Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To support Clinical Psychologists undertaking psychological assessments of clients applying psychologically based psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care.

To assist in the formulation and delivery of interventions involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, in a community setting, as appropriate.

Having received instruction through supervision, to provide one-to-one consultations with service users, working autonomously within the limits of this instruction and within personal competence.

To use a degree of initiative and work independently with service users on planned work, and to exercise judgement based on good practice (NICE) and local operating procedures.

To work with potentially distressing material in relation to service users’ personal histories and presentation, including risk to self and others.

Preparing agreed assessment reports accurately in the accepted format.

Where required, to assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.

In common with all professional 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 through engagement with CPD opportunities and self-guided learning

To contribute to the training and support of other staff.

To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.

To attend MDT meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

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 professional psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other professionals.

To contribute to the development and maintenance of high professional standards of practice, through active participation in training and development programmes, in consultation with the supervisor.

To maintain clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.

To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.

To undertake specific administrative duties as required.

The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other Trust business in accordance professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act.

Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity Trust wide.

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.

Maintain consistent high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant code of professional conduct (if applicable). Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.

Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers.

Generic Responsibilities for all staff:

All post holders will agree to:

·       Commit to the vision of supporting Mersey Care in becoming a leading organisation in the provision of community services, mental health care, addiction services and learning disability care, and in doing so fully utilise their skills and experience to support the objectives of the Trust.

·       Role model the values of the Trust – Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Respectfulness, Enthusiasm and Support– in all activities and interactions with employees, service users and other stakeholders

·       Challenge the stigma associated with mental health and learning difficulties.

·       Comply with the Duty of Candour, defined by Francis as: 'The volunteering of all relevant information to persons who have or may have been harmed by the provision of services, whether or not the information has been requested and whether or not a complaint or a report about that provision has been made.’

·       Work across professional and organisational boundaries to improve services for all.

·       Maintain their specific knowledge base and develop new skills.

·       Value the contribution of the patient / service user voice.

·       Operate within any organisational codes of practice or those from a relevant professional body.

·       Respect equality and diversity across all areas of working practice and communications with staff, service users and other stakeholders.

·       Take responsibility for the accurate and timely collection and recording of data and ensuring all personally identifiable information is protected and used only for the purposes for which it was intended.

·       Comply with all health and safety legislation and local policies and procedures.

·       Adhere to all organisational policies.

·       Have knowledge and understanding of technology in the workplace which is sufficient to maintain their efficiency and also how technology can empower service users in a digital environment

·       Comply with the NHS Constitution in relation to the staff responsibilities that it sets out for NHS employees.

·       Attend a one day Just and Learning & Civility and Respect training work shop

·       Be an ambassador for Just & Learning and Civility & Respect following the training

·       Positively advocate the just and learning culture within your team

·       Be a confident supporter and implementer of the Trust CARES Values including Civility & Respect within your team.

·       Support their team/services to create a positive environment for Just and Learning Culture

·       Participate in Just and Learning Culture events.

·       Bring Just and Learning Culture updates/information to the attention of team members and other MCT colleagues they work with.

·       Support and encourage the sharing of concerns about the safety and quality of care with senior leaders with the aim of improving safety and quality.

·       Actively participate in creating an open culture within your team so that concerns and difficulties can be discussed safely and respectfully.

·       Speaking up in the event that they are exposed to incivility between colleagues in the workplace #iwillspeakup.

·       Listening and understanding others who have concerns and taking a collaborative approach to work towards a solution to improve civility and respect.

This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be reviewed in light of the changing needs of the Trust in consultation with the postholder.