Job overview
We are recruiting an enthusiastic and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to join us within the Rehabilitation and High Support (RHS) Care hub. The post will suit a motivated candidate who wishes to gain experience of promoting psychological perspectives within inpatient services.
The postholder will input into Heathfield House (Cale Green), Bevan Place (Stepping Hill Hospital) and Hurst Place (Tameside Hospital). All units provide inpatient rehabilitation to support men with severe and enduring mental health needs, with the aim of moving towards more independent living. Men have a primary diagnosis of a psychotic illness, but may have additional difficulties with trauma, emotional regulation, substance use, forensic history, or cognitive skills. BThe rehabilitation services aim to support re-integration into the community, and work closely with the newly established Community Rehabilitation Team.
This is is a 12-month fixed term full time role available.
Main duties of the job
You will support the lead psychologist to promote psychological perspectives on the ward. You will be expected to offer assessment, formulation and interventions to the men. You will also facilitate skills-based groups, such as mindfulness. You will also support the wider MDT to develop individual positive support plans with service users.
You will support the implementation of a trauma-informed approach on the ward by co-facilitating Team Formulation meetings and Reflective Practice sessions. You will also be responsible for administrative tasks such as preparing notes on individuals backgrounds, data input and spreadsheet management.
You will receive clinical and line management supervision from a Practitioner Psychologist and join peer supervision with other Assistant Psychologists.
Working for our organisation
Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the top of our agenda. We believe that a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture is vital; that everyone’s value should be recognised and respected.
We proactively challenge injustices, and are the only Trust in the North West to publicly recognise our commitment to becoming anti-racist and supporting our transgender and non-binary colleagues. We also have thriving staff networks to make sure everyone has a voice.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
We are committed to staff development through shared learning, training and peer supervision. We are working hard at Walkerwood to reduce restrictive practices, and to provide trauma-informed care.
Our trust values are:
Kindness
Fairness
Ingenuity
Determination
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification to support your application for this post. Please refer to the essential criteria in the person specification which will highlight the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to demonstrate in your application, by way of example, to give yourself the best opportunity to be shortlisted.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* A first or upper second class honours degree in psychology
* Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable criteria
* Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and / or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working clinically in mental health settings.
* Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
Desirable criteria
* Previous experience working as an Assistant Psychologist.
* Experience of working with complex mental health difficulties
* Experience of working with behaviour that challenges
* Experience using word processing tools, spread sheets and statistical packages for data analysis.
* Experience of service evaluation.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Have an understanding of psychological approaches to understanding complex mental health difficulties
* Have an understanding of the principles of a trauma-informed approach
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* High level of communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive and challenging.
* Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues in way that enhances psychological mindedness.
Desirable criteria
* Ability to design and evaluate research projects relevant to Applied Psychology.
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as soon as possible.
If you have problems applying, contact
Address
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
225 Old Street
225 Old Street
OL6 7SR
Telephone
01617163181