Assistant Psychologist

Hywel Dda University Health Board; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health board in Wales seeks a full-time Assistant Psychologist for their Schools In-Reach/Primary Mental Health Worker Service. The role includes providing assessments and interventions for young people with mental health difficulties and contributing to developmental activities. Candidates should possess a 2:1 degree in Psychology and relevant experience in mental health settings. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable. Salary ranges from £31,516 to £38,364 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in S-CAMHS or with young people should be highlighted.
• Ability to engage in clinical supervision and develop psychological skills is important.

Responsibilities

• Carry your own clinical caseload and provide psychological assessment.
• Contribute to consultations and training on mental health problems.
• Work within the clinical cycle to provide both individual and group interventions.

Skills

Experience working with people with mental health difficulties

Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist in an NHS setting

Experience in delivering low intensity psychological interventions

Experience in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Education

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Degree in Psychology

Further post-graduate training in a relevant area

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 Assistant Psychologist based in our Schools In-Reach/Primary Mental Health Worker Service, in S-CAMHS, Hywel Dda University Health Board. The vacancy is full time, permanent and is based in the Carmarthenshire Team. Part time hours may be considered. It is one of three Assistant Psychologist posts in the service. These posts have been developed to support the Clinical Psychology input into the Schools In-Reach/Primary Mental Health Worker Service.

Overview

The successful applicant will be provided with regular clinical supervision from a qualified clinical psychologist in the service, as well as opportunities for regular peer reflective practice. They will carry their own clinical caseload and will be encouraged to develop skills in a range of psychological approaches (eg CBT, ACT, systemic). They will provide psychological assessment and intervention for young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties, via individual and group interventions, thereby giving the opportunity to work within the clinical cycle. An essential aspect of the SIRS service is to provide consultation and training on mental health problems in young people, to professionals in Education. The post holder will be asked to contribute to this as their skills and knowledge develop. There will also be opportunities for service development and research activities within the SIRS/PMHW Service and also within Psychology in the wider S-CAMHS. We have close links with the South Wales Clinical Psychology Doctoral Training Programme. West Wales is a beautiful place to live, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest

Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire

Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings

47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers

Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Interviews to be held on 03/10/2025

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Degree in Psychology with graduate basis for registration with the British Psychological Society
• Further post-graduate training in a relevant area.

Experience

• Experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist in an NHS setting
• Experience of working in S-CAMHS or with young people
• Experience in delivering low intensity psychological interventions.
• Experience in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Language Skills

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

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.

£31,516 to £38,364 a year per annum (pro rata if part time)