Workforce Directorate
Human Resources
Recruitment Team
High East, Crichton Hall, Dumfries DG1 4TG
Fax: 01387 244043
Email: dg.recruitment@nhs.net
JOB DESCRIPTION for the following vacancy:
VACANCY REF No:
G016.14
VACANCY (Post Title):
GRADE:
Assistant Psychologist
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Services (ASD) and
Adult Mental Health (AMH) Psychology Service
Band 5
SALARY:
£21,388 to £27,901
HOURS:
37.5hpw
12 months Fixed Term
An Assistant Psychologist is required for 1year to assist the Clinical Psychologist leading
in the ASD Service within Dumfries & Galloway to provide a resource for adults with
mental health difficulties in secondary or tertiary care who do not have learning
disabilities but may have an ASD; their families and NHS Services within the Mental
Health Directorate.
The postholder will also support the Heads of Adult Mental Health Psychology Service in
providing psychological services for working age adults with mental health problems in
Dumfries & Galloway.
Applicants would have a degree in Psychology, have good listening skills, be flexible in
approach, evaluation skills, and have some experience of working in a care setting. A
full driving licence is essential.
Informal enquiries to:
Dr. Alison Wren, Adult Mental Health Services, Queensberry West, Crichton Royal,
Dumfries DG1 4TG (01387) 244495
Closing Date:
Thursday 6th February 2014 at 5.00pm
Criminal Record Check
With effect from 28th February, 2011 posts considered to be within "Regulated
Work" with Children and/or "Regulated Work" with Protected Adults will require
membership of the Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme
(PVG Scheme) as a condition of employment.
Please note:
You do not have to do anything about PVG Membership when submitting your
application form for the post. Candidates selected for appointment will be advised on
how to become a PVG Scheme Member prior to taking up the position.
Further information on the PVG Scheme Membership can be found at the
following:- http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/pvg
Standard Disclosure Check
For other roles not considered to be within "Regulated Work with Children" and/or
"Regulated Work with Protected Adults", a Standard Disclosure Check may be
required and the cost of this will be met by NHS Dumfries & Galloway.
Applicants who have lived outside the UK within the last five years, if offered a
position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a
completed police record check (Certificate of Good Conduct) from the police
authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: ASSISTANT PSYCHOLOGIST – Autistic Spectrum Disorder Services (ASD) and Adult
Mental Health (AMH) Psychology Service
Department(s) :Department of Psychological Services & Research
Job Holder Reference: ASD Service and the AMH Psychology Service
No. of Job Holders :1
2. JOB PURPOSE
To support the Clinical Psychologist leading in the ASD Service within Dumfries & Galloway to provide
a resource for adults with mental health difficulties in secondary or tertiary care who do not have
learning disabilities but may have an ASD; their families and NHS Services within the Mental Health
Directorate.
The post will primarily involve a) contributing to the provision of specialist therapeutic input (involving
assessment, diagnosis, consultation and training) under the supervision of a qualified clinical
psychologist and b) assisting with auditing of the service.
To support the Heads of Adult Mental Health Psychology Service in providing psychological services
for working age adults with mental health problems in Dumfries & Galloway.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Organisational chart attached
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
 To provide a service as outlined in Job Purpose above
 To ensure that services are deployed in line with best contemporary standards, principles of
equity and reflecting evidence based practice.
 To establish collaborative working relationships with members of other disciplines and workers in
other agencies.
 To suggest developments within the specialty.
 Provision of advice to colleagues, NHS organisations and other bodies as required.
 To provide psychological service to ASD and the AMH Psychology Services, as specified by line
manager
 Research and development is a job responsibility and the postholder may undertake clinical audit
and research as appropriate in discussion with and in support of the ASD Lead and Heads of
AMH Psychology Service
 To undertake clinical audit and research as appropriate in discussion with and in support of the
ASD Lead and Heads of AMH Psychology Service.
 To seek to enhance the reputation of the service, the Department, the Board and the NHS
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The postholder is responsible for the following key outcomes:
 The policies of the Board and Department are carried out efficiently and to the best possible
standard.
 Conform to clinical governance procedures within the department.
 To keep the ASD Lead and Heads of AMH Psychology Service well informed about the needs
and developments in the service and all psychological matters concerning ASD and AMH
provision in the population of Dumfries & Galloway.
 Contribute to the provision of a responsive, efficient, equitable psychology service as outlined in
Job Purpose as above to patients, carers and NHS and voluntary sector colleagues across
Dumfries & Galloway.
