Jessica Akuoko

A sharp-minded, enthusiastic Psychology graduate able to approach situations with a logical, innovative perspective, with a passion for applying this to research projects.

Beyond my academic qualifications, I have hands-on experience as a support worker at a Young People's residential home, where I provide effective care to the children in the home and deliver an outstanding therapeutically informed service. Within this role, I work in a trauma-informed way to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, update relevant care plans ensuring information is shared and recorded appropriately and provide a safe, clean and nurturing environment in which the children can feel secure and free from harm. I work closely with the children to empower them through providing key work sessions and a clear therapeutic plan for them. I have built strong working relationships with external service providers, including GPs, specialist mental health services, and social care, to ensure young people have access to appropriate medical support. This involves promoting timely and effective information sharing and fostering collaborative working practices. Additionally, I facilitate referrals and coordinate with internal and external service providers to support young people in crisis. I have gained a sound working knowledge of the Equality Act (2010) and SEND code of practise (2015).
In addition to this, I have experience working as an Assistant Psychologist at the Gesher Assessment Centre, which offers high quality neuroaffirmative and bespoke Autism, ADHD and dual assessments to children and young people aged 4-25. Working alongside a multi-disciplinary team involving a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist and speech and language therapist, I will conduct initial consultation calls for the purpose of screening potential clients for suitability for assessment, liaise with clinicians as appropriate and follow processes to send information to clients. I am given the opportunity to observe the multidisciplinary team discussions prior to and after the diagnostic assessments, help to score assessments and assist with report writing and information gathering. 
Furthermore, I have experience as a teaching assistant and mental health support assistant in special educational needs schools. In these roles, I provided one-to-one support to young people with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other psychological and mental health challenges. Here, I was able to develop and implement behaviour management strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs. This enhanced my ability to address and manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively, recognising the variability in symptoms and severity of needs experienced by young people with autism and/or ADHD. I demonstrated the ability to work using my own initiative and also as part of a functioning team effort. This role required a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding policies, allowing me to communicate sensitive information towards parents and caregivers. 
Additionally, my experience as a healthcare assistant in a care home has provided me with valuable insights into the practical aspects of providing care and support in a residential setting. Here, I provided holistic and comprehensive care to residents with complex needs, demonstrating my ability to assess and address various aspects of an individual's well-being. I became proficient in adhering to health and safety regulations and followed instructions to encourage positive care and hygiene, addressing any concerns of distress imminently and appropriately. One of the most valuable skills I have gained is the ability to listen and provide necessary support based on individual needs and requirements. This role demanded a high level of empathy, patience, and resilience.
In my role as a co-facilitator for OUR Mind, I communicated effectively with young people who may have mental health issues, facilitating activities and spaces mindfully in a trauma-informed way to ensure safe and meaningful participation. This involves recognising the impact and influence of potential trauma experienced and how to address this sensitively in a protected manner to produce the best possible outcomes and promote a culture of safety, empowerment and healing. My passion for working with young people and children is evident, as I believe a healthy and supportive adolescence is vital for shaping their future. I encourage diversity by building on people’s unique skills and talents, treating others with respect, and showing sensitivity towards differences.
During my experience as a psychology business administrator for HMPPS, I gained extensive experience in managing office systems, maintaining accurate records, and handling communications, directly relevant to any administrative aspects of the role. I worked within a professional setting to support a psychology team, engaged in project work, and developed familiarity with Microsoft Systems and remote working tools. I undertook mandatory training on data protection and confidentiality, strictly adhering to these guidelines. Alongside a multitude of other administrative duties, one of the primary tasks I was appointed was to monitor the Generic Parole Process (GPP) and the Enhanced Behavioural Monitoring (EBM) process, involving independent and guided study on maintaining and updating databases and raw-data sheets, and sending them off for case management.
Throughout this position, I had the opportunity to shadow psychological interviews and assessments with senior forensic psychologists, trainee forensic psychologists, external psychologists, and programmes staff. I filled in assessment tool grids to assess risk and suitability for interventions and engaged in direct prisoner contact, applying my psychological knowledge to practical settings. This provided me with practical experience in conducting assessments and engaging in direct contact with individuals, including young prisoners experiencing mental health difficulties. I demonstrated excellent communication skills, worked towards agreed objectives, and managed multiple projects, requiring effective planning, prioritisation, and time management. As part of the Diversity in Practice team, I raised awareness on protected characteristics and celebrated differences, including preparing a presentation and running a session on ‘Racial Trauma’ for the wider psychology and programmes staff team. This proved immensely valuable in improving my self-confidence, presentation and research skills. 
Moreover, as an Ethnic Minorities Representative during my second year of university, I supported fellow students, spread awareness, and acted as an informative figure to improve the university’s environment. I am particularly proud of my efforts in the “17 Letters 4 Words: A Racism Free Durham” campaign, which aimed to implement a zero-tolerance policy against hate crimes. I worked and liaised with other networks within my university to implement positive change. These changes include improved reporting tools, the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy, increased BAME staff representation, cultural competency training and increased welfare for racial trauma mitigation. This experience has honed my collaborative abilities, dedication to a cause, and enabled me to meet deadlines to achieve influential responses.
 

. I have achieved a first-class honours degree in Psychology from the University of Durham, demonstrating my strong academic foundation in areas such as Applied Issues in Clinical Neuropsychology, Current Issues in Mental Health and Differential and Clinical Psychology. I have gained extensive theoretical knowledge of various psychological theories and disorders, including major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and substance use disorder, understanding their diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5 and ICD-11, as well as the relevant models and interventions.
My work in psychological research and advanced research methods has equipped me with robust analytical and research skills, crucial for conducting assessments and contributing to psychological research. As a Research Assistant at Durham University, I enhanced my research skills through advanced quantitative methods, including confirmatory factor analyses and principles of structural equation modelling, using analysis software like M-plus.