Assistant Psychologist

NHS; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Wednesbury is seeking an assistant psychologist to support clinical assessments and therapies for patients with physical health conditions. The role involves working under supervision, assisting in group work, and participating in service development. This position ideally suits someone looking to advance their career in clinical psychology. A relevant degree and experience are required for applicants.

Qualifications

• Relevant paid or voluntary work experience.
• Interest/experience of working with people with physical health conditions and psychological difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in psychological assessment of clients under supervision.
• Develop trusting and empathic relationships with clients.
• Assist in preparation and running of therapeutic groups.
• Participate in service development projects.
• Support supervised research activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Research skills

Education

Honours degree in psychology (BA or BSc), 2ii or above

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a psychology service based in a physical healthcare trust. The Clinical Health Psychology Service provides psychology input to services within the trust, including Oncology/Palliative Care, Stroke, Community Neurological Rehabilitation, Pain Management and HIV. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic assistant psychologist who will work within a supervised context to carry out psychological assessments and therapies for people with physical health conditions and their families. The postholder will also be involved in group work, teaching and training other staff, and supporting various projects within the service. The postholder will work independently according to agreed plans under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist and will be part of the Clinical Health Psychology Service, with opportunities for personal and professional development. This post would be ideally suited to someone aiming to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will work across the service with priority areas identified by the supervising psychologist. They will assist qualified clinical psychologists in the preparation, instigation and evaluation of clinical work and service projects. They will undertake clinically supervised one-to-one work with clients and may undertake group work under supervision. They will help plan, organise, and participate in training within the service. They will also undertake clinical governance, research, and data collection activities under the guidance of supervising psychologists. Regular clinical supervision is expected.

About us

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital and a wide range of community services. The Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services. The Trust has state-of-the-art facilities including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A newly opened Urgent and Emergency Care Centre has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity.

Details

Date posted: 26 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 4

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year pa pro rata

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Part-time

Reference number: 407-COMMUNITY-7441638

Job locations: Darlaston Health Centre, Pinfold Street, Wednesbury, WS10 8SY

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical

1. To assist in psychological assessment of clients through formal psychometric testing, observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members, and others involved in the client’s care, under supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist.
2. Develop trusting and empathic relationships with clients and communicate emotive information with clarity and sensitivity within limits of competence.
3. Assist in the preparation, coordination, and running of therapeutic groups where appropriate and under supervision.
4. Implement programmes of psychological care or intervention as directed by the supervising clinical psychologist.
5. Evaluate intervention programmes as directed by the supervising clinical psychologist.
6. Participate in multi-disciplinary teams and work collaboratively with other health professionals; attend MDT meetings and contribute to multi-disciplinary formulations.
7. Be capable of working in clinical situations requiring prolonged concentration, with potential for distressing or emotionally demanding circumstances or risk of aggression.

2. Service Development

1. Be accountable to the service manager for clinical governance, quality, clinical effectiveness, and clinical risk.
2. Support service development projects including clinical governance projects under direction from the supervising psychologist.

3. Research and Teaching Activity

1. Assist in supervised research projects.
2. Undertake data collection, analysis, reporting, and use IT/statistical programmes as required.
3. Assist in producing clinical/teaching/organisational materials and assist in teaching and training staff or clients as required.
4. Conduct literature searches to support evidence-based practice.

4. Professional responsibilities

1. Plan and prioritise own workload following guidance from the supervising clinical psychologist.
2. Maintain and update client records in line with Trust and professional guidelines.
3. Receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional guidelines.
4. Adhere to Trust, Clinical Health Psychology Service and service policies as well as BPS guidelines.
5. Provide and receive support from colleagues; attend Service meetings; take personal duty of care for equipment and facilities; record clinical activity in line with Trust policy; maintain confidentiality of client data and records.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• Honours (BA or BSc) degree in psychology, 2ii or above
• Relevant paid or voluntary work experience

Desirable

• Interest/experience of working with people with physical health conditions and psychological difficulties
• Training in applied/clinical psychology interventions

Other information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires disclosure to check for any previous convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require Skilled worker sponsorship will be considered alongside other applications. See UK Visas and Immigration guidance for details.

Guidance documents regarding overseas criminal records checks and relevant sponsorship information are provided as part of the application materials.

Employer details

Employer name: Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Address: Darlaston Health Centre, Pinfold Street, Wednesbury, WS10 8SY

Employer website: https://walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk