Assistant Psychologist

Role overview

This is an opportunity for a creative and proactive Band 4 Assistant Psychologist to join a well-established, energetic multidisciplinary community team supporting people with learning disabilities. The role sits within a staff group that is committed to improving quality of life for people with learning disabilities and to developing new ways of meeting their needs.

Key focus of the post

The position is centred on the post-diagnostic pathway for people who have a learning disability alongside a diagnosis of dementia. Working under the supervision of a qualified psychologist, you will support direct caregivers such as family members and care staff by sharing information, resources, consultation, psychoeducation and training.

You will manage a small caseload and use neuropsychological understanding, together with Systemic and Positive Support approaches, to help carers respond to periods of complexity and to support the person’s needs more effectively, with the aim of improving overall quality of life.

Main duties

The role is likely to include dementia assessments for people whose functioning appears to be changing. You may also contribute to clinically related administration, audits, outcome data collection and other project work as required, always under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist within the service.

Working pattern and location

This is a varied role covering a broad area across West Surrey and North-East Hampshire. Flexible working across the team’s three bases in Chertsey, Aldershot and Guildford is encouraged, and the successful candidate’s preferences will be considered when deciding the main base of work.

About the organisation

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides health and social care services for people of all ages with mental ill-health and learning disabilities across Surrey and North East Hampshire. The Trust also delivers social care services for people with learning disabilities in Croydon, as well as ASD and ADHD assessment services in Hampshire. The organisation works closely with service users, carers, NHS partners and voluntary sector organisations to improve mental wellbeing across local communities.

Additional information

Applicants with experience of working with people with learning disabilities and people with dementia are particularly encouraged. For questions about the role, the contact point provided is Dr Kirsten Collins, Lead Clinical Psychologist, via the listed email address or telephone number.

The Trust may close the vacancy early if it receives a large volume of applications, and once closed the post will not be reopened for further applications.

Surrey offers strong transport links, access to the South Coast and London, and proximity to Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Please refer to the job description for full details.