Job summary
The Clinical Health Psychology Department at Alder Hey Children's Hospital are looking to recruit an Assistant Psychologist to support the work of qualified Clinical Psychologists within a range of paediatric medical teams. Supporting clinical work, research work, cognitive assessments, evaluation/audit, and supporting non-clinical service activities will all form key aspects of the post.
Applicants should hold a good honours degree, research experience, and previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist or working with young people and/or in a hospital setting may be an advantage. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic, motivated and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
Due to the anticipated response to the advert we are only able to offer informal discussion to shortlisted candidates. The advert may also close prior to the advertised closing date if a significant number of applications are received.
Please note that the provisional date for interview is 22nd July 2025.
Main duties of the job
Support and enhance the professional psychological care of children and families in a specified area of service delivery within Clinical Health Psychology as directed by, and under the supervision of, a qualified Clinical Psychologist. Main duties include:
- psychological assessment and intervention
- audits and research
- teaching and project work
- psychometric tests and assessments
- assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups
- attend and contribute to clinical psychology meetings
About us
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and busiest children's hospitals in Europe. The Trust has a world class reputation for providing general and specialist health care for children and a proud history of achievement and clinical innovation. As part of the Community and Mental Health Division, Clinical Health Psychology Department is a hospital-based service providing psychological support to patients and their families experiencing difficulties in relation to acute trauma, chronic health conditions and/or its treatment. We work closely with our multi-disciplinary colleagues and in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local authorities, other agencies, voluntary organisations, carers and users of our services. We have strong links with Liverpool University and the Clinical Psychology doctoral training courses within the region.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Following appropriate induction and under direction and supervision, to undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients including standard psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.
To assist in the delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and / or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist. The post holder can be required to work in highly emotive atmosphere and must maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.
To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups.
To work with other staff to assess outpatients and inpatients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews.
To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all care settings.
To attend and contribute to clinical psychology meetings and appropriate multidisciplinary meetings, as directed by the qualified clinical psychologists.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Following appropriate induction and under direction and supervision, to undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients including standard psychometric tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care.
To assist in the delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and / or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist. The post holder can be required to work in highly emotive atmosphere and must maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.
To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups.
To work with other staff to assess outpatients and inpatients and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews.
To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all care settings.
To attend and contribute to clinical psychology meetings and appropriate multidisciplinary meetings, as directed by the qualified clinical psychologists.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- An upper second class honors degree or higher in psychology. A lower second class honors degree supplemented by post graduate qualification may be considered. Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities on a paid or voluntary basis. Ability to assist in teaching and training, and to develop psychometric assessment skills.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- An upper second class honors degree or higher in psychology. A lower second class honors degree supplemented by post graduate qualification may be considered. Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities on a paid or voluntary basis. Ability to assist in teaching and training, and to develop psychometric assessment skills.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
