Assistant Psychologist
Job summary
Job Summary
The Assistant Psychologist will support the delivery of psychological services within an inpatient mental health rehabilitation setting. Based at Sturdee Community Hospital, a specialist facility providing psychological care for individuals with complex and enduring mental health conditionsincluding schizophrenia, trauma-related difficulties, and personality disordersthe post-holder will work under the supervision of qualified psychologists as part of a multidisciplinary team. The service also delivers a structured Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) programme, which the Assistant Psychologist may contribute to.
The post is ideal for psychology graduates seeking experience to support future training in clinical psychology and is offered as a fixed-term 12-month contract, with the possibility of renewal depending on service needs and performance.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties of the Role
Clinical Assessment and Formulation
Therapeutic Interventions and Group Work
Multidisciplinary and Interprofessional Collaboration
Clinical and Service Support Activities
Professional Standards and Development
Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the psychology service or clinical supervisor.
About us
Sturdee Community Hospital is a dedicated service in Leicester, committed to providing holistic, personalised care for women aged 1865 who have complex mental health needs. With 31 beds across two locked rehabilitation wards and nine semi-independent flats, we offer a supportive and structured environment in which every individual can work towards their recovery goals.
Sturdee Community Hospital is more than a traditional inpatient settingit is a dynamic environment where women with complex mental health needs can find renewed hope. By integrating clinical expertise, evidence-based psychological interventions, and a fervent commitment to patient empowerment, we strive to create a place in which each individual can rediscover a sense of purpose and direction.
Job responsibilities
Main Duties of the Role
Clinical Assessment and Formulation
Undertake protocol-based psychological assessments under the supervision of a qualified psychologist, including basic neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, questionnaires, rating scales, direct and indirect behavioural observations, and semi-structured interviews.
Assist in the development of psychological formulations and the preparation of Care Programme Approach (CPA) reports.
Support the creation and delivery of psychological care plans, including behavioural guidelines and therapeutic goals, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
Therapeutic Interventions and Group Work
Assist in the delivery and coordination of individual and group-based psychological interventions, including structured therapeutic programmes such as DBT.
Provide feedback on intervention outcomes to the MDT, and support implementation and evaluation of behaviour management strategies.
Meet and advise relatives or carers under the guidance of a qualified psychologist to support continuity of psychological care.
Multidisciplinary and Interprofessional Collaboration
Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary reviews, ward rounds, and team meetings by sharing assessment findings, handing over intervention plans, and supporting clinical discussions.
Participate in the assessment of potential new service users to support the team in determining clinical suitability for admission.
Liaise with other professionals and services involved in service user care, including education, occupational therapy, and social care teams.
Clinical and Service Support Activities
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with professional and local standards, including clinical notes, observations, and psychometric results.
Monitor the psychology services resources (e.g. psychometric tools and questionnaires), ensuring timely stock management and informing the supervising psychologist of additional resource needs.
Contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of service development and quality improvement projects, as delegated.
Professional Standards and Development
Engage in regular clinical supervision (minimum of one hour per week), and seek ad hoc support from a qualified psychologist for more complex clinical work.
Organise and prioritise own workload with support from a supervising psychologist and line manager, adapting to service demands and clinical priorities.
Maintain high standards of client and service confidentiality at all times, in line with GDPR and professional codes of conduct.
Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the psychology service or clinical supervisor.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working (paid or voluntary) in clinical, community or educational settings with individuals experiencing psychological difficulties
Desirable
- Experience working in inpatient mental health or rehabilitation settings
Professional Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work under supervision and seek support appropriately
- Able to form constructive relationships with service users and staff
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Commitment to reflective practice and personal development
Desirable
- Commitment to pursuing a career in applied psychology
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree in Psychology (minimum 2:2), accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
Desirable
- Upper second-class honours (2:1) or above
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of psychological theory and its application to clinical practice.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices in mental health care
- Competence in IT systems (e.g. MS Office, clinical record systems)
Desirable
- Awareness of recovery-based and trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience using standardised psychological assessments
- Experience with audit or service improvement projects
Experience
Essential
- Experience supporting psychological assessments or delivering low-intensity interventions
Desirable
- Familiarity with NHS, social care or third-sector services
Communication
Essential
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate complex information sensitively to service users, carers and professionals
Desirable
- Experience presenting clinical information to teams or groups