JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Assistant Psychologist
Location:
WALK Head Office, Long Mile Road & Various residential and day
services in the surrounding area
Reporting To:
Consultant Clinical Psychologist (Supervision)
Director of Services (Day-to-day basis)
Hours:
20 Hours per week including on call and evening work
Contract:
Two year fixed term contract
Salary:
€14,500 per annum
KEY TASKS
1. To administer and score psychological assessments, including neuropsychological
tests, questionnaires, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect
observations and semi-structured interviews as directed by consultant clinical
psychologist
2. To complete risk assessments under supervision focusing on identification of supports
required to promote independence and community integration
3. To assist in the design and implementation of person-centred behaviour support plans
and individualised stress reduction plans
4. To attend and contribute to Clinical Review Meetings which are held on a fortnightly
basis
5. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding
and care to the benefit of all service users in line with organisational values
6. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties. To
contribute to the training, mentoring and support of other staff in the areas of low
arousal, positive psychology and autism-informed approaches
7. To work with other members of the psychology team in the development of behavioural
monitoring systems and objective data collection
8. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist in evidence-based
practice in individual work and work with other team members
9. To work hands on with service users and support local staff teams (in day and residential
services). In so doing the Assistant Psychologist will be a strong advocate for the low arousal
approach and will use all opportunities to ensure that the service provided within the
organisation reflects this.
10. Being present in various residential and day service locations to model the implementation
of behaviour support interventions.
11. Being present in various residential and day service locations to undertake periodic service
reviews to identify service needs.
12. Communicating with various internal and external stakeholders by attending and
contributing to various cross-departmental meetings including staff team meetings and
external multi-disciplinary team meetings.
13. Assist the psychology team in clinical work and other duties as required
14. To actively participate in regular fortnightly group supervision facilitated by consultant
clinical psychologist
PERSON PROFILE
ESSENTIAL
TRAINING
AND An honours degree
QUALIFICATIONS psychology
EXPERIENCE
DESIRABLE
in Further
post
graduate
qualification in relevant
areas of psychology
Entitlement to graduate
membership
of
the
Psychological Society of
Ireland
Experience
supporting Experience of working with
adults with intellectual challenging behaviour
disabilities / autism
Experience of administering
standardised assessments
Experience of developing
behaviour support plans
KNOWLEDGE
SKILLS
Experience of conducting
risk assessments
a
theoretical Knowledge
and/or
& Have
understanding of the areas experience of low arousal
of autism and intellectual approach
to
managing
disability
challenging behaviour
Excellent communication
skills with proven ability to
develop
positive
relationships with a variety
of stakeholders
Rights
Based
ORGANISATIONAL Human
Approach
COMPETENCIES &
VALUES
Low Arousal Philosophy &
Practice
Resilience,
Positive
Attitude & Openness to
Change
Effective Communication
& Working Relationships
Planning, Organising &
Reprioritising
Innovation, Creativity &
Problem Solving
Ability to accept and use An interest in pursuing a
OTHER
supervision appropriately career in clinical psychology
and effectively
This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is
subject to review and amendment in the light of changing circumstances and may
include other duties and responsibilities, as may be determined from time to time.