Assistant Psychologist

ESSEX PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Braintree; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK mental health trust is seeking an enthusiastic psychology graduate to join the Mid Essex ARMS service. Responsibilities include monitoring ARMS activities, assisting with training, and conducting psychological assessments under supervision. The ideal candidate should have a Psychology degree, strong communication skills, and a passion for evidence-based practice. This role involves working with young adults at risk of psychosis and offers valuable clinical experience in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to work flexibly across diverse settings.
• Experience or training in evidence-based psychological interventions.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate ARMS activities and referral pathways.
• Assist with training and development of resources.
• Conduct psychological assessments under supervision.

Skills

Communication skills

Evidence-based practice

Psychological assessment

Education

Graduate in Psychology (BSc or MSc)

Tools

Excel

SPSS

Job description

Job Summary

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly motivated psychology graduate to join the newly established Mid Essex ARMS (At Risk Mental State) service. ARMS services are primary care community mental health services that work specifically with young people and adults aged 14‑35 who are at risk of experiencing psychosis. The Mid Essex ARMS team is a friendly multidisciplinary team working in the community of Mid Essex (including Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Halstead) and aims to reduce distress, improve social and occupational functioning, and prevent the development of more severe mental health difficulties.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring and evaluation of ARMS activities such as referral pathways, system‑wide training, case identification, assessment, interventions, liaison with other service providers and recovery or discharge pathways.
• Assisting with training activities – developing and co‑facilitating training modules, administering and evaluating outcome measures, and obtaining participant feedback.
• Contributing to the development of resources for ARMS service users and families in a service that values lived experience and co‑production.
• Observing and supporting senior staff in conducting psychological assessments and evidence‑based interventions.
• Delivering low‑intensity, evidence‑based interventions (behavioural activation, graded exposure, stabilisation skills) under close supervision.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of new clinical initiatives.
• Undertaking data collection and related analysis of findings using Excel, SPSS and other IT programmes.
• Conducting systematic searches of evidence‑based literature and research related to the clinical practice within the At Risk Mental State for psychosis service.
• Working jointly with, and under the supervision of, team practitioner psychologists to undertake psychological assessments and interventions.
• Focusing on the Recovery Model and service‑user strengths in care planning.
• Assisting in the formulation of care plans involving psychological treatment/management of service users and attending MDT meetings, psychology meetings and care reviews.
• Managing the psychology referrals process within the ARMS service and supporting other team members as required.
• Ensuring the maintenance of accurate and timely documentation/records on all service users in line with professional code and Trust policy.
• Other clinical duties agreed based on the post holder’s interests and level of experience.

Required Competencies and Experience

• Graduate in Psychology (typically BSc or MSc). Demonstrated ability to work flexibly across a variety of settings.
• Passion for developing clinical and research skills, with an ambition to undertake doctoral postgraduate training in clinical or counselling psychology.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and a willingness to learn and apply evidence‑based practice.
• Experience or training in evidence‑based psychological interventions is an asset.
• Ability to work under supervision and contribute to a multidisciplinary team.

Legal and Practical Information

Applicants must provide professional references covering the last three years of employment history and must be able to obtain an Initial DBS check (cost deductible from first salary). The role requires evidence of COVID vaccination unless exempt. This position is advertised by an Equal Opportunities Employer and encourages applications from people with experience of using mental health services, people with disabilities and others as outlined in the NHS Equality Act.