Assistant Psychologist

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join our Community Mental Health Team at Delamere Resource Centre, Crewe. This is an exciting time as the team participates in the national Community Mental Health Transformation programme, delivering integrated, person-centred care for adults aged 18 and over, including older people. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist to support high-quality psychological care. Duties include assisting with psychological assessments, contributing to formulations, and supporting evidence-based interventions for adults with complex mental health needs. The role also involves psychological assessment, brief interventions (including groups), and opportunities to complete audits, small-scale research, and service evaluation. You will contribute to training colleagues, support psychoeducation groups, analyse outcome data, and participate in service development projects .As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and support staff to ensure holistic, recovery-focused care. Regular supervision will be provided, and the team has a strong track record of supporting progression to Clinical Psychology training., Undertake psychological assessments using standardised tools, observations, and interviews. Assist in formulating and delivering care plans under supervision and support therapeutic groups. Contribute to multidisciplinary reviews and meetings, maintain accurate clinical records, and help develop psychologically informed care frameworks. Receive regular clinical supervision, gain wider NHS psychology experience, and support training for colleagues. Assist with service development projects and attend planning meetings. Use IT systems for clinical reporting and deliver services online when required. Support audits and research projects, including data collection, analysis, and report writing. Conduct literature searches to inform evidence-based practice. Maintain high professional standards through CPD, ensure best practice in psychology, and adhere to professional codes and Trust policies., All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.Detailed job description and main responsibilities Please download a copy of the job description (see 'documents to download' section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role. At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values. CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust's Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it. Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust's Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trust's Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours. An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling . If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the 'essential' criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer 'YES' to the question: 'Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?' Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes. The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers. Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

• Good honours degree in Psychology (2.i or above). Eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS
• To undertake breakaway training or equivalent following appointment
Desirable criteria
• Advanced keyboard skills
• Other related academic qualifications to Masters or Doctorate level, The ability to communicate complex / sensitive information where barriers to understanding exist. For example, instances requiring empathy and reassurance
• The ability to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations requiring analysis or comparison of a range of options. Also skills for assessing clients in one-to-one sessions, group dynamics or who are participating in research
• The ability to organise straightforward tasks, activities or programmes, some of which may be ongoing. Also, the ability to plan and prioritises own workload, research programme activities; group sessions, etc
• Working to Professional Guidelines
• Must be capable of working within guidelines; receives regular supervision / direction
• Previous experience of working with clients with Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma
• Must be familiar with MS teams and/or Accru Fleming online platforms
Desirable criteria
• Ability to use routinely available spreadsheet / database software (Excel, Access, etc.)
• Record of having published in either peer reviewed or academic or professional journals and / or books
• Experience of co-facilitating therapy groups., Demonstrable relevant work experience with people who have complex mental health problems / learning disabilities risk patterns and challenging behaviour
Desirable criteria
• Relevant work experience of people with learning disabilities / mental health problems
• Desire to progress to Clinical Training (DClinPsy)
Trust ValuesEssential criteria
• Demonstrate alignment with Trust Values (6 C's: Commitment, Communication, Care, Courage, Compassion, Competency)
  
  Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.
We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport. Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall. As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.