Psychology Assistant Neurology

Post Title:

Assistant Psychologist  in Motor Neuron Disease

Post Status:

Permanent Contract

Department

Psychology

Location:

Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 

Reports to:

Head of Psychology Beaumont.

Salary:

€33,569 - One point pay scale

Hours of work: 

Full time 35 hours/week

Closing Date:

12 noon on 24/12/2025

Please note the hospital reserves the right to close the competition early should a substantial number of applications be received.

Role Summary

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterised by loss of all voluntary muscle activity, cognitive, and behavioural change and death within 3-5 years of first symptom. The clinical management of MND/ALS is palliative from the time of diagnosis and is focussed on symptom control and adjustment to both cognitive and behavioural change, and progressive loss of neurological function and the certainty of early death.   The purpose of this Assistant Psychologist post is work within the  national clinical MND service which provides advanced, specialised care and ongoing management of patients living with motor neurone disease (MND) who come under the care of the National  MND service, based in Beaumont Hospital.  The successful post holder will provide cognitive and behavioural screening assessments on all appropriate  patients with MND referred to the Specialist Clinic Senior Clinical Psychologist, and where relevant, will undertake more detailed neuropsychological assessments on those exhibiting early cognitive /behavioural change.  The successful candidate will also liaise with regional centres (Cork and Galway) to provide assessments when requested, and will liaise with palliative care services where appropriate.   

The Assistant Psychologist

Professional / Clinical

·        Provide of neuropsychological support to the  National Motor Neurone Disease service and the  Neurosciences Department

·        Undertake cognitive and behavioural screening assessments (ECAS, BBI) on all patients attending the service

·        Undertake detailed neuropsychological assessments of selected patients with evidence of early cognitive change

·        Provide support in capacity assessment where required.

·        The Assistant Psychologist  will practice nursing according to:

·        Professional Clinical Guidelines

·        National and Area Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines

·        Local policies, protocols and guidelines

·        Current legislation 

·        Abide by professional and clinical standards ensuring an evidence based, care planning approach

·        Ensure that the management of their caseload is  in accordance with national service needs

·        Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members

·        Facilitate co-ordination, co-operation and liaison across healthcare teams and programmes

·        Collaborate with service users, family, carers and other staff in treatment / care planning and in the provision of support and advice

·        Communicate results of assessments, treatment / care programmes and recommendations to the team and relevant others in accordance with service policy / as required

·        Ensure that service users and others are treated with dignity and respect

·        Ensure the maintenance of neuropsychological assessments in accordance with local service and professional standards

·        Adhere to and contribute to the development and maintenance of assessment protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of patient care

·        Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation

·        Participate in clinical audit as required and ensure that clinical audits are performed in his/her area(s) of responsibility

·        Initiate and participate in research studies as appropriate

·        Operate within Scope of Practice - seek advice and assistance from his / her manager with any cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of his / her professional competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance

Health & Safety

·        Ensure adherence to established policies and procedures e.g. health and safety, infection control, storage and use of controlled drugs etc

·        Maintain a feedback mechanism with the clinical risk manager and report to senior management team where appropriate

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role

·        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

·        Will ensure that lone working arrangements  and travel with use of own vehicle are consistent with recommendations with national HSE policy for travel and subsistence (available online)

Education and Training

·        Contribute to national MND  service development through appropriate continuous education, research initiatives, keeping up to date with literature, recent  research and new developments in neuropsychological management, education and practice and attend staff study days as considered appropriate

Skills, Competencies, and Knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

·        Demonstrate practitioner competence and professionalism

·        Demonstrate the ability to relate neuropsychological  research to clinical  practice

·        Demonstrate an awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g., health and safety, infection control etc

·        Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development

·        Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role 

Communication and Interpersonal

For example:

·        Demonstrates sensitivity to issues arising from multiple stakeholders

·        Demonstrates good negotiation skills and assertiveness as appropriate

·        Tailors communication to suit the needs of the audience and demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others

·        Demonstrates resilience and composure in dealing with situations

Selection Criteria: 

Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. 

Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

1.      Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

Have completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and is eligible for membership  of  the Psychological Society of Ireland.  A Level 9 degree is desirable but not essential .

AND

Have at least 2 years experience in the field of psychology.

AND

Have the capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

2.      Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.      Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Desirable

A Level 9 qualification in Psychology /Neuropsychology