Job overview
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant Psychologist to work as a Link Worker on the exciting National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study. This innovative project is an NIHR funded project involving a brief psychosocial intervention using mental health support workers as a Link Worker to improve dental visiting in people with severe mental health conditions.
We actively encourage applications from individuals commonly under-represented in research professions, including those from racially and ethnically minoritised groups.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the role comprise leading the delivery of the protocol based individual psychosocial intervention for participants recruited to the research study and allocated to receive the intervention.
Working for our organisation
At South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, we believe in providing excellent care which is delivered with pride and compassion. Everything we do, including supporting the implementation of high-quality research and service innovation, is to improve the lives of the people and the diverse communities we serve and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for all.
You will be working in a research team including a consultant clinical psychologist and will be part of wider research and development, and national study team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post starts in April 2026. The successful applicant, following training and with ongoing supervision, will lead on delivery of the Link Worker intervention and support efforts to recruit participants to the trial. This will include engaging with participants and liaising with different clinical teams and professionals based within and external to the Trust.
Key responsibilities:
·To lead on delivery of the Mouth Matters protocol-based Link Worker intervention for participants randomised to the treatment arm of the trial.
·To assist in the London implementation of the Mouth Matters research trial, including recruitment efforts, preparation of study materials, and conducting literature searches.
·To undertake all aspects of their role in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and Amended Regulations 2006 and embed the safeguard of patient wellbeing
·To attend and contribute to meetings with clinical teams, professionals and relevant networks to talk about the research and facilitate effective participant recruitment processes.
·To complete research assessments of study participants
·To produce recruitment reports and data summaries, using IT and statistical programmes
·To attend meetings, supervision and relevant trial training with site lead and wider Mouth Matters Trial team
·To assist in clinically related administration (e.g., meeting minutes; arranging contacts with families and professionals)
·To maintain Trust records and any relevant trial databases and, ensuring entries are complete, accurate and up-to-date in accordance with the Trust policies, the protocol and Good Clinical Practice guidelines
·To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time
GENERAL
·To understand the Trusts Strategic Goals and how you can support them and comply with all Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines
·To understand the need to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and adhere to all principles in effective safeguarding.
·To carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with Equal Opportunities, Equality and Diversity and dignity in care/work policies and principles
·To avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with the colleagues, services users, members of the public and all stakeholders.
·To undertake administrative duties required (e.g., meeting minutes, arranging contact with professionals).
·To access only information, where paper, electronic, or, in another media, which is authorised to you as part of the duties of your role.
·Not to communicate to anyone or inside or outside the NHS, information relating to patients, services users, staff, contractors or any information of a commercially sensitive nature, unless done in the normal course of carrying out the duties of the post and with appropriate permission.
·To maintain high standards of quality in corporate and clinical record keeping ensuring information is always recorded accurately, appropriately and kept up to date.
·Take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and other persons
·To contribute to the control of risk and to report any incident, accident or near miss
·To take responsibility for decision making and prioritise own workload within a team and individual context
CLINICAL
·To deliver the Link Worker intervention in accordance with study protocol and manual
·To complete required training to enable effective delivery of link worker intervention in accordance with study protocol and manual
·Carry out planned care required by the clinical trials protocol for patients and volunteers
·Contribute to screening potential participants and receiving participant informed consent
·To support patients to make informed choices concerning their involvement in research.
·Ensure that written informed consent from a participant has always been obtained for any research taking place within the Trust.
·Maintain all data and case report forms relating to clinical trials in accordance with the regulatory and governance environment for NHS research.
·Report any deviation on research protocols to senior staff and implement agreed changes in care programme.
COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
●Mouth Matters Trial sites (e.g. Lancaster University)
●R&D departments, SLaM, King’s College London
●NHS Trust clinical, administrative and clerical support staff across SLaM, Kings Health Partners
●Patient and lived experience groups
●Research Delivery Managers and other research delivery staff
●South London RDN clinical divisions
●Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
·Complete ongoing programme of training to deliver the Link Worker intervention
·Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant resources and research related topics related to the Link Worker intervention and clinical trials.
·Assess the needs of participants, relatives and carers and provide them with information as requested.
·Assist wider trial team and local Trust in stakeholder engagement and information sharing events
INFORMATION AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
1. To ensure that all information generated by own work is recorded accurately and in a timely manner, to a high standard and in accordance with all relevant protocols, guidance, and statutory requirements
2. To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings, steering groups and other forums, as appropriate.
3. Set up systems to ensure efficient management of own workload, under the guidance of Site Lead
4. Set up and manage databases where required
5. Utilise IT to support report writing, data input and analysis,
6. Demonstrate compliance with local policies on data usage and storage, including Health & Safety at Work
7. To maintain databases through the regular entry of data, as well as performing appropriate data analysis and producing reports as required.
8. To support the team to maintain good clinical governance across their work (e.g., notifying and supporting in the completion of risk assessments)
The post-holder will receive clinical supervision and training from experienced clinical academics working in the field of mental health research. The position is 1.FTE for 36 months.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. First-class or Upper-second-class (2:1) Bachelors degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable criteria
10. •A Masters degree in a relevant area of psychology (e.g. clinical) or Masters in Research which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
11. •Eligibility for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or relevant professional body
12. •Completion of Good Clinical Practice training in the last 2 years
Experience
Essential criteria
13. •Experience of conducting research projects
14. •Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities. This may have been gained through lived experience, work, research, and/or volunteering.
15. •Sufficient experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities in a relevant clinical setting
Desirable criteria
16. •Have experience as an assistant psychology, therapy assistant, support worker
17. •Experience in Patient & Public Engagement Involvement (PPIE) in a research setting
18. •Experience of working with people living with a severe mental health condition
19. •Experience of conducting cognitive and/or other relevant assessments
Knowledge/ Skills
Essential criteria
20. •Graduate level knowledge of psychological research design, methodology, data collection and statistical analysis
21. •Good theoretical knowledge of the problems experienced by and needs of people living with severe mental health conditions
22. •Awareness of key issues faced by minoritized groups in severe mental ill ess through attendance of relevant training
23. •Well-developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating information to services users, carers/families and colleagues
24. •Well-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data
Desirable criteria
25. •Knowledge regarding psychological approaches to severe mental illness
26. •Knowledge of research ethics and governance procedures
27. •Knowledge of psychological assessment and clinical psychometrics
28. •Proven skills in research methodology and statistical analysis
Abilities
Essential criteria
29. •Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with people drawn from a variety of social and demographic backgrounds and communities, and who are living with a severe mental health condition
30. •Ability to identify and follow relevant clinical governance procedures and professional and research guidelines
31. •Ability to work effectively within a team
32. •Ability to work independently on a day-to-day basis and use own initiative
33. •Excellent keyboard skills and skills in using word-processing, e-mail, internet software, spreadsheets, and databases
Desirable criteria
34. •Awareness of relevant clinical governance procedures in NHS settings