[ref. w34098801] Higher Assistant Psychologist
Hello!
We are so delighted you are considering coming to work with us at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
We know the power of looking into an organisation, one you might want to work in, or one where you are going to get help, and being able to say, ‘I’ve seen somewhere I can fit in and be myself.’ We’re on a journey to make the Trust an inclusive employer, representative of the community we serve and we want more of our community to consider applying for jobs with us.
Opportunities for you
Spanning east to west coasts from Northumberland to Cumbria and from the Scottish Borders down to Middlesbrough we’ve got exciting new opportunities available at every level and in every area.
We offer flexible working, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities, or training and development needs and there’s lots on offer in the way of benefits, such as, lease cars, childcare schemes, staff discounts, season tickets for travel and a cycle to work scheme.All this in a vibrant workplace supported by the following staff networks.
- Cultural diversity staff network
- Disabled staff network
- LGBT+ staff network
We also have a number of staff support groups which are open to any staff to attend. These Include:
- Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Association
- Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community
- Menopause toolkit and cafes and staff carer support group
We offer fantastic personal development opportunities through our Collective Leadership Programme and other Organisational Development initiatives. Whatever you are looking for, you will be joining a supportive, friendly team, offering varied and interesting roles, with opportunities for career progression.
Always improving
CNTW is regulated by the national healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our last two inspections have rated us as an outstanding organisation. We’re always seeking to improve as an organisation. Do you want to be part of that?
Please note that it is a requirement of this Trust that all external applicants pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required for the post. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first monthly pay
Job overview
1 x 0.5wte Band 5 Higher Assistant Psychologist
Permanent contract
South Locality Inpatients CBU
Springrise Male Acute Ward
We are delighted invite applications for a 0.5wte (18.75 hours) B5 Higher Assistant Psychologist for the male acute inpatient service (Springrise ward) at Hopewood Park in Ryhope, Sunderland. The successful post-holder will be based at Hopewood Park where there is dedicated office space.
The broad remit of the role involves working as part of the Springrise multidisciplinary team using a biopsychosocial model supporting the formulation process and providing specialist psychologically informed assessments and interventions (group and individual).The post holder will receive weekly clinical supervision from a qualified member of the psychology team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder's main duties are to assist the qualified member of the psychology team in the delivery of psychological services in the male acute pathway.
The post holder will produce professional assessment and intervention reports.
The post holder will support the service in the delivery of training initiatives.
The post holder will utilise research skills for audit, literature reviews, service development, and other research initiatives within the pathway or the wider service.
The post holder will show initiative to work independently to an appropriate level.
The post-holder will provide compassionate care that is based on empathy, kindness, respect, and dignity.
Working for our organisation
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented, and committed workforce who are caring and compassionate and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS both now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
We believe in the development of our staff and the post holder will be encouraged to engage in continued professional development opportunities appropriate to their role.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 12^th August 2025Closing date : 26^th August 2025
We welcome your application.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria- Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher, in psychology. Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society.
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria- Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities. Experience as an assistant/research psychologist. Knowledge of evidence based practice.Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology. An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
- 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 or group interventions.
Skills and Competencies
Essential criteria- 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. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities. Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / disability context. Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology. An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
- A high standard of report writing.
Role/Team specific requirements
Essential criteria- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines. An ability to interact appropriately with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities. Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
Personal Characteristics
Essential criteria- Able to manage own stress in difficult conditions and to identify when additional personal support may be necessary.
Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.
Please ensure to check out all of the supporting documents linked to this advert, for useful information about working for us, information from our Chief Executive and much more.