Assistant Psychologist

Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Crewe; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Assistant Psychologist to join the Community Mental Health Team in Crewe. You will support psychological assessments, contribute to formulations, and assist with evidence-based interventions for adults with complex needs, under supervision.

You will engage in audits, small-scale research, and service development, with regular supervision and opportunities to progress to Clinical Psychology training. DBS checks are required.

Qualifications

• Good honours degree in Psychology (2.i or above).
• Eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS.
• Willingness to undergo DBS check and comply with NHS policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with psychological assessments using standardised tools.
• Support formulation and care plans under supervision.
• Deliver therapeutic groups and contribute to audits and service evaluation.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and participate in multidisciplinary reviews.
• Support training for colleagues and contribute to service development.

Skills

Psychology

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Honours degree in Psychology (2.i or above)

Eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS

Tools

MS Teams

Accru Fleming

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join our Community Mental Health Team at Delamere Resource Centre, Crewe. This is an exciting time as the team participates in the national Community Mental Health Transformation programme, delivering integrated, person-centred care for adults aged 18 and over, including older people. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist to support high-quality psychological care. Duties include assisting with psychological assessments, contributing to formulations, and supporting evidence-based interventions for adults with complex mental health needs. The role also involves psychological assessment, brief interventions (including groups), and opportunities to complete audits, small-scale research, and service evaluation. You will contribute to training colleagues, support psychoeducation groups, analyse outcome data, and participate in service development projects. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and support staff to ensure holistic, recovery-focused care. Regular supervision will be provided, and the team has a strong track record of supporting progression to Clinical Psychology training. Undertake psychological assessments using standardised tools, observations, and interviews. Assist in formulating and delivering care plans under supervision and support therapeutic groups. Contribute to multidisciplinary reviews and meetings, maintain accurate clinical records, and help develop psychologically informed care frameworks. Receive regular clinical supervision, gain wider NHS psychology experience, and support training for colleagues. Assist with service development projects and attend planning meetings. Use IT systems for clinical reporting and deliver services online when required. Support audits and research projects, including data collection, analysis, and report writing. Conduct literature searches to inform evidence-based practice. Maintain high professional standards through CPD, ensure best practice in psychology, and adhere to professional codes and Trust policies.

All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

Required qualifications

• Good honours degree in Psychology (2.i or above). Eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS
• To undertake breakaway training or equivalent following appointment

Desirable criteria

• Advanced keyboard skills
• Other related academic qualifications to Masters or Doctorate level, The ability to communicate complex / sensitive information where barriers to understanding exist. For example, instances requiring empathy and reassurance
• The ability to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations requiring analysis or comparison of a range of options. Also skills for assessing clients in one-to-one sessions, group dynamics or who are participating in research
• The ability to organise straightforward tasks, activities or programmes, some of which may be ongoing. Also, the ability to plan and prioritises own workload, research programme activities; group sessions, etc
• Working to Professional Guidelines
• Must be capable of working within guidelines; receives regular supervision / direction
• Previous experience of working with clients with Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma
• Must be familiar with MS teams and/or Accru Fleming online platforms
• Ability to use routinely available spreadsheet / database software (Excel, Access, etc.)
• Record of having published in either peer reviewed or academic or professional journals and / or books
• Experience of co-facilitating therapy groups., Demonstrable relevant work experience with people who have complex mental health problems / learning disabilities risk patterns and challenging behaviour
• Relevant work experience of people with learning disabilities / mental health problems
• Desire to progress to Clinical Training (DClinPsy)
• Demonstrate alignment with Trust Values (6 C's: Commitment, Communication, Care, Courage, Compassion, Competency)

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire. We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport. Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall. As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.