An exciting opportunity has arisen at the John Denmark Unit (JDU), for an assistant psychologist to join the multidisciplinary team. The JDU is one of three national centres for deaf mental health in England. The JDU provides inpatient and outpatient services to deaf adults in the north of the UK with mental health difficulties. The JDU is a signing environment, and all staff are supported to learn British Sign Language (BSL).
Main duties of the job
The assistant psychologist would contribute to the provision of a high-quality, specialist psychology service for deaf people with complex clinical and forensic needs across the inpatient and outpatient services at the John Denmark Unit (JDU). This post involves work in psychological assessment, formulation, and interventions (both individual and group). The post holder will be expected to assist the qualified Clinical Psychologists in the preparation, instigation, and evaluation of a variety of clinical, teaching and research tasks. In addition, they will also be expected to contribute to service evaluations and audits as required. The post holder will act under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist and will be given appropriate support to enable the successful performance of clinical and other duties. This post-holder will be based at the JDU; however, the post-holder may be required to travel as part of their duties.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Good honours degree in psychology 2:1 or above
Desirable
- Further postgraduate qualifications in relevant areas of professional psychological practice, mental health and/or research
- British Sign Language Qualifications
Experience
Essential
- Experience of supporting people with mental health difficulties and/or other disabilities in health or criminal justice setting
Desirable
- Experience of working with individuals who are deaf and mental health difficulties
- Experience of working in inpatient or forensic setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the client group with whom they will be working
- Understanding of the needs of people with mental health difficulties and other psychological/physical disabilities
Desirable
- Awareness of specific issues related to working with deaf people with mental health difficulties
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 13 February 2026
