Assistant Psychologist

Role overview

This 18-month fixed-term Assistant Psychologist post sits within the Older Adult Inpatient Psychology Service and is based at Thurrock Community Hospital in Grays. The position supports psychological care for older people across South Essex, with a focus on inpatient wards. You will work closely with a qualified Clinical Psychologist and an art psychotherapist to help deliver assessments, evidence-based interventions, and both talking therapy and art psychotherapy support.

The role is suited to a psychology graduate who is enthusiastic, motivated, and keen to work with older adults in inpatient mental health and dementia settings. You will be part of a supportive team of clinicians, managers, and staff, with regular high-quality supervision and opportunities to develop professionally.

Main purpose of the post

You will contribute to the work of psychological services for older people by assisting with individual and group interventions on acute inpatient dementia and mental health wards. The role also involves preparing therapeutic materials and carrying out service-related administrative duties. A reasonable level of autonomy is expected when organising and managing your workload.

Values and application requirements

The trust is committed to fair access, inclusion, and a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, especially those from under-represented groups. The organisation also welcomes applicants with lived experience of mental health services.

Applicants must hold a psychology degree that provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. A strong academic result is helpful, but the trust places equal importance on values such as openness, compassion, and a commitment to empowerment. In your personal statement, you must address the person specification and demonstrate alignment with these values.

Only applications that answer the two shortlisting questions in under 500 words will be considered:

• What are the common themes and challenges involved in working with older people?
• What would you contribute to help provide safe and effective inpatient services for older people?

Applications from students who have not yet been awarded their degree will not be considered.

The vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a high volume of applications is received, so early submission is advised.

Working environment and support

The successful applicant will join an experienced and diverse service team. Support includes regular supervision from a qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist, together with access to an inclusive staff community and development opportunities. The trust also promotes staff wellbeing through mental health support, occupational health advice, and counselling.

Benefits

• 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 10 years of service
• A pension contribution of up to 14.5% of pensionable pay
• Access to staff discounts such as Blue Light Card and NHS discount offers
• Interest-free season ticket loans for tram, rail, or bus travel to work

Additional terms and important information

Job share applications are welcome. At present, Certificates of Sponsorship are prioritised for registered roles because of allocation limits.

Applicants must provide professional references with business contact details covering the last three years of employment. Personal or character references will not be accepted.

The cost of the initial DBS check for this role will be deducted from the employee’s first salary payment.

The trust is an equal opportunities employer and holds the Disability Two-Tick symbol. It has also committed to employing more people with learning disabilities and encourages applications from disabled candidates. If another application format is needed, such as Braille or audio, support can be requested from the Recruitment Department.

The trust may withdraw vacancies before the closing date if necessary. Candidates are advised to monitor their registered email address regularly. If no contact is received within three weeks of the closing date, the application should be treated as unsuccessful for this round.

All staff are expected to support safeguarding and the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Robust safer recruitment checks will apply.

Because of current regulations for some care settings, applicants who may be deployed to a CQC-registered care home must have received both COVID vaccinations unless exempt. This forms part of pre-employment checks for the role.

If a candidate is identified as formally at risk within the organisation and the role is considered suitable alternative employment, the post may be withdrawn from the external recruitment process.

Applications must be written by the applicant. The use of artificial intelligence tools may lead to rejection if the application is found to rely on them, although support may still be sought for declared disability-related needs.