Job summary
We are delighted to offer this Higher Assistant Psychologist post in our specialist Care Homes and Dementia Team (CHAD), based at Foss Park Hospital in York. The role covers the geographical area of York, Selby and some areas of Pocklington and will be a full-time position over a 12 month fixed term/secondment contract.
Due to the nature of the role, it is essential that applicants can travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will work closely alongside the Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist in the team, primarily helping provide specialist psychological and behaviour support assessments and interventions for care home residents in York and the surrounding area. The post-holder will be a core member of the multi-disciplinary team, working autonomously where appropriate and liaising directly with care home staff, families and other key stakeholders and agencies.
As the post-holder you would be expected to provide discrete psychological assessments and well-being interventions under supervision. You would support the team's Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist in delivering a formulation-based model of consultation to the MDT and to care home teams/staff themselves, with a key focus on behaviour support and psychological well-being interventions. You would contribute directly multi-disciplinary meetings and clinical decision making and specifically to the development and review of behaviour support plans. You would be expected to contribute to the development of the CHAD team in their ability to work psychologically with care homes and care home residents, drawing on psychological formulation, and person-centred principles in their work. Supporting training, audit and research and service development projects would be part of this.
About us
Psychology has a strong and rapidly developing reputation within Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust for supporting organisational change, developing psychologically minded staff groups, and embedding research and outcome measures, within recovery and person centred care philosophies. We provide excellent opportunities for peer support/supervision, CPD, involvement in research and teaching/training.
Details
Date posted
08 January 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-NYM-070-25-A
Job locations
Foss Park Hospital
Haxby Road
York
YO31 8TA
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Psychologists & Psychological Therapists provide key leadership roles within the Trust. To support this we have developed leadership profiles for each psychology band and the profile card associated with this post is attached on NHS Jobs. You can find more information about the NHS Leadership Academys Healthcare Leadership Model and the profiles at their website. We encourage you to look at these resources as they will play a part in the interview process.
A degree in psychology is essential, and you must be eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society. Prior experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist with people with mental health problems or cognitive problems, particularly with older people and in relation to NHS settings, would be highly desirable.
You should be able to demonstrate emotional resilience and a capacity to maintain a compassionate and respectful approach toward our clients, staff and families/carers even in stressful situations. You will be well supported with regular clinical and professional supervision as well as access to CPD and peer support. You will be guided on how to use these structures to maintain safe and compassionate practice for yourself and others. At the same time, as a Higher Assistant Psychologist you should have an ability to work autonomously as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, utilising supervision proactively.
The post holder would be professionally led by the Psychological Professions Lead for MHSOP psychology in York and Selby and operationally managed by CHAD team manager at Foss Park Hospital.
For any enquiries, please contact Dr. Michelle James, Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist01904 461196
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Degree in psychology
2. Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
3. Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, youth work, work with offenders and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential
4. Experience working as a psychology assistant (or equivalent)
5. Previous involvement in clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
6. Experience using statistical software packages. SPSS
7. Experience of using psychometric assessments.
8. Experience working with people using services in psychological, mental health and/or social care settings. This may include, for example, personal experience or supporting a family member to access services.
9. Experience of communicating sensitive information
10. Experience of work interacting with the public
11. Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (. those for whom English is not their first language).
Desirable
12. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
13. Experience of increasing access to psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities.
Knowledge
Essential
14. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
15. An understanding of the application of psychology to health care
16. Understanding of confidentiality
17. Knowledge of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct
18. An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
19. Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
20. Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities
Skills
Essential
21. Ability to relate therapeutically to the needs of clients and in a way that addresses psychological resistance
22. Ability to work collaboratively with members of the MDT to provide an effective service
23. Utilise psychometric tests competently
24. Statistical analysis
25. Record keeping
26. Ability to lead a therapy group session(within agreed timescale)
27. Plan and organise effectively to meetrequired timescales
28. Use approved breakaway techniques
Desirable
29. Ability to provide group interventions
Personal attributes
Essential
30. Able to work in accordance with the Trust Journey to Change and Values
31. Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers
32. Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in distressing or emotive circumstances
33. Ability to work on own in a variety of settings using initiative and making decisions appropriately
34. Able to work flexibly and cooperatively as part of a team.
35. Committed to continual quality and service improvement
36. Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health distress, neurodiversity and/or learning disabilities
37. Committed to promoting a positive image of the service
38. Committed to further developing self-awareness (for example, life experiences, culture, intersectionality, characteristics) and how this influences the work we do.
39. Self-aware and committed to continual personal development. Able to accept and respondpositively to feedback from clinical supervision
Desirable
40. Interest to pursue a career in the Psychological Professions.