Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Higher Assistant Psychologist

The closing date is 15 July 2025

Job summary

The National Specialist Adolescent Mood Disorders Service (NSAMS) are looking to recruit a Higher Assistant Psychologist/Research Assistant at Band 5. The post holder will contribute to a specialist clinical psychology service as part of a multidisciplinary team to young people referred to NSAMS for second opinion mood disorders assessments and advice on management. The clinical academic team also run research on mood disorders in children and young people. The responsibilities in their role as Higher Assistant Psychologist (2.5 days/week) involve providing specialist assessment and therapy to young people with complex mental health difficulties, including young people with mood disorders. In their role as Research Assistant (2.5 days/week) they will support the Northern Hub with recruitment and retention of participants to an exciting NIHR HTA funded study comparing the clinical and cost effectiveness of stimulant ADHD medication vs uanfacine in helping young people who have ADHD and tics.

Main duties of the job

The post holder must have had experience as an assistant psychologist for at least one year and experience of working with children and adolescents in a mental health setting. A further essential criteria is the ability to drive and access to a car. Research experience is desirable. Research and clinical supervision will be provided in keeping with BPS guidelines.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

263-SCG25-098-LB

Job locations

Walkergate Park Hospital

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 1st July 2025

Closing date : 15th July 2025

We welcome your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 1st July 2025

Closing date : 15th July 2025

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher, in psychology.
Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Experience as an assistant/research psychologist.
Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
Knowledge of evidence based practice
Experience of working with people with psychological distress

Skills and Competencies

Essential

High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances.
Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues.
An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities.
Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / disability context.
Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows.
Experience of delivery of psychological therapies

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher, in psychology.
Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Experience as an assistant/research psychologist.
Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
Knowledge of evidence based practice
Experience of working with people with psychological distress

Skills and Competencies

Essential

High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances.
Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues.
An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities.
Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / disability context.
Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows.
Experience of delivery of psychological therapies

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.