Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Assistant Psychologist - Widening Access Programme

The closing date is 07 February 2026

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for Psychology graduates who are interested in developing a career in Clinical Psychology. We are recruiting to 4 x Psychology Assistant posts to join our widening access programme for aspiring Clinical Psychologists. The posts are each part time (18.75 hours per week) and employed at Band 4 on the NHS pay scale.

They are offered on a 6 month fixed term contract. The programme offers paid clinical work experience to Psychology graduates, with a particular focus on supporting those from minoritised and/or disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to become Clinical Psychologists.

We are committed to a fair and inclusive selection process, aiming to recruit candidates with strong potential for success within the profession, who otherwise might have had difficulty accessing the necessary workplace experience due to educational, economic and social disadvantage.

Main duties of the job

The posts will offer workplace experience in clinical services and post holders will be well supported with a thorough induction as well as additional development opportunities through the course of their time with us. We plan to offer access to opportunities such as participation in reflective practice groups, journal clubs and individual mentoring.

The work experience will be varied and post holders can expect to contribute to activities such as research and service evaluation, literature searches and resources development, assessment and psychological testing, undertaking supportive work with carers, family members and staff, and training others; in some contexts there may also be an opportunity to assist with the delivery of psychologically informed interventions with individuals and groups.

As assistant psychologists, post holders will work under the supervision of a qualified practitioner psychologist to carry out specific tasks associated with the delivery of psychological services.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

  • Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
  • Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
  • If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
  • We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

  • 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
  • Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
  • Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
  • £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
  • Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

  • Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
  • Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details

Date posted

05 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata, per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

364-A-9747

Job locations

Various sites across Essex - specific base to be confirmed for each placement

To be confirmed

SS11 7XX


Job description

Job responsibilities

EPUT has a strong track record of supporting Psychology graduates in their development and training within the psychological professions. We host Clinical Psychology trainees from both the University of Essex and the University of Hertfordshire, and we also run a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) training programme. The Trust has a vibrant and active Diversity & Inclusion Committee with an Ethnic Minority and Race Equality Network, along with LGBTQ+, Disability, Faith and Carers Networks. Our Psychological Services Directorate has an Anti-Racism group that provides open dialogue, support and allyship, along with an active pre-qualification group of aspiring psychologists who offer an environment of peer support and learning.

If you are enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to a career delivering high quality psychological care to service users we would like to hear from you. We are specifically seeking applicants who are familiar with, and committed to living and working in, the geographic area served by the Trust (Essex). We particularly encourage applications from those who come from less advantaged and minoritised backgrounds and for whom access to experience and further training in the psychological professions may be hindered by social or economic circumstances. Applicants should tell us how they meet these criteria in their application forms.

Please refer to the accompanying documents which provide more information about the job role, the person specification and these posts.

Job description

Job responsibilities

EPUT has a strong track record of supporting Psychology graduates in their development and training within the psychological professions. We host Clinical Psychology trainees from both the University of Essex and the University of Hertfordshire, and we also run a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) training programme. The Trust has a vibrant and active Diversity & Inclusion Committee with an Ethnic Minority and Race Equality Network, along with LGBTQ+, Disability, Faith and Carers Networks. Our Psychological Services Directorate has an Anti-Racism group that provides open dialogue, support and allyship, along with an active pre-qualification group of aspiring psychologists who offer an environment of peer support and learning.

If you are enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to a career delivering high quality psychological care to service users we would like to hear from you. We are specifically seeking applicants who are familiar with, and committed to living and working in, the geographic area served by the Trust (Essex). We particularly encourage applications from those who come from less advantaged and minoritised backgrounds and for whom access to experience and further training in the psychological professions may be hindered by social or economic circumstances. Applicants should tell us how they meet these criteria in their application forms.

Please refer to the accompanying documents which provide more information about the job role, the person specification and these posts.

Person Specification

Skills and experience

Essential

  • Good written communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience relevant to working in health, mental health and the NHS

Education

Essential

  • Psychology Undergraduate Degree
  • BPS graduate basis for registration (GBR)

Desirable

  • CPD courses relevant to work in mental health or psychology

Knowledge

Essential

  • Graduate level knowledge of psychological theory and research

Desirable

  • Evidence of further reading, development or knowledge of applied psychology or mental health

Role specific requirements

Essential

  • Evidence of impact of disadvantage or minoritisation
  • Evidence of commitment to working in Essex

Desirable

  • Suitability to the role incl. evidence of reflexivity, alignment with trust values and professional ethics
Person Specification

Skills and experience

Essential

  • Good written communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience relevant to working in health, mental health and the NHS

Education

Essential

  • Psychology Undergraduate Degree
  • BPS graduate basis for registration (GBR)

Desirable

  • CPD courses relevant to work in mental health or psychology

Knowledge

Essential

  • Graduate level knowledge of psychological theory and research

Desirable

  • Evidence of further reading, development or knowledge of applied psychology or mental health

Role specific requirements

Essential

  • Evidence of impact of disadvantage or minoritisation
  • Evidence of commitment to working in Essex

Desirable

  • Suitability to the role incl. evidence of reflexivity, alignment with trust values and professional ethics

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Various sites across Essex - specific base to be confirmed for each placement

To be confirmed

SS11 7XX


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Various sites across Essex - specific base to be confirmed for each placement

To be confirmed

SS11 7XX


Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Clinical Director

Barbara Mason

barbara.mason2@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

05 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata, per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

364-A-9747

Job locations

Various sites across Essex - specific base to be confirmed for each placement

To be confirmed

SS11 7XX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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