Job summaryWe have an exciting opportunity for 2 full time Assistant Psychologists to support the work of the Psychologists within our Bedford and Luton Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) for Older Adults and Memory Assessment Service (MAS) based in Clapham, Bedford and Dustable. The posts are 18 month Fixed Term contracts. A significant proportion of the post-holders role will be undertaking neuropsychological assessments under supervision as part of the MAS. The successful applicants will support the Psychologists in a range of activities such as Quality Improvement, group work, training, completing individual assessments and interventions i.e., the START programme for carers of people with dementia or interventions such as anxiety management or behavioural activation. The role is predominately working within the community but there may be some inpatient working if required.These posts have a strong clinical component to it. The successful applicants must have excellent communication skills, a strong academic record with excellent IT literacy skills and skills in data collection and evaluation. We are also looking for people who are able to engage positively and sensitively with people with mental health difficulties and dementia as well as family members and carers. The ability to work collaboratively with other professions is a central part of the post in order to provide high quality person-centred care.Main duties of the jobThe post holder will provide assessments for people receiving services within our Memory Assessment Services, with a focus on assessment of dementia. Alongside this, they will work within a Community Mental Health Team with older people to support people with mental health difficulties to work towards recovery goals.About usOur mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease see attached Job Description and Person Specification for furthe information about main duties and responsiblitiesPerson SpecificationEducation/ Qualification/ TrainingEssentialAn approved qualification in psychology conferring eligibility for graduate basis for registration with the British Psychological Society, with either a Bachelor's degree (Class 2.1 or higher) or a Bachelor's degree (any class) together with a higher Degree.DesirableAttendance at specialist short courses relevant to the post (e.g. further training in working with dementia)ExperienceEssentialExperience of work in the NHS giving awareness of NHS values and structures.Work with client groups with severe mental health problemsomental health care of older people or people with cognitive difficultiesoworking with carersoworking in MDTs.oAudit, evaluation or researchDesirableoCompleting neuropsychological assessmentsoWorking with behaviours that challengeoWorking as an Assistant PsychologistoCompleting and conducting service-related research or service evaluationoWork in a multi-cultural settingsoMental health issues as a service user or carerKnowledgeEssentialoBasic overview of mental health issues and approaches to treatment and interventionoBasic understanding of health care systems and structures: staffing, roles and responsibilities, the role of hospitals, primary care and community care.oGraduate level knowledge of research design and methodology,oAware of the potential impact of discrimination & disadvantage on mental health.oAble to draw upon a specific theoretical knowledge base in the analysis of facts or situations to arrive at appropriate formulations, under clinical supervision.DesirableoUnderstanding of dementia assessment and care needsSkillsEssentialoDemonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and active listening skills with service users, carers and staff.oManage effectively exposure to distressing/highly emotional circumstances.oManage effectively verbal aggression from service users, families, etc. and the risk of physical aggression.oAccept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.oConcentrate intensely for a substantial proportion of working time, during client contact, teaching/supervision sessions, team meetings, preparing written work etc.oUse IT packages - word processing, e-mail and internet, SPSS, Excel and Access.oPlan, organise and prioritise own workload.DesirableoSkills in the use of relevant specialist treatment or assessment procedures, such as assessment of dementia or cognitive difficultiesOtherEssentialoCar user and the ability to travel between sites and into the community such as home visits or care home visits etc.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameEast London NHS Foundation TrustAddressBedford Older Persons Service, Twinwoods & Luton Older Person's Service, Beech CloseMilton Rd, Clapham, Bedford (Bedford Team) and Number 2 The Bungalows, Beech Close, Dunstable, and LU6 3SDClapham (Bedford Team) and Dunstable (Luton Team)MK41 6ATEmployer's websitehttps://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)