Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Higher Assistant Psychologist

The closing date is 15 July 2025

Job summary

The Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS) are looking to recruit a Higher Assistant Psychologist (3.5 days/week). The post holder will contribute to a specialist clinical psychology service, as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing second opinion autism assessments and advice on management. The responsibilities involve providing specialist assessment and therapy to children and young people with complex mental health difficulties and autism. The team also run group interventions and research on treatment approaches for autistic children and young people.

In their role as Research Assistant (1.5 days/week) they will support the CNTW site with recruitment and retention of participants to an exciting study, funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research. The DISCA sleep study investigates the clinical and cost effectiveness of a digital intervention designed to help parents manage sleep problems in children (aged 6-12 years) with ADHD.

Main duties of the job

The post holder requires specialist clinical and research skills in working with neurodivergent children and young people. The post holder must have had experience as an assistant psychologist for at least one year and experience of working with children and young people in a clinical setting.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

263-SCG25-097-MG

Job locations

Walkergate Park Hospital

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE6 4QD

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 1st July 2025

Closing date : 15th July 2025

We welcome your application.

Advert may close early if sufficient applications are received.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 1st July 2025

Closing date : 15th July 2025

We welcome your application.

Advert may close early if sufficient applications are received.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher in psychology
Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society

Desirable

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

Knowledge and Expereince

Essential

Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities. Experience as an assistant/research psychologist (2 year minimum). Knowledge of evidence-based practice.
Experience of providing individual or group interventions.

Desirable

Experience of paid work in direct care provision. Experience with client group relevant to post i.e. Experience within forensic and/or community environments
Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation

Skills

Essential

High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances. Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues. A high standard of report writing
An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities. Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / ND context
Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology
An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare

Desirable

Ability to meet travel requirements of the post

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher in psychology
Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society

Desirable

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

Knowledge and Expereince

Essential

Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities. Experience as an assistant/research psychologist (2 year minimum). Knowledge of evidence-based practice.
Experience of providing individual or group interventions.

Desirable

Experience of paid work in direct care provision. Experience with client group relevant to post i.e. Experience within forensic and/or community environments
Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation

Skills

Essential

High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances. Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues. A high standard of report writing
An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities. Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / ND context
Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology
An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare

Desirable

Ability to meet travel requirements of the post

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.