 To contribute to specialist therapeutic input in the manner specified by the line manager in
supervision, and to seek clarification from the line manager where doubt exists about how to do
this.
 To maintain a good record keeping system and to comply with requirements for reports and


returns.
To conduct appropriate clinical research and audit.
To develop and maintain good links with colleagues, service users, carers and relevant
community and voluntary organisations.
6. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The postholder should:
 Develop proficiency in the administration of psychological tests and assessment methods.
 Have a working knowledge of computer-based technology including word processing, e-mail and
internet.
 Conform to the Department’s systems of information management for patient records, activity
data, and mileage and expenses information.
7. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder must:
 Be capable of judging when to seek guidance and supervision in instances where the postholder
considers that he or she lacks the necessary knowledge or skill to perform a particular task
 Be accountable for own actions, but not to take ultimate clinical responsibility.
 Be capable of informing supervisors of information which would allow monitoring a situation or
intervention by some formal means of evaluation, and be able to modify the plan, treatment or
intervention to obtain a better outcome.
 Be capable of seeking guidance and supervision in balancing the welfare rights of the individual
against the duty of care to the wider community where the behaviour of a patient is likely to pose a
significant risk to themselves and others.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The postholder must:
 Communicate promptly, clearly and sensitively with referral agents and colleagues.
 Ensure that contemporary standards of confidentiality are observed in the communication and
storage of clinical information.
 To ensure that the requirements for informed consent are observed when communicating about a
patient with a third party or when soliciting their participation in research.
 To contribute to the training of Doctors, Nurses, and other health and social services
professionals as appropriate.
 To develop and maintain good relationships with voluntary and carer organisations dealing with
older adults and neurological conditions.
 R & D activity is a responsibility of the job and the postholder is expected to conduct appropriate
research and audit.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The postholder must:
 Maintain fitness and eligibility to drive frequent lengthy car journeys to isolated locations
throughout the year to ensure equity of access to health care.
 Be able to cope with unpleasant behaviour including physical and verbal aggression.
 Be able to sit in confined spaces and to concentrate for long periods (e.g. when carrying out
clinical assessments involving technical psychometric tests). This involves a high degree of
physical manipulation of test materials and multi-tasking observational skills, concurrent
intellectual analysis under pressure of time.
 To cope sensitively and appropriately with the potentially difficult matter of comforting hurt,
distressed or distraught individuals.
 To deal with the physical demands of interviewing, assessing or otherwise engaging with people.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
 Dealing with people and their significant others (e.g. spouse and other family members) who may
have an ASD or be experiencing significant levels of distress or neuropsychological impairment.
 Influencing healthcare and other systems to adopt practices and behaviours to promote
psychological well being in staff and clientele.
 Lone working; especially when dealing with particularly traumatic or harrowing case material.
 The constant and insidious emotional challenge to one’s own psychological well being of
interacting with and seeking to resolve psychological distress in others.
11. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The postholder must:
 Have a degree in Psychology.
 Maintain knowledge of the specialty by additional reading, study and CPD.
 Attend in-house and external courses pertaining to computer training, moving and handling,
management of aggression and violence, lone worker guidelines etc.
 Possess a current U K driving licence.
 Have some knowledge of the Board’s policies and procedures.
 Have some knowledge of national and professional guidelines for optimal standards of clinical
care.
 Be able to cope professionally with offensive and confrontational behaviours, which are
manifestations of an ASD or mental health issue.
 Be able to cope emotionally with complex clinical situations characterised by developmental
disability, emotional distress, social exclusion and family dysfunction.
 Respond appropriately to clients at risk of harming others.
 Work in a sensitive manner with respect for diversity in gender and philosophical issues with a
wide range of individuals and organisations.
 Be aware of the limits of one’s competence and expertise.
 Be aware of the need to deploy valuable health service resources in an effective and rational
manner according to contemporary evidence-based practice.
