Assistant Psychologist

Overview

We re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we re proud to make a difference every day.

At SPFT we put people first. We ll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You ll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development. We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it s part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we ll explore what works for you and the role.

We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.

We re shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we d love to hear from you.

We are delighted to offer this opportunity for an aspiring psychologist with Graduate Basis for Registration to work as an Assistant Psychologist (Band
4) for 12 months within the multidisciplinary Specialist Adults service, part of the local Neighbourhood Mental Health Team. We provide specialist treatment and care for members of the community with significant mental health needs and work closely with colleagues in primary care and community organisations to help people get the mental health support they need, when they need it.

We are committed to increasing diversity within clinical psychology and therefore welcome applications from people from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in the profession—the data currently indicates those to be:

• Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds
• Those from low socio-economic backgrounds as defined by
• Individuals with unpaid caring responsibilities as defined by NHSE

Under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist, you will deliver psychologically informed interventions such as behavioural activation, trauma stabilisation, and emotion regulation in both individual and group settings. You will support psychological assessment and MDT formulation by collating information from the Electronic Patient Record and attending meetings and appointments alongside a psychological professional. You will also support the team with clinically related administration, teaching, evaluation and project work.

We are looking for someone with a clear interest and passion for working as part of a multidisciplinary team with people with severe mental illness, their families and carers to support recovery. The successful applicant will be required to demonstrate alignment with the Trust s values (Compassionate, Accountable, Optimistic) and understand the importance of trauma-informed care.

The successful applicant will join a friendly, highly skilled and enthusiastic community of applied psychologists, psychological therapists, mental health wellbeing practitioners and assistant psychologists. We place a high value on staff wellbeing and you will receive regular supervision and continuing professional development opportunities. We have close links with the Doctoral Clinical Psychology training programme at the University of Surrey.

Sussex Partnership is a fantastic Trust to work for and psychology is highly valued. Our teams are welcoming and enthusiastic about providing the best possible care for people who access our services. Sussex is a beautiful county with good transport links, vibrant urban communities, rural areas and tourist attractions, including the Coast and the South Downs. The Trust has recently been rated by the CQC as Good overall and Outstanding for care.

Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.

SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented. SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.