Assistant Psychologist

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Assistant Psychologist The closing date is 04 December 2025 Another opportunity has arisen to recruit an additional assistant psychologist to the specialist Community Forensic Team The SCFT (Specialist Community Forensic Team) works with service users with moderate to severe mental health difficulties and a forensic history from the Essex area who are being cared for within medium and low secure mental health units, primarily in Essex (Brockfield House, Edward House and St Andrew's) as well as Essex residents cared for in units in other counties (e.g. Kneesworth House). The majority of service users on the teams' caseload will have been detained under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act; often with restrictions under Section 41. The team also accepts service users detained under Section 47/49 and Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Psychologist to join Forensic Psychological Services (community team) on a Fixed Term Contract of one year at Heath Close, Billericay on a full-time basis. This post would be suitable for someone who wishes to gain further experience in the fields of clinical, counselling or forensic psychology. The post holder will be given regular supervision with a qualified and experienced principal psychologist, and will be supported to develop their understanding of the applications of psychology with a range of mental health needs. Main duties of the job SCFT works as a multidisciplinary team which comprises a consultant forensic psychiatrist, nursing staff, a principal psychologist, occupational therapists and assistants, recovery team workers, trainees, health care assistants and social workers. The psychology team aims to address patients' mental health needs and forensic risk through a combination of individual and group evidenced-based interventions. Post holders will have the opportunity to observe psychological assessments and interventions being carried out by the psychologist and psychologists in training, to jointly facilitate treatment groups, and to independently carry out pieces of clinical work, such as psychometric and neuropsychological assessments, risk assessments and appropriate clinical interventions under supervision. Training will be given in relevant areas in order to support the post holder both in this role and in their on‑going career progression. Candidates need to be an enthusiastic and committed graduate who wish to develop their clinical skills working in a progressive team providing a high quality psychology service for men and women with severe and enduring mental health problems. Please note this advert will close early should a high volume of applications be received. Late applications will unfortunately not be accepted. 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. 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service. Excellent pension of up to 14.5% 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. Job responsibilities Please see full the Job Description and Person Specification documents which are available to download. This advert will close early due to a high number of applications, please ensure your applications are submitted as soon as possible as late submissions will not be accepted. Person Specification Education / Qualifications / Knowledge Degree from a BPS accredited course in psychology (2:1 and above). Entitlement to Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society. Graduate level knowledge of research methodology, research design and complex, multivariate data analysis as practical within the clinical fields of psychology. Further post‑graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, health practice and/or research design and analysis. Training in the use of structured professional judgement tools, such as the HCR‑20. Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies for people with a learning disability and mental health problems. Skills/Experience Ability to communicate well with people with a learning disability and/or complex mental health problems. Experience in working in a learning disability or mental health related setting/s. An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines. An ability to interact with client group. Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist. Experience of facilitation/co‑facilitation of psychology groups. 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. 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