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature
Date
Head of Department Signature
Date
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Assistant Psychologist – ASD & AMH Psychology Services
Essential
Qualifications
Desirable
A BPS approved post-graduate qualification in
Clinical Psychology (or acceptable equivalent)
Experience
Experience of working with adults on
the autistic spectrum
Experience of audit/evaluation projects
Experience of working in a care setting
Knowledge & Skills
Good communication skills, both written and
spoken
Experience with statistical computer
packages
Computer literate
Personal
characteristics
Good communication skills
Persuasive and diplomatic
Self Motivated
Achievement focussed
Able to use initiative but recognise own
limitations
Flexible in approach
Dr. Audrey Young (1.0 WTE)
Head of Adult Mental Health
Including Eating Disorder Service
Dr. Katie
Whyte
Clinical
Psychologist
0.8 WTE
Amanda Larkin
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Carole
Reed
CBT
Therapist
0.8
WTE
Kirsty McDonald
Psychological
Therapist
1.0 WTE
Ana Sim (0.5 WTE)
Head of Adult Mental Health
Lorna Hensey
Psychotherapist
0.8 WTE
Anna GutGofron
Clinical
Psychologist
0.6 WTE
Dr. Alison
Wren
Clinical
Psychologist
0.9 WTE
Mariette Van
Lieshout
CBT
Therapist
0.7 WTE
Kathryn
Macdonald
Psychologic
al Therapist
1.0WTE
Dr.
Jacqueline
Stirling
Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Dr. Mhairi
Williams
Clinical
Psychologist
0.6 WTE
Dr. Melissa
Varley
Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Ellen Carr
Counsellor
0.2 WTE
Shirley-Anne
Rady
CBT Therapist
0.6 WTE
Robert
McColm
Psychological
Therapist
1.0 WTE
This Post
Assistant
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Shula Haley
Counsellor
0.1 WTE
Stephen
Bradley
Counsellor
0.4 WTE
Ceara Bergin
Trainee
Clinical
Associate
1.0 WTE
Maureen
Biggar
Counsellor
0.5 WTE
Stuart Rae
Assistant
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Ian Hancock
Director
(See Attached for AMH Details)
1.0 WTE
Bruce Kidd
Head of Learning
Disabilities/Forensic
1.0 WTE
Danielle
Wilson-Smith
Forensic
Applied
Psychologist
1.0WTE
Dr. Louise Cumbley
Head of Child & Adolescents
1.0 WTE
Dr. Mhairi
Williams
Guided Self Help
Lead
0.4 WTE
Dr. Jennifer
Hadden
Learning
Disability
Applied
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Vacant Post
Assistant
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Kirstie
Templeton
Self Help Worker
0.6 WTE
0.6WTE
Sara McMinn
Self Help Worker
0.8 WTE
Dr. Adrian Fish
Consultant
Clinical
Psychologist
0.2 WTE
Dr. Jim Lemon
Consultant Clinical
Psychologist –
Medical Paediatrics
0.8 WTE
Dr. Allyson Turnbull
Clinical Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Ailie Cliff
Senior Self Help
Worker
0.6 WTE
Dr. Catherine Nesbitt
Clinical Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Elaine Ferguson
CBT Therapist
0.8 WTE
Sarah Morris
Self Help Worker
0.4 WTE
Margaret Walker
Self Help Worker
0.5 WTE
Jannette Lumb
Self Help Worker
0.5 WTE
Karen Court
Self Help
Worker
0.5 WTE
Robert Watts
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Karina Woldt
Clinical
Psychologist
Diabetes
0.5 WTE
Mary Hughes
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Dr. Fionnuala
Edgar
Clinical
Psychologist
Older Adults
1.0 WTE
Vacant Post
Clinical
Psychologist
Older Adults
1.0 WTE
Robert Barton
CBT
Therapist
1.0 WTE
Louise Hall
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Susan English
Self Help Worker
0.5 WTE
Annie Winstanley
Self Help Worker
0.6 WTE
Dr. Ross
Warwick
Clinical
Health
Psychologist1
1.0 WTE
Vacant Post
Consultant
Clinical
Health
Psychologist1
1.0 WTE
Dr. Melanie
Platten
Psychologist
Stroke
1.0 WTE
Denise Zygadlo
Senior Self Help
Worker
0.4 WTE
Frances Groves
Quality & Admin
Manager
1.0 WTE
Dr. John Higgon
Head of
OA/Neuro/Stroke
1.0 WTE
Dr. Katie Whyte
Local NHS Psychology
Tutor
0.2 WTE
Anna Whiteley
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Rebecca Cathers
Trainee Clinical
Psychologist
1.0 WTE
Kathryn McKie
Secretary
0.6 WTE
Rachel Boyes
Secretary
1.0 WTE
1.0WTE
Caroline Carruthers
Receptionist
1.0 WTE
Sandra
McWaters
Admin Manager
0.8 WTE
Lesley Blyth
Secretary
0.8 WTE
Irene Dunbar
Receptionist
0.53 WTE