Psychology Assistant

at  Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

We’re looking for an Assistant Psychologist to join an innovative team developing, testing and implementing psychological treatments for inpatient wards.
Could this be you?
The Oxford Ward Sleep Solution (OWLS) is a psychological sleep treatment developed and tested here in Oxford. Results from a pilot randomised controlled trial indicated that the treatment led to large improvements in insomnia symptoms and was popular with patients. Based on this we are undertaking a quality improvement project to implement the treatment in routine clinical practice in Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will receive training and frequent supervision to support delivery of key project tasks: delivering the psychological intervention and carrying out patient assessments.
The post-holder would work closely with Dr Kelly Buffham (Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Adult Acute Inpatient Psychology Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust) and Dr Bryony Sheaves (Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dept of Experimental Psychology, Univ of Oxford).
As an assistant psychologist you will be responsible for working closely with the wider inpatient ward team to identify patients who might benefit from the sleep treatment, support patients to complete brief routine outcome measure assessments and deliver session of cognitive behavioural therapy for sleep problems.
You will attend individual supervision and training in the intervention with a clinical psychologist based in Oxford and be expected to meet key milestones for the project. You will be expected to contribute to the Trust’s social inclusion agenda by enabling staff, service users and carers from diverse background to flourish by creating a psychologically safe environment.
You must hold a degree in psychology (2.1 or above, or equivalent conversion) and have knowledge of the psychological understanding of mental health problems, excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to engage and work respectfully with patients admitted to hospital for mental health support.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”
Our values are: “Caring, safe and excellent”
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
Excellent opportunities for career progression
Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
Competitive pension scheme
Lease car scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Mental Health First Aiders
Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

What we need from you!

• A graduate psychologist with a passion for innovation, and NHS service improvement.
• A knowledge of the psychological understanding of mental health problems such as insomnia.
• An insight into and empathy for the difficulties faced by people admitted to hospital for mental health difficulties.
• An ability to work with patients who may be experiencing high levels of distress from experiences such as voice hearing, paranoia, mania, depression and anxiety.
• An ability to quickly learn new psychological assessments.
• An ability to work creatively, co-operatively, reliably, and consistently within a team, contributing to effective team functioning and holding team roles.

Please refer the Job description for details