Assistant psychologist jobs

Band 7 Counselling / Clinical Psychologist

Reports to: Clinical Lead, Dose of Nature

Job Overview:

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and innovative psychologist to join our warm and friendly team at our Dose of Nature hub in Surrey. Dose of Nature is in an exciting phase as we continue to receive funding to expand our reach, particularly increasing accessibility to our service for clients living in the Waverley area.

We are seeking a psychologist with passion for the natural world and there is great potential for the psychologist to lead on areas in which we seek to develop and expand. The post-holder would be closely supported by the psychology team, as well as the wider team, to do so.

Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose objective is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.  We deliver ‘Nature Prescriptions’ to adults (aged 18+) referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

Our Dose of Nature Prescription is overseen by psychologists and is a genuine alternative to both medication and more traditional psychological interventions. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we aim to encourage a greater connection with nature and inspire lifestyle changes that will have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing.  Dose of Nature is a fun, supportive and lively organisation that encourages creativity and independence, as well as a strong sense of working together as a team.

The nature of the role requires occasional evenings and weekends to cover monthly volunteer training evenings and social events as necessitated by the needs of the charity.

Key Responsibilities 

Clinical 

• To carry out psychological assessments of clients referred to the service, to reach a psychological formulation of the client’s difficulties and understand their wider contextual needs, and to support those clients throughout their journey with Dose of Nature, offering ad-hoc support where needed.
• To subsequently pair clients with an appropriate volunteer Nature Guide who then delivers the Dose of Nature Prescription.
• To review clients at the end of their Dose of Nature Prescription and ensure that those clients who would like to and / or need to, maintain connection with Dose of Nature by attending groups, social events, and through ad-hoc support.
• To maintain relationships with GP practices and other referrers, and to inform them of client progress.
• To support the Clinical Lead to offer workshops and presentations to other agencies, professional colleagues and in the wider community.
• To provide specialist psychological advice, guidance and consultation to other professionals, staff members and volunteers contributing to a client’s recovery.
• To undertake risk assessment, formulation, and management of clients and to provide advice to the Dose of Nature team on psychological aspects of risk assessment, formulation, and management.
• To actively promote client involvement in their recovery and service development.

Teaching, Training, and Supervision

• To receive and provide regular clinical supervision.
• To gain additional experience and skills relevant to the Dose of Nature model.
• To provide clinical placements for trainee counsellors and / or trainee psychologists where needed and if appropriate, ensuring that trainees acquire the necessary skills and experience to contribute effectively to client recovery, utilising the Dose of Nature model.
• To provide advice, consultation and training to staff and volunteers.

Management, Leadership, Recruitment, Policy and Service Development

• To participate in identifying and implementing the development of a high quality, responsible and accessible service.
• To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the team’s operational policies and services, through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit
• To participate in the management of psychological resources available to the team.
• To manage the workloads of assistant and trainee applied psychologists.
• To be involved, as appropriate, in the short listing and interviewing of assistant psychologists
  and other staff.
• To provide effective leadership and management to staff which promotes high performance
  standards both individually and as a team. 

Research and Service Evaluation

• To utilise theory, evidence-based literature, and research to support practice.
• To undertake appropriate research and provide research advice to other staff undertaking research
• To undertake project management, including service evaluation, with colleagues within the service to help develop service provision.

This job description sets out the main responsibilities and duties of the post, but is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and the postholder may be required to undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected of an employee of this grade.

Job Overview

We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Operations Assistant to support our team and ensure the smooth operation of our office. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated professional to join our warm and friendly mental health charity. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys providing hospitality, supporting mental health initiatives in nature, and ensuring efficient office and field management. The successful candidate will be responsible for, assisting with nature-based mental health activities, and supporting the team and office needs.

The nature of the role may require flexible hours such as occasional evenings to cover monthly volunteer training evenings and other annual events as necessitated by the needs of the charity.

Dose of Nature

Dose of Nature is a mental health charity whose objective is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of individuals through increased engagement with the natural world. Our work is rooted in a wealth of scientific evidence that demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits of spending time in nature.  We deliver ‘nature prescriptions’ to people referred by their GP with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Our Dose of Nature Prescription Programme is overseen by psychologists and is a genuine alternative to both medication and more traditional psychological interventions. Through a combination of education, first-hand experience, and practical and motivational support, we aim to encourage a greater connection with nature and inspire lifestyle changes that will have a significant and lasting impact on mental wellbeing.  Dose of Nature is a fun, supportive and lively organisation that encourages creativity and independence, as well as a strong sense of working together as a team.  

