Higher Assistant Psychologist Jobs in UK 2025 – Sponsorship

At present, we are in search of a part-time assistant psychologist (AP) position (0.8 write) to aid in the evaluation of the efficacy of a novel talking therapy. It is a component of a multi-center RCT that is funded by Wellcome and is intended to address sleep-related issues. The postholder will play a critical role in the successful completion of this trial by supervising the recruitment, assessment, and follow-up of the participants.

The enhancement of sleep is a novel treatment for sleep disorders. It is scheduled to be delivered over a 12-week period. Eight face-to-face sessions will be conducted on a weekly basis.

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The postholder will be afforded an unparalleled opportunity to acquire knowledge about a novel therapeutic approach, collaborate with global leaders in the field of psychological therapy research, and develop research skills and a comprehensive understanding of the methodology used in NHS therapy trials. You will join a more extensive group of researchers in the Northeast and collaborate with colleagues who are conducting other research trials on the understanding and treatment of experiences such as voices, visions, and paranoia.

The overall project directors are Professor Daniel Freeman and Dr. Felicity Waite from Oxford. They are supported by a large team of co-applicants and collaborators from six sites across the country, as well as colleagues in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear FT. The treatment is significantly influenced by the lived experiences of service users, and service user researchers are spearheading the charge on numerous aspects of the trial.

Key Points:

• Job Type: Full Time
• Location: Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
• Salary: 28,407 – 34,581 £ / Year
• Company: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Duties of Higher Assistant Psychologist Jobs in UK:

The position that is currently being advertised is anticipated to be extended for a period of several months, with a duration of 24 months.

The position will be instrumental in the implementation of a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a novel psychological treatment for individuals who are experiencing sleep disturbances. The position will be situated in Newcastle; however, it will require travel throughout the trust. The trial assistant’s principal responsibilities will be as follows:

• Recruitment, screening, and assessment of patients for the randomized controlled trial of the psychological treatment “Sleeping Better.” This will require consistent communication with referrers, attendance at clinical team meetings, and visits to at-risk mental state (ARMS) and first-episode psychosis teams. The recruitment criteria are established on a monthly basis.
• Throughout a vast geographic region, participants will undergo examinations at their residences or in clinics. This suggests that in order to effectuate extensive travel, it will be necessary to possess a valid driver’s license and access independent transportation options.
• Accurate records must be maintained, which necessitates the conclusion of the recruitment database and the updating of medical records to reflect the trial’s progress.
• You will be obligated to produce consistent reports on the recruitment process, which will include the administration of the recruitment database and assessments.
• It will be imperative that you consistently input and verify data in the study databases.
• Your attendance at supervision and pertinent research team meetings, including training at the principal site in Oxford, is anticipated.

About us:

We are committed to the recruitment and retention of a workforce that is compassionate, caring, and committed, as well as diverse and talented. The current and future requirements of the contemporary NHS will be satisfactorily addressed by this workforce. We can offer a dynamic work environment in which to establish a career in exchange.

The position will provide experience in the following areas: clinical trial methodology, assessment, NHS services, and engaging individuals with psychosis and other presenting issues. This position would be well-suited for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology or clinical research. Comprehensive training in assessment, solid clinical practice, and trust procedures will be administered.

The ideal candidate will have experience in clinical or research settings. It may be advantageous to have experience working with individuals who have faced difficulties with cognitive assessment tasks, hallucinations, or paranoia. They should possess the ability to oversee and organize a multitude of interconnected components of the undertaking and their own work.

They will be expected to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills and be capable of conducting interviews and assessments with potentially vulnerable individuals. The most critical prerequisite is that they exhibit a strong enthusiasm for the research field, as well as a high level of motivation and commitment.

Responsibilities of Higher Assistant Psychologist Jobs in UK:

