Assistant Psychologist

Role overview

An opportunity has opened in the North East Essex team for a psychology graduate who is enthusiastic, motivated, and interested in supporting children and young people with mental health or emotional wellbeing needs.

The post offers variety and the chance to contribute to both clinical work and service development while working under the guidance of a Clinical Psychologist. The successful candidate will receive weekly supervision, training, and ongoing support, and will be joining one of the UK’s most forward-thinking healthcare trusts.

What the role involves

The assistant psychologist will support CAMHS work for children and young people aged 0 to 18 across Southend, Essex, and Thurrock, with the service also available to young people with special educational needs up to age 25. The service is free at the point of access.

Referrals may come from the young person themselves or from a parent, guardian, professional, or teacher concerned about emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service supports a range of presentations, including mood and anxiety problems, behavioural and conduct difficulties, eating difficulties, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance misuse alongside mental health needs, and neurodevelopmental conditions with co-existing mental health issues. Referrals are triaged in line with NICE guidance and a best-practice treatment model.

Candidate profile

Applicants should hold a good honours degree in psychology, ideally a first or an upper second-class degree (2:1). Previous experience working with children and young people who have mental health difficulties would be preferred, and experience carrying out psychometric assessments would be an advantage.

Application guidance

Applications must be completed by the candidate. Where AI tools are used to draft the application, it may be rejected because the application itself forms an important part of the assessment process. Support with applications may still be sought where required for a declared disability.

Starting and induction

New starters join on the first Monday of each month and complete a full induction programme of up to two weeks. This includes mandatory training, systems training, allocation of equipment, and opportunities to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend drop-in sessions on engagement, wellbeing, and key processes. Induction takes place at the head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probation

This appointment is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are not normally required to serve probation unless they are already part-way through one or are currently bank staff.

Working environment

Joining the team means becoming part of a welcoming and supportive workplace. The trust is CQC rated Good and is working towards an Outstanding rating. It operates across North East London and Essex, delivering community and mental healthcare to adults and children.

The organisation also promotes equality, diversity, staff wellbeing, and development through award-winning initiatives, training, and staff networks. It is recognised as a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, has been included in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and holds a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation.