ability to work well within an inpatient, multi-disciplinary team with patients with eating disorders and complex co-morbid presentations.

Job Opportunity

The post holder will be responsible for providing time limited, focused psychological interventions, including 1-1 sessions and co-facilitating groups, and work in a psychologically informed way alongside other members of the psychology team and wider MDT. There will be opportunities to contribute to staff training and support for ward staff, as well as involvement in routine outcome monitoring and service evaluations under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.

The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, good organisational skills, and an outstanding ability to build positive working relationships with patients, carers and colleagues. The main clinical duties will include:

• To undertake protocol based psychological assessments as appropriate, including neuropsychological tests, psychometric assessments, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews as directed by a qualified psychologist.

• To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving psychological interventions (e.g. informed by principles of CBT, DBT or PBS for eating disorders and co-morbidities such as autism, trauma, OCD, emotional dysregulation, self-harm and behaviour that challenge) under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.

• To assist in the preparation of CPA and other reports under the guidance of a qualified psychologist.

• To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews (e.g. reporting assessment results, handing over behaviour guidelines or providing feedback on progress in treatment).

• To assist in the coordination and facilitation of therapeutic and psycho-educational groups.

• Give professional advice and support to care, education and other staff involved in implementing behaviour or management programmes (e.g. traffic lights, safety plans, RAID ladders) in consultation with a qualified psychologist.

• Seeking and acquiring specific information by reading notes, investigating histories etc.

• Liaise or work directly with all the specialists and professionals concerned with specific cases.

• Assist the Lead of Psychological services and other clinicians in clinical work and other duties as required.

• Researching and gathering clinical information.

Essential Skills

Qualifications

Must have an accredited degree in psychology (2:1 or above) or completion of an approved conversion course with the British Psychological Society.

Eligible for graduate membership with the British Psychological Society.

Further postgraduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis

Record of peer-reviewed publications

Experience

Previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist (either in a paid or voluntary capacity)

Previous experience in clinical settings working with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.

Knowledge of basic statistics.

Experience of using data bases and data analysis.

Experience working with eating disorders, forensic settings, personality disorders, challenging and high-risk behaviour

About Company

Ellern Mede is a leading specialist mental healthcare provider, offering tailored care for individuals of all ages (8+). With over 25 years of dedicated service, Ellern Mede is recognised for its positive outcomes and ability to provide personalised care for individuals with severe and complex mental health needs.

Alongside our recognised expertise in eating disorders, we support people with a range of complex and co-occurring needs. We take a holistic approach, shaping care to support the individual’s long-term recovery and independence.

We work nationally and internationally with NHS commissioners, insurers, overseas governments, and private funders to provide bespoke inpatient placements

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and specialist eating disorder training
• Clear career progression pathways
• Online Academic Meetings
• Free meals during shifts
• Workplace pension scheme
• Blue Light Discount Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme