Job Overview
We are looking for enthusiastic and keen Assistant Psychologists to join the Acute and Rehabilitation Directorate in NELFT. The post will involve working as part of our crisis services pathway either Inpatient or Home Treatment Teams (HTT).
This post is suited to someone who enjoys working in a busy, fast paced environment and has experience either working in a HTT or inpatient environment. It is essential the candidate has 6 months experience within a healthcare setting.
The post holder will join an evolving acute service where provision of low intensity psychological interventions is a key priority. The post will suit someone who has a strong interest in working with multidisciplinary teams, working with people with significant mental health difficulties and risk.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience and/or strong interest in working within crisis, multi-disciplinary environment and in providing psychosocial interventions to people in crisis. We recognise the importance of promoting the professional development of our staff and there will be a number of opportunities to participate in continued professional development including close supervision by qualified psychologists and access to a regular Assistant Forum as well as Trust wide CPD opportunities.
The Trust has strong links with, and provides placements for, the clinical and counselling psychology courses and several members of the department are engaged in teaching in local clinical training courses.
Main duties of the job
The Band 4 Assistant Psychologist will support the delivery of high-quality psychological care and recovery focused care to service users within inpatient and HTTs. Working under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist and alongside the wider multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to psychological assessment, formulation, intervention planning, and evaluation of outcomes for individuals experiencing acute and complex mental health difficulties.
The Assistant Psychologist will assist in the implementation of evidence-based psychological interventions both 1:1 and group, support service users to engage in therapeutic activities, and contribute to the development of psychologically informed care plans.
The post holder will be expected to demonstrate good clinical judgement within their scope of practice, maintain accurate documentation, and contribute to service improvement. They will also play an active role in supporting service users and carers, ensuring dignity, safeguarding, and positive patient experience remain central to care delivery.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement Outer London (B&D, Redbridge, Havering and Waltham Forest)
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,870 to a maximum of £6,137 p.a. pro rata for part time).
Working for Us
Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.