• The local project supervisor is Robert Dudley, while the overall project leaders are Prof. Daniel Freeman and Dr. Felicity Waite at Oxford University. In collaboration with a team of co-applicants, we will be recruiting research participants at six principal sites, each with its own team.
• The postholder will be under the supervision of the local site principal investigator, Robert Dudley, and a local trial coordinator. They will also work in direct collaboration with the central trial team, which is situated in Oxford. The recruitment, assessment, and follow-up of the participants will be the responsibility of the post-holders, who will be essential to the successful implementation of this trial.
• Further information regarding the sleep intervention can be found in the following description: “A targeted psychological treatment for sleep problems in young people at ultra-high risk of psychosis in England (SleepWell): a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled feasibility trial—The Lancet Psychiatry.”
• In order to achieve the monthly recruitment objectives, your primary duties will involve administering cognitive assessments, interviews, and a battery of measures.
• To achieve this, you will be responsible for establishing contact with potential participants, obtaining informed consent, conducting a comprehensive assessment instrument in a sensitive manner, engaging in proactive communication with teams, promoting the study, and engaging in discussions with clinicians regarding referrals.
• You will ensure that individuals have the requisite knowledge and skills to make well-informed judgments about their participation in the investigation.
• You are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the trial is conducted to the highest possible standard and retains participants. You will inquire about your assessments and engagement issues, as well as contemplate the difficulties of establishing rapport in order to conduct effective assessments, during your regular supervision sessions (weekly local and trial-wide).
• You will work with colleagues from the trust and across the sites to ensure that the trial is completed within the designated timeframe and meets the established standards. By entering the information in a timely manner, you will guarantee its accuracy and quality on our website.
• You will be enthusiastic, resolute, and motivated by the prospect of contributing to the development of novel, potentially effective, and acceptable treatments for individuals.
• Numerous individuals, their families, caregivers, and acquaintances will be encountered. To guarantee that individuals are at ease and can engage in the assessment process, you will be adaptable and flexible in your approach to interacting with them. Throughout the trust, you will work in conjunction with services and teams.

Benefits of Higher Assistant Psychologist Jobs:

• Career Advancement: Advanced Assistant Psychologist positions are frequently regarded as a preliminary stage toward the completion of one’s qualification as a psychologist. The experience and skills that have been acquired in these positions can be utilized to enhance applications for doctoral training programs and other advanced career opportunities in psychology.
• Professional Development: The role of a health assessment professional (HAP) provides a plethora of on-the-job training and opportunities to refine critical skills, such as research, intervention, assessment, and report writing. This practical expertise is essential for the development of one’s career in the field of psychology.
• Mentorship and Supervision: HAPs are generally employed under the supervision of qualified clinical or educational psychologists. This provides consistent opportunities for mentorship, guidance, and supervision, which contributes to the cultivation of clinical skills and professional knowledge.
• Clinical Experience: HAPs frequently work with a wide range of clients, including those affected by mental health issues, cognitive disabilities, or neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as infants and adults. This diversity enhances clinical experience and understanding of a variety of psychological conditions and therapeutic approaches.
• Research Opportunities: A substantial number of HAP positions require participation in research initiatives, which involve the collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings. Individuals who are interested in academic or research professions in the field of psychology will benefit from this expertise.
• Skill Development: HAPs promote the acquisition of a wide range of skills, including communication, collaboration, empathy, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are essential for professional development in the field of psychology and are transferable to other professions.
• Comprehending Healthcare Systems: A thorough comprehension of the operations of these systems, including multidisciplinary collaboration, case management, and service delivery, is provided by experience in healthcare or educational environments. This information is advantageous for the effective negotiation of complex organizational structures and potential career opportunities.
• Networking Opportunities: HAPs have the chance to make connections with other psychology professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and educators. The cultivation of these professional relationships may prove advantageous for future employment prospects and career advancement.
• Personal Satisfaction: The act of assisting individuals in improving their mental health and overall well-being can be extremely rewarding. HAPs frequently experience high levels of job satisfaction as a consequence of the meaningful and impactful nature of their work.
• Pathway to Further Education: The experience gained as a HAP is advantageous for applications to further education, such as doctoral programs in clinical psychology (e.g., DClinPsy) or other specialized training programs.

Qualifications

Essential

• In the field of psychology, a degree with upper second-class honors or higher is mandatory.
• Eligibility for graduate membership in the British Psychological Society.

Desirable

Additional postgraduate training in relevant fields of psychology, mental health practice, and/or research design and analysis.

Experience

Essential

• The ability to establish relationships with service consumers that has been acquired through relevant clinical experience or settings
• Work with individuals who have mental health issues and/or other disabilities, regardless of whether they are paid or unpaid.
• Experience as a research psychologist or assistant.

Desirable

Experience in a clinical environment that involves the provision of treatment or research

Research Experience

Essential

Collaborating with individuals in a research environment (which may be service-oriented or undergraduate)

Desirable

• Experience as a research assistant
• Experience in conducting neuro/cognitive assessments PhD experience in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with ARMS or psychosis

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) of 1975 applies to this position. As a result, it will be necessary to submit a disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as the CRB) in order to confirm any prior criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

All other applications will be considered, including those from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. For additional information, please consult the UK Visas and Immigration website (opens in a new tab).

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Skilled worker applicants who are seeking entry clearance into the United Kingdom have been obligated to submit a criminal record certificate from each country in which they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past decade, effective April 6, 2017. This requirement also pertains to adult dependents who are over the age of 18. This location provides guidance. Criminal background checks for international applicants (opens in a new window).

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