Assistant Psychologist

Job Summary

Older Adult Psychology Service. The post is a 1.0 wte fixed term contract for 3 months until end March 2026.

We have an exciting opportunity for new graduates in psychology who are looking to develop their knowledge and experience to support applications to doctoral training courses in Clinical Psychology. Funding has been allocated under a scheme sponsored by NHS England and NHS Improvement to encourage and develop opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds who have previously found it difficult to access relevant employment to gain the necessary experience to apply for the Clinical Psychology training.

Funding for this post has been acquired through the NHS People Plan and Mental Health Improvement Programme, which aims to support the expansion and diversity of psychological professions in the NHS workforce. Unpaid work and posts with uncertain career pathways to Clinical Psychology have contributed to disproportionate disadvantage for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic psychology graduates, graduates who are socio‑economically disadvantaged and psychology graduates who have caring responsibilities.

This additional funding aims to address these disadvantages by offering paid opportunities for aspiring clinical psychologists to gain clinical experience that would otherwise be inaccessible.

We would therefore like to invite applications from psychology graduates who have (1) not worked as an Assistant Psychologist previously (paid or unpaid) and (2) are from one (or more) of the following groups:

• Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic background
• Disability
• LGBT+ communities
• Those whose opportunities to work on a voluntary basis in Assistant Psychologist (or similar) roles have been significantly reduced due to caring responsibilities or financial disadvantage

Applicants must confirm that they meet both criteria (1) and (2) in their application.

The post is within Sheffield Health Partnership University and will be clinically supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. The holder may also work on a project linked to health inequalities and access for marginalised communities. Older Adult Services cover a range of teams – OA Community Mental Health Teams, OA Home Treatment Team, In‑patient wards, Memory Service. Potential opportunities include support services on quality improvement projects, service developments, outcome measures and direct service user contact.

We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we are looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.

What makes our Trust a special place to work? It is all about the people – staff, service users, carers and families from diverse backgrounds who bring expertise and stories to share. We ensure you feel supported, and your health and wellbeing is taken care of. If you are interested in developing your career, you will have access to training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience, placements and research involvement.

• Date posted: 19 January 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band: 4
• Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata
• Contract:
  
  Fixed term
• Duration: 3 months
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time
• Reference number: 457‑25‑7726624
• Job locations:
  Older Adults, 7 Edmund Road, Sheffield, S2 4AE

• Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust does not provide sponsorship for this role. If you hold a visa that allows work in the UK, you may apply provided you have at least 12 months on your visa at the start of employment.
• The role is expected to be popular and will close automatically when the cap is reached.
• Interview date:
  Tuesday 9th December.
• If you do not hear from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

• Upper second‑class honours degree or higher in psychology
• No previous paid or unpaid work as assistant psychologist
• Understanding of the needs and difficulties of older adults with mental health difficulties and/or dementia
• Understanding of trauma‑informed care for staff and service users

• Applicants from one or more of the groups listed in the main duties.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

• Employer name:
  Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Address:
  Older Adults, 7 Edmund Road, Sheffield, S2 4AE
• Website: https://