Higher Assistant Psychologist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has opened for a motivated Higher Assistant Psychologist to join the mental health team within a secure prison setting. This role is ideal for someone looking to deepen their clinical experience while working with a complex and often underserved population.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering accessible, evidence-based mental health care to individuals in custody. The position offers strong developmental support, including structured supervision and opportunities to build therapeutic and assessment skills.

Your Contribution

In this role, you will work closely with qualified psychologists and other healthcare professionals to support the delivery of psychological services. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in psychological assessments, formulations, and interventions
  Supporting both individual and group-based therapeutic work
  Contributing to audits, research, and service evaluations
  Using psychometric tools and analysing data where required
  Engaging with service users, families, and relevant agencies
  Maintaining accurate and confidential clinical records

You will also collaborate with prison staff to ensure safe and effective care delivery within a secure environment.

The Team Environment

You will join a well-established and supportive team consisting of:

• Mental Health Nurses and Learning Disability Nurses
  Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners
  Counsellors and Speech & Language Therapists
  A Highly Specialist Psychologist and Assistant Psychologist
  Visiting Psychiatrist (sessional input)

The service is committed to delivering timely and person-centred care, ensuring that individuals feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their mental health journey.

Professional Development

This role offers excellent opportunities for growth:

• Weekly clinical supervision from experienced psychologists
  Access to training and skill development
  Exposure to complex clinical cases within a forensic setting
  A strong foundation for progression into further psychology training

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology
  Eligibility for Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society

Essential Experience

• Experience working as an Assistant Psychologist (or similar role)
  Involvement in research, audit, or service evaluation
  Familiarity with statistical tools (e.g., SPSS)
  Experience using psychometric assessments
  Experience working with individuals in mental health or social care settings
  Ability to communicate sensitive information effectively
  Understanding of diversity, inclusion, and working with vulnerable populations

Desirable Experience

• Experience within multidisciplinary teams
  Work aimed at improving access to services for underrepresented groups
  Delivery of group-based interventions

Key Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  Ability to build therapeutic relationships
  Organisational and time management skills
  Competence in data analysis and record-keeping
  Collaborative approach to teamwork
  Ability to respond to challenging situations appropriately

Knowledge & Understanding

• Awareness of mental health conditions and learning disabilities
  Application of psychological theory in clinical settings
  Understanding of confidentiality and ethical practice
  Familiarity with safeguarding procedures
  Knowledge of systemic barriers affecting access to care

About the Trust

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across several regions in the North of England. The organisation is dedicated to improving wellbeing through compassionate, inclusive, and innovative care.

Their approach focuses on partnership—working closely with patients, families, and communities to ensure meaningful and effective support.

Important Information

• This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  Applicants requiring visa sponsorship may be considered depending on eligibility
  International applicants may need to provide criminal record certificates

Useful government resources:

• Skilled Worker visa guidance
  UK Visas and Immigration
  Criminal record checks for overseas applicants
  Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  NHS Careers information

Why This Role?

• Working within a prison environment offers a rare chance to make a meaningful difference to a group that often faces significant barriers to mental health support. If you are passionate about psychology, committed to learning, and eager to work in a challenging yet rewarding setting, this role provides a strong platform for your future career.