Assistant Psychologist | West London NHS Trust

West London Mental Health Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider in London is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join the Mental Health Autism Team. This role involves supporting autistic adults, engaging in community outreach, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to enhance care and reduce readmission risks. Candidates should have a solid understanding of a strengths-based approach, alongside a compassionate attitude towards mental health care.

Qualifications

• Understanding of autism and mental health.
• Ability to support individuals during care transitions.
• Compassionate approach to service users.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach to autistic adults at risk of readmission.
• Engage in multidisciplinary joint working.
• Contribute to service development and audits.

Skills

Knowledge of strengths-based approach

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Engagement in service development

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and ambitious Assistant Psychologist within the Mental Health Autism Team. The service has recently expanded to cover a defined cohort of autistic service users within community mental health services, who are at increased risk of readmissions to inpatient mental health services or frequently utilise unplanned care.

This appointment is offered on a fixed-term basis for up to six (6) months, commencing [start date] and ending on 31st March 2026. The contract will automatically terminate on this date, with no extension. This is due to time-limited funding available for the post.

The post spans acute and community mental health services across Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow. The post will be based across both Hammersmith and Fulham and Lakeside Mental Health Units, but will involve outreach provision and therefore travel across all three boroughs.

This role is intended to support autistic service users accessing inpatient or crisis mental health services. The service also supports people at increased risk of readmission, with the overall aim of improving the care and experience of admissions and supporting earlier, sustainable and safe discharges, and reducing the risk of readmissions.

This post offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist, looking to gain experience in both mental health and autism. The successful candidate will offer a thorough, compassionate and evidence-based service to adults with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of autism within inpatient and crisis mental health services. The post will also involve an outreach component, offering community-based input to autistic adults at risk of readmission or who frequently utilise unplanned care.

Responsibilities and expectations

As an integral member of the Mental Health Autism Team, the post holder will:

• Have knowledge and understanding of taking a strengths-based approach to working with autistic people, supporting the individual and teams to identify and meet unmet needs.
• Contribute to service development and clinical audits.
• Engage in multidisciplinary joint working to develop integrated care and foster strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Provide outreach and community-based input to autistic adults at risk of readmission or who frequently utilise unplanned care.

Qualifications and desirable attributes

The post emphasizes:

• Knowledge and understanding of a strengths-based approach when working with autistic people.
• Willingness to engage in service development and clinical audits.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and build stakeholder relationships.

Additional information

Further details are available in the Job Description. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the following senior clinicians to arrange a telephone discussion:

• Samia Ezzamel (Autism Lead & Consultant Psychological Therapist): [e-mail]
• Emma Turner (Principal Dramatherapist): [e-mail]

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation. Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m. The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached. The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

This advert closes on Thursday 2 Oct 2025.