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality & Wellbeing Support:

• Greet all guests, acting as the first point of contact between the team and external stakeholders visiting 1 Wharf Cottage, namely our clients, volunteers and partners.
• Prepare and serve teas, coffees, and refreshments to clients, volunteers and visitors, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
•  Assist the operations and psychology team with daily administrative tasks, including managing scheduling meetings and client assessments / reviews.
• Assist in the set-up and facilitation of nature-based mental health group activities, providing support to the group leaders and facilitators (where required).
•  Support the team in ensuring a comfortable and supportive workspace.

Event Coordination: 

• Assist in coordinating and executing group sessions, meetings, events and wellness workshops as required.Support logistics, venue setup, and participant coordination for monthly, quarterly and annual events.
• Provide on-the-ground assistance during events, activities and group sessions.
• Oversee the purchase of supplies, including food and drinks, for our monthly volunteer evening events.
• Provide evening and / or weekend support at our bi-annual social events for our client base, volunteers, and donors (dates are always arranged well in advance). 

Operational & Administrative Support:

• Provide general support for the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring a productive, efficient and well-functioning working environment. Assist the Operations team in scheduling and coordinating client assessment and review appointments, workshops, and mental health activities in nature.
• Act as a point of contact for staff and volunteers, addressing logistical and office needs.
• Manage office supplies, ensuring restocking and organisation.
• Liaise with vendors and maintenance services as needed.
• Provide other general administrative support to the psychology and operations team, including making online orders, liaising with printers, and preparing resources for training events.

The attached Job Description sets out further requirements of the post but is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and the postholder may be required to undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected of an employee of this grade.

Purpose of the Job 

Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind deliver a range of services for children and young people from 5+. We have two Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), and some specialist inclusion, community, creative and partnership work. We are looking for someone to look after and manage our programmes that support inclusion for children, young people and families throughout our boroughs for a one year maternity cover (depending on start date).  You will ensure that our specialist inclusion services continue to grow and work to support the development of new inclusion programmes. Children and young people with special educational needs, neurodiversity and disabilities will continue to be the priority for this role, and you will work closely with our existing services to ensure they meet the additional needs of the communities we serve.

Job Summary

The role includes:

• Line management to specialist ASC/LD practitioners; assistant psychologists and music/creative based programme team
• Support the wider team and organisation to ensure all provision is inclusive and meets additional needs
• Develop our SEND and inclusion programme within the MHST, and throughout CYP Services
• Overseeing and developing our trauma-informed approach to work
• Build and hold relationships with the Local Authority (in particular Hammersmith and Fulham), local schools (especially SEND and alternative provision) and communities who may not access mental health services.
• Tailor services to reach young people who may be disengaged from school, have specific additional needs or diagnoses.
• Liaise with commissioners within the NHS and other funders
• Write reports for commissioners and other stakeholders (e.g. monitoring reports, Key Line of Enquiry documents)
• Work closely with the Mental Health Support Teams (schools) service manager and clinical lead
• Ensuring service meets all targets.
• Building on an existing programme and expanding the service to meet additional identified needs  

Person specification:

Knowledge & Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of supporting young people with a variety of needs, including neurodiversity or learning disabilities, ideally within a mental health context
• A related professional qualification and registration (but please consider applying without this qualification if you have extensive experience)
•  At least 2 years’ of management experience within a relevant service
• Detailed understanding of the mental health needs of children and young people from a range of under-served communities
• Experience of working on (ideally managing) a commissioned service within a Third Sector Organisation
• Experience in delivering a service within budget and meeting all KPIs and contract requirements.
•  An understanding and commitment to trauma-informed practice (ideally with a related qualification)

Skills, Attributes & Qualities

• A passion for supporting and developing staff
• A commitment to improving the lives of young people living in our boroughs through high-quality mental health support, especially those with additional needs, or who are under-served by services
• Skilled in working closely with colleagues (e.g. Clinical Lead/service managers) and clearly sharing roles and responsibilities.
• Having a creative approach to problem solving and developing the service to meet the needs of diverse young people, families and schools.
•  Ability to form and maintain relationships (e.g. with schools, commissioners), and communicate effectively with all stakeholders and young people.
• Ability to manage own workload, work to deadlines and prioritise effectively, and bring out these qualities in your team
• Good standard of Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.