Job summary
We are recruiting an assistant psychologist to work into a research trial examining the impact of a link worker in helping people with psychosis to access dental care (Mouth Matters NIHR171340 HSDR programme).
The post advertised is full time for a fixed term contract of 36 months, covering different localities in CNTW. The successful applicant will be a core member of The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Efficacy Trial. They will be trained in the required assessment measures and in taking informed consent. They will conduct assessments at baseline and post treatment, which is nine months after randomisation. They will have a key role in liaising with psychosis services to identify potential participants. We are committed to preparing assistant psychologists to apply for clinical training, and where possible will provide a range of experiences to strengthen their application. The postholder will work with colleagues in this trial and other trials in the psychosis pathway and will be under the supervision of a senior psychologist and the trial co-ordinator.
Main duties of the job
Your job purpose will be to promote the study and work with the psychosis service to identify potential participants. You will take informed consent from participants and conduct the trials assessments at two time points. You will carefully follow the research protocol and avoid being unblinded to which condition participants have been randomised too. You will input data and manage your own diary and workload. You will be included in publications and learn about research within the NHS.
We would welcome applications from psychology graduates who are well organised, have excellent interpersonal skills and are passionate about improving services for clients experiencing psychosis. This role will cover all localities within the CNTW patch.The selection process involves formal interview, and you will require Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced clearance before commencement of duties. Interviews will be on Wednesday 11th February.
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.
NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 8th January 2026
Closing date : 22nd January 2026
We welcome your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 8th January 2026
Closing date : 22nd January 2026
We welcome your application.
Person Specification
Education and 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 Experience
Essential
- Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Knowledge of evidence based practice
Desirable
- Experience working with adult and young people in a mental health capacity.
- Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation.
- Experience of providing individual or group interventions.
Skills and Competencies
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.
- 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 / disability context.
- Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology.
- An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
Personal Characteristics
Essential
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact appropriately with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Ability to work reliably and consistently on tasks agreed and managed at regular intervals by supervisor.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively
- Able to manage own stress in difficult conditions and to identify when additional personal support may be necessary.
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post
Person Specification
Education and 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 Experience
Essential
- Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Knowledge of evidence based practice
Desirable
- Experience working with adult and young people in a mental health capacity.
- Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation.
- Experience of providing individual or group interventions.
Skills and Competencies
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.
- 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 / disability context.
- Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology.
- An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
Personal Characteristics
Essential
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact appropriately with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities.
- Ability to work reliably and consistently on tasks agreed and managed at regular intervals by supervisor.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively
- Able to manage own stress in difficult conditions and to identify when additional personal support may be necessary.
- Ability to meet the 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.
