Assistant Psychologist - HMP Coldingley

Overview

Job title: Assistant Psychologist

Employer: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Location: HMP Coldingley, Shaftesbury Rd, Woking, GU24 9EX

Summary: In our Health and Justice Services team, we are recruiting a highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to support patient-focused quality care. The successful candidate will have an Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent, and will work under supervision with a qualified applied psychologist.

Details: Band 4, Permanent, Full-time. Salary £28,860 to £31,671 per year inc HCAS (pro rata if part-time). Date posted: 20 January 2026.

Support and enhance professional psychological practice within the service. Provide support, co-ordination and administration to clinical, training and research functions within the scope of training and competence. Work independently according to a plan reviewed through regular supervision by a qualified applied psychologist. Undertake assessments and interventions as appropriate to level of training (e.g., neuro-psychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, observations, semi-structured interviews).

Help develop psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care and contribute to literature searches, audits and reports. Assist in coordinating and running therapeutic groups, training or research projects. Compile risk histories if required. Contribute to multidisciplinary meetings and support delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions. Carry out other clinical and administrative tasks as appropriate. Stay up to date with de-escalation, physical breakaway and PMVA techniques as relevant to the service environment.

Why CNWL? We offer robust training and have a strong track record of developing candidates toward further training in line with personal development plans. Staff benefits include health and wellbeing services, cycle to work and relocation packages (subject to criteria), and access to My Trust Benefits  (discounts and free online courses).

Essential

• Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS

Desirable

• Further training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis

• Relevant clinical and research skills
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Basic knowledge of databases, research skills and methodology
• Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health context
• Understanding of psychology applied to health care

• Experience of working with people with disabilities or in health/mental health settings with complex needs
• Experience with psychometric tests, group work, in-patient settings, or teaching health professionals
• Lived experience of mental health issues

• Effective communication under pressure and professionalism
• Ability to convey complex information in potentially emotive contexts
• High standard of report writing and analytical thinking
• Independent working with appropriate supervision and initiative
• Flexible with multiple demands and strong IT/computer skills, including statistical packages
• Ability to administer neuropsychological tests
• Ability to carry out PMVA interventions

• Maintain high levels of concentration for extended periods
• Remain calm in the face of emotional distress and hostility
• Ability to tolerate exposure to verbal abuse
• Proficiency in using a PC and completing PC-based project tasks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required.

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance on criminal records checks for overseas applicants is available.

Employer: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address: HMP Coldingley, Shaftesbury Rd, Woking, GU24 9EX

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