Assistant Psychologist

The Clinical Health Psychology Department at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital are looking to recruit several Assistant Psychologists to support the work of qualified Clinical Psychologists within a range of paediatric medical teams. Supporting clinical work, research work, cognitive assessments, evaluation/audit, and supporting non-clinical service activities will all form key aspects of the post.

Applicants should hold a good honours degree, research experience, and previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist or working with young people and/or in a hospital setting may be an advantage. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, motivated and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Due to the anticipated response to the advert we are only able to offer informal discussion to shortlisted candidates. The advert may also close prior to the advertised closing date if a significant number of applications are received. We are provisionally looking to arrange virtual interviews via MS Teams on Tuesday 13th June or Wednesday 14th June.

Support and enhance the professional psychological care of children and families in a specified area of service delivery within Clinical Health Psychology as directed by, and under the supervision of, a qualified Clinical Psychologist. Main duties include:

• psychological assessment and intervention
• audits and research
• teaching and project work
• psychometric tests and assessments
• assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups
• attend and contribute to clinical psychology meetings

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and busiest children’s hospitals in Europe. The Trust has a world class reputation for providing general and specialist health care for children and a proud history of achievement and clinical innovation. As part of the Community and Mental Health Division, Clinical Health Psychology Department is a hospital-based service providing psychological support to patients and their families experiencing difficulties in relation to acute trauma, chronic health conditions and/or its treatment. We work closely with our multi-disciplinary colleagues and in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local authorities, other agencies, voluntary organisations, carers and users of our services. We have strong links with Liverpool University and the Clinical Psychology doctoral training courses within the region.

Following appropriate induction and under direction and supervision, to undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients including standard 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 delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and / or management of a client’s problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist. The post holder can be required to work in highly emotive atmosphere and must maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.

To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups.

To work with other staff to assess outpatients and inpatients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews.

To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all care settings.

To attend and contribute to clinical psychology meetings and appropriate multidisciplinary meetings, as directed by the qualified clinical psychologists.