Job summary
We provide autism diagnostic assessments, post-diagnosis support and consultation for adults (without a learning disability) and their care network in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham. We work closely with local services. We are seeking an assistant psychologist interested in working with autistic adults. The post is until the end ofMarch 2026 and may be extended.
QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED ON THE APPLICATION FORM
Please answer the following question as part of your application.Your answer should be MARKED 'ANSWER' and placed at the beginning of your 'ADDITIONAL INFORMATION' section.
- Describe your reasons for applying to this role and what interests you about working with autistic adults (without a learning disability). (around 100 words)
- Explain how your knowledge and experience could be applied to this role. (around 100 words)
We will not shortlist applications without responses to the above questions.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an assistant psychologist interested in working in an adult autism service.
The successful candidate will have the following qualities:
- Compassionate and person-centred
- Strong work ethic
- Good team player
- Working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge and/or experience of the context of services for autistic individuals
- Work well with health and social care colleagues
- BPS-accredited Psychology Degree (high 2:1 or first) or a Master's in Psychology
- Knowledge of communication and IT skills relevant for the role
We have good links with the North London Doctoral Training courses in Clinical Psychology and provide clinical placements to trainees. Informal discussions are welcome by contacting Dr Catherine Cheung (Catherinecheung@nhs.net) and Dr Olivia Milburn (
o.milburn1@nhs.net).
About us
Just as we care about our patients' wellbeing, we care about yours!
We can offer you:
- A comprehensive induction into the community service followed by a local induction to introduce you to the role
- Single occupancy accommodation in Central London - (we can help you find accommodation in London, support you with your deposit)
- Support with gaining your driving license *T&C's apply
- Car lease scheme *T&C's apply
- Flexible working options
- Annual travel card loan
- Training, support and development in your career
To have a full look at our benefits and what it's like working for us please go here: https://www.clch.nhs.uk/job/pay-and-benefits
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake protocol-based psychological and diagnostic assessments of service users. This may include applying psychological tests, including neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service users care.
- To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a service users key challenges, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner psychologist, in both community and in-patient/residential settings.
- To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups as appropriate.
- To work with other staff in assessing service users needs and reviewing their care.
- To assist in developing a psychologically-based framework of understanding and care to benefit service users across different settings.
- To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.
- To support the work of qualified clinicians in the team in keeping with the pace of the service.
- Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full roles and responsibilities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake protocol-based psychological and diagnostic assessments of service users. This may include applying psychological tests, including neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service users care.
- To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a service users key challenges, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner psychologist, in both community and in-patient/residential settings.
- To assist in the co-ordination and running of therapeutic groups as appropriate.
- To work with other staff in assessing service users needs and reviewing their care.
- To assist in developing a psychologically-based framework of understanding and care to benefit service users across different settings.
- To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.
- To support the work of qualified clinicians in the team in keeping with the pace of the service.
- Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full roles and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- High 2:1 honours degree or higher in psychology.
- Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with autistic individuals or clients with complex needs
- Experience of working in statutory services
Desirable
- Experience of paid work in direct care provision.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings, which can be highly emotive
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service-users, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- An understanding of the needs, preferences and challenges faced by autistic adults.
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to an adult autism/mental health context.
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care.
Desirable
- Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
- High standard of report writing.
Other
Essential
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact with autistic individuals or those with complex needs
- Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
Desirable
- An interest in working with autistic individuals
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- High 2:1 honours degree or higher in psychology.
- Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with autistic individuals or clients with complex needs
- Experience of working in statutory services
Desirable
- Experience of paid work in direct care provision.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings, which can be highly emotive
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service-users, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- An understanding of the needs, preferences and challenges faced by autistic adults.
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to an adult autism/mental health context.
- An understanding of psychology applied to health care.
Desirable
- Experience using microcomputers for databases or data-analysis, especially SPSS for Windows.
- High standard of report writing.
Other
Essential
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- An ability to interact with autistic individuals or those with complex needs
- Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
Desirable
- An interest in working with autistic individuals
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
