Psychology Project Worker

WALK provides supports for people with intellectual disabilities living in community supported living settings and day service supports. At WALK, we empower people with disabilities to live self determined lives in an equal and inclusive society. Our vision is an inclusive society where communities value and treat all people as equal citizens. Our values are based on a human rights-based approach and a low arousal non-aversive philosophy.

The Psychology Project Worker (Supported Living Services) is responsible for supporting the implementation and monitoring of clinically guided therapeutic interventions. The Psychology Project Worker supports line management through completing clinical reviews of data, preparation of data and analysis for clinical review meetings, and providing staff with guidance and knowledge as directed by the Assistant Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist. The role also involves monitoring risk, providing visual supports to aid people's understanding, and providing direct care and support to people in WALK as part of the roster, including day shifts, sleepovers, and weekends. This role provides psychological support and guidance to the staff team, focusing on an autism-informed approach, trauma-informed care, and a person-centered approach.

This role will be under the direction of the Team Leader in conjunction with the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Assistant Psychologist, Director of Clinical Services, Director of Supported Living Services, Team Leader, Team Co-ordinator, and the wider Clinical Team.

Person Supported Profile

The organisation specialises in the support of people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex needs. These complex needs may include mental health issues and/or challenging behaviour.

• Starting on point 1 or 2 HSE 2021 Salary scale (depending on experience) (pro-rata for part time position)
• Working hours - 169hrs full time; 84.5hrs part time
• 281 hours annual leave for full time (pro rata for part time)
• Award winning Wellbeing Programme
• Flexible work hours including sleepovers, weekends, and bank holidays
• 50% premium payment paid for Sunday hours
• Double time payment for Bank Holiday Hours
• €7.80 allowance paid for Saturday shift
• €70.70 per sleepover allowance paid (4-6 per month)
• The location of the work may vary within the Dublin/Kildare area

• To work with the team in supporting people with complex needs which may include challenging behaviour, mental health challenges or autism and, under supervision and direction, to provide assessment reports, guidelines and behaviour support and stress management plans on behalf of WALK.
• Ensure the human rights of the person supported are upheld to the highest standards and that the person is supported in the least restrictive environment.
• Ensure people are supported in accordance with a low arousal non-aversive philosophy.
• To work alongside the team for the development and implementation of wellbeing plans and social stories.
• To work as part of the rostered system within Supported Living Services.
• Ensure that agreed goals are achieved within the agreed timeframe.
• Maintain a safe home environment and provide practical solutions to challenges that may arise.
• Support the person to try new things and overcome obstacles to progress.
• Prioritise work to keep key commitments and ensure supports are person-centred and aligned with the person's wishes.
• Work on issues relevant to the community where people live, work and socialise.
• Maintain proper records of service provided in a manner compatible with the Freedom of Information Act.
• Provide input into risk management and safeguarding plans as part of a whole team approach to managing challenging situations with persons supported.
• Model methods of support for persons supported to the staff team.
• Develop tracking data of stress, health, incidents, safeguarding and present at monthly clinical review meetings.
• Support people with dignity and respect and help ensure they have socially valued roles in their community.
• As this role is located in a person's home, you may be required to support basic needs which may include medication administration, household tasks, laundry management, meal preparation, and personal care.
• Completion and attendance of training in line with your role.
• Other duties may be agreed with the service director, the clinical psychologist and team leader as required.
• Note: You may be responsible for delivery of other agreed outcomes as part of the Probation and Performance Development System.

• Human Rights Based Approach
• Low Arousal Philosophy & Practice
• Understanding of therapeutic relationship
• Resilience, Positive Attitude & Openness to Change
• Effective Communication & Working Relationships
• Planning, Organising & Prioritising
• Innovation, Creativity & Problem Solving
• Professional Service Practice

• A relevant third level qualification in psychology or related field
• A minimum of 1 year experience in an Intellectual Disability service for adults
• Demonstrated ability to support adults with complex needs (mental health challenges and/or challenging behaviour) in community settings
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the service
• Full driver's license is essential for Kildare

• Experience in supporting people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism through an autism/trauma/addiction-informed approach
• Foundational understanding of psychological theories of stress, autism, trauma and attachment
• Knowledge and experience of implementing National Standards and Regulations such as HIQA
• Have a full driver's license

• Values and beliefs aligned with the Organisation, such as the low arousal philosophy
• Ability to develop positive relationships with people whose behaviour can challenge
• Flexibility to adapt approaches to meet individual needs
• Be highly organized and enthusiastic with a hands-on, professional approach
• The ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to employ redirection strategies such as humour and quick thinking to resolve potentially challenging situations
• Capacity to reflect on self and understand the importance of your role in supporting others to emotionally regulate
• Ability to use concepts like unconditional positive regard to inform approaches to work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be motivated, resilient and patient
• Ability to work flexibly as a member of a team
• Good administration and IT skills
• Good problem-solving skills

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances. It may include other duties as determined from time to time. Depending on the nature of the position, some locations may require a pre-employment medical examination as part of onboarding. All information submitted will be confidential and handled in accordance with our privacy statement.

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