Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Band 5 Higher Assistant Psychologists to join the Durham and Darlington Crisis Service. One of the posts will be based with the Durham Crisis Team at Lanchester Road hospital and the other with the Darlington Crisis Team at West Park Hospital. The role requires someone who is experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated.
These are permanent posts working Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00, requests for condensed hours across 4 days will be considered.
The successful candidates will have a degree in Psychology and must possess excellent communication skills. Previous experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist and delivering psychological interventions to people experiencing mental health difficulties is essential.
The nature of the role means that driving is essential. However, the successful applicant may be required to work across the Durham and Darlington Crisis Service depending on the service need.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicants will join a very welcoming MDT in the provision of compassionate, trauma informed care to individuals in need of Crisis Home-Based treatment (as an alternative to hospital admission). The post offers applicants an opportunity for direct and indirect psychological work. The post holder shall work under the supervision of an experienced Applied Psychologist in supporting the co-creation of MDT formulations and further assessment where needed to inform care planning. The successful candidate will support the implementation of reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent service users (e.g. those with ADHD and/or who are autistic). Delivery of brief psychologically informed interventions and further development of safety plans are a key part of the role. There may also be opportunities for audit and service evaluation as well as protected time for professional development. Delivery of training across the service will also be a key part of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in psychology
- Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, youth work, work with offenders and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as an Assistant Psychologist or equivalent.
- Previous involvement in clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
- Experience using statistical software packages e.g. SPSS
- Experience of using psychometric assessments.
- Experience working with people using services in psychological, mental health and/or social care settings. This may include, for example, personal experience or supporting a family member to access services.
- Experience of communicating sensitive information
- Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (e.g. those for whom English is not their first language).
Desirable
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of increasing access to psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
- An understanding of the application of psychology to health care.
- Understanding of confidentiality.
- Knowledge of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct.
- An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
- Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to relate therapeutically to the needs of clients and in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- Ability to work collaboratively with members of the MDT to provide an effective service.
- Utilise psychometric tests competently
- Statistical analysis
- Record keeping.
- Plan and organise effectively to meet required timescales.
Desirable
- Ability to provide group interventions.
- Experience of delivering training to staff groups
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: 16 September 2026
