Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Assistant Psychologist/Assistant Practitioner

The closing date is 07 April 2026

Job summary

The Autism Assessment Service is looking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist/ Assistant Practitioner.

Ourservice embracesthe neurodiversity paradigm: we strive to engage children, youngpeopleand families to understand their own strengths and needs and to work together to promote wellbeing. Wehave severalmembers of staff who have lived experience ofneurodivergenceand our team are well regarded for our innovative ways of working, having received several individual awards and team Trust recognition for our work.

The post holder willbenefitfrom close working relationships in the MDT autism assessment team as part of a wider integrated Specialist Children's Service. There will be regular supervision with Clinical Psychologist/ Allied Health Professional as well as peer supervision. This post offers opportunities in assessment, therapeuticsupportand liaison with other agencies.

Main duties of the job

Toassistin the provision of ahigh qualityspecialist autism diagnostic service to children and young people (0-19 years) and their families and carers living in the Hambleton and Richmond and Harrogate areas.

To provide specialist assessment,interpretationand formulation within the setting under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist (Assistant Psychologist)/ Allied Health Professional (Assistant Practitioner).

To support families through the support call clinic: phone/ videocall basedsupport calls and signposting.

To work under supervision of MDT members including qualified Clinical Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists and Occupational Therapist.Although some independent work may be undertaken, according to a plan agreed with the team leads and within the overall framework of the teams' policies and procedures.

Toassistin clinically relatedadministration, andcomply withlocal record keeping procedures.

Toparticipatein regular supervision and activities in the Autism Assessment Service (as well as the Psychology Department for Assistant Psychologists).

To contribute to the monitoring, audit,evaluationand development of the service as directed by the team leads in Autism services.

About us

At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust we provide outstanding care to both our patients and our staff. We support staff through benefits, health and wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for personal and professional development.

An inclusive and supportive culture our Trust encourages staff to bring their whole selves toworkand active Staff Networksidentifyareas for improvement.

Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise staff with our Making a Difference, Team of the Month Awards & Colleague Recognition Awards.

Employee Support and wellbeing - we have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, counsellingserviceand fast track physiotherapy service for employees.

Staff Benefits - We have a range of staff benefits and schemes to support staff health, engagement,wellbeingand inclusion.

Date posted

31 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

421-PSC-3751R

Job locations

Various

Northallerton

DL6 1EA

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information please contact Dr Beth Billington on elizabeth.billington@nhs.net or Laura Edwards on laura.edwards47@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information please contact Dr Beth Billington on elizabeth.billington@nhs.net or Laura Edwards on laura.edwards47@nhs.net

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology with entitlement to Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) of the British Psychological Society (Assistant Psychologist only)
NVQ level 3 - Health/Children's competencies or NNEB/BTEC diploma childcare or equivalent at level 4 and further study relevant to neurodiversity
Commitment to undergo further training
Experience of working within a team environment
Familiarity with the administration of ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule)
Experience of working with Children and Young People
Experience of working with neurodiversity, or lived experience of neurodiversity
Experience of working within health setting and with other agencies (e.g. Education, Local Authority)
Experience in the use of electronic record keeping

Desirable

Qualifications relating to child development
Qualifications relevant to neurodiversity
Qualifications relevant to communication and interaction
Trained in the administration of ADOS
Experience of audit and research

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology with entitlement to Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) of the British Psychological Society (Assistant Psychologist only)
NVQ level 3 - Health/Children's competencies or NNEB/BTEC diploma childcare or equivalent at level 4 and further study relevant to neurodiversity
Commitment to undergo further training
Experience of working within a team environment
Familiarity with the administration of ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule)
Experience of working with Children and Young People
Experience of working with neurodiversity, or lived experience of neurodiversity
Experience of working within health setting and with other agencies (e.g. Education, Local Authority)
Experience in the use of electronic record keeping

Desirable

Qualifications relating to child development
Qualifications relevant to neurodiversity
Qualifications relevant to communication and interaction
Trained in the administration of ADOS
Experience of audit and research

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Various

Northallerton

DL6 1EA

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Various

Northallerton

DL6 1EA

Employer's website

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