Assistant Psychologist - Older People's in-patient services - Derby

NHS; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking an Assistant Psychologist for its Older People's in-patient services in Derby. The role involves supporting psychological care, conducting assessments, and collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have a good Honours degree in Psychology and experience in mental health settings, particularly with older individuals. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a vibrant team environment.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for Graduate membership of the BPS.
• Experience working with older people and mental health difficulties.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance the psychological understanding and care.
• Conduct assessments, formulations, and interventions.
• Participate in audits and service evaluation activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Understanding of mental health difficulties

Written communication skills

Education

Good Honours degree in Psychology

Further post graduate training in relevant areas

Job description

Assistant Psychologist - Older People\'s in-patient services - Derby

We are excited to offer an Assistant Psychologist post on a fixed-term or secondment basis until 31 March 2026, within our Older People\'s in-patient services, based at the Kingsway site in Derby. The post holder will work across our Older People\'s mental health ward (Tissington) and dedicated dementia ward (Cubley).

You will work to support and enhance the psychological understanding and care on both units, and undertake a range of activities that may include support with assessments, formulations and interventions, audit and service evaluation activities, and support with teaching and training.

Main duties of the job

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY MAY CLOSE EARLY SUBJECT TO THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. THEREFORE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ASAP.

We are looking for a \'team player\', who has good interpersonal and communication skills, who will be able to effectively engage with service users, their families and carers, colleagues within the Clinical Psychology team, and multidisciplinary colleagues within the Older People\'s Mental Health Division.

We expect that the post holder will have had previous experience working within a formal care setting. Experience working with older people, people with dementia, and people with mental health difficulties is desirable.

It is Trust policy that for posts that are for a time limited period, applicants who are currently employed by an NHS organisation will only be appointed on a secondment basis and should have approval from their line manager this is possible before applying. Applicants who are not employed by an NHS organisation, will receive a fixed term contract.

About us

The successful candidate will be welcomed into a vibrant and creative team of skilled Clinical Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists who have extensive experience, knowledge and skill, and are passionate about working with older people.

Our Psychology Service has a strong focus on staff wellbeing, is keen to support and develop research activities, and is leading the Trust\'s development of trauma-informed approaches. There are excellent opportunities for peer support, to join a range of specialist supervision groups and to participate in regular in-house and external CPD.

We have strong links with local Clinical Psychology Training Courses, provide regular placements and teaching, and have a good track record of supporting those who want to pursue Clinical Psychology training to develop their skills and successfully apply to a course.

Job responsibilities

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Person Specification

Qualification

• Good Honours degree (2.1 or above) in Psychology
• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis

Qualification

• Eligibility for the Graduate membership of the BPS
• Graduate Membership of the BPS

Experience

• Work experience in a formal care setting
• Experience of working with older people
• Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
• Previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist
• Experience of working in the NHS
• Experience of working with people with cognitive problems

Skills

• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health difficulties, learning difficulties, and/or cognitive impairment and their families/carers.

Skills

• Good written communication skills as demonstrated in the person\'s application

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.