Assistant Psychologist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 4
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 24/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This advert explicitly states that sponsorship is not offered.
The source advert contains explicit wording ruling out sponsorship for this specific role. Consider other live roles at the same band from sponsorship-friendly trusts.
“Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Assistant Psychologist **The closing date is 24 September 2026** Job summary **Assistant Psychologists - Aspiring Clinical Psychology Access Scheme** **Please note:** Sponsorship is not available for this role.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This is a 3-month fixed-term Assistant Psychologist post offered through the Aspiring Clinical Psychology Access Scheme, funded by Health Education England. The scheme aims to increase diversity in clinical psychology by providing paid experience to graduates from low-income and under-represented backgrounds. The role involves supporting trauma-informed approaches, assisting with intervention plans, and coordinating therapeutic groups. Applicants need a minimum 2:1 Psychology degree, with placements available in Adult Mental Health or Older Adult Inpatient Services.
Essential criteria
- An honours degree in Psychology with entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
- Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
- An understanding of psychology applied to a mental health context
Desirable criteria
- A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology.
- Experience of working within acute adult mental health or acute older adults
- Communication Skills
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users, carers, and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- An ability to interact with people with mental health problems
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- Experience using computers for databases or data - analysis, especially Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows
- High standard of report writing.
- Competence using IT and media equipment
- Analytical Skills
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
- Experience of problemsolving models and methods used by psychologists, for example, solution focused and/ or systemic approaches
- Knowledge, Training & Experience
- An honours degree in Psychology with entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
- Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
- An understanding of psychology applied to a mental health context
- A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology.
- Experience of working within acute adult mental health or acute older adults
- Communication Skills
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users, carers, and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- An ability to interact with people with mental health problems
- An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
- Experience using computers for databases or data - analysis, especially Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows
- High standard of report writing.
- Competence using IT and media equipment
- Analytical Skills
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context.
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
- Experience of problemsolving models and methods used by psychologists, for example, solution focused and/ or systemic approaches
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 4 at £26,530 – £29,114 a year, across England.
This advert: £29,812 – £32,715 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 6d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Assistant Psychologist
The closing date is 24 September 2026
Job summary
Assistant Psychologists - Aspiring Clinical Psychology Access Scheme
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role.
We are pleased to offer two funded, full-time Assistant Psychologist posts through the Aspiring Clinical Psychology Access Scheme. Supported by Health Education England, the scheme aims to increase diversity within clinical psychology by providing paid experience to graduates from low-income and other under-represented backgrounds.
These 3-month posts offer recent Psychology graduates valuable clinical experience and preparation for future opportunities, including substantive Assistant Psychologist roles. The scheme is intended for those who may otherwise face barriers to gaining experience due to the prevalence of unpaid roles.
Applicants must hold a Psychology degree (minimum 2:1). We particularly welcome applications from candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds and those who have experienced financial disadvantage.
The available posts are within:
- Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services
- Older Adult Inpatient Services
Placement preferences will be