We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to come and work in our Community Directorate with Older Adults. The role works alongside two qualified Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAP’s) and a Clinical Psychologist, with support and oversight from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. You must be flexible and creative in your approach to work, with a real interest in working in this specialty.
The role involves the support and recovery focussed interventions for older adults in the community, along with input into the Memory Service, supporting qualified staff in formulation and treatment. This role involves working with individuals, staff teams and families and will incorporate some work into care homes.
You need to have some experience as an Assistant before as this is an increasingly autonomous role which explains the higher banding. Supervision will be provided weekly but there will be an expectation that you manage your own diary and liaise with the MDT representing psychological planning and care.
Main duties of the job
To provide Assistant Psychology support to the Psychological therapies Pathway.
The Band 5 Assistant Psychologist will have a significant role in the delivery of therapeutic, neuropsychological assessment and systemic interventions, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.
To assist in the delivery of therapeutic interventions independently under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
To work with other staff to assess and develop individualised intervention / treatment plans and review their care.
To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a client’s problems.
To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.
To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings and attend relevant clinical meetings.
To communicate effectively and sensitively with service users, their families and carers, other professionals and agencies, and to maintain a high degree of professionalism.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher, in psychology.
- Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
Essential
- Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice.
- Previous experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist
Desirable
- Experience of paid work in direct care provision.
- Experience with client group relevant to post
- Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation.
- Experience of providing individual interventions
- Previous experience of delivering teaching / training
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of older people with mental health problems and other disabilities and/or dementia.
- Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / disability context
- Demonstrates knowledge and experience of research and research methodology
- An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare
Desirable
- Leadership / supervision experience
Skills
Essential
- High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues.
- Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows
Desirable
- A high standard of report writing
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: 03 April 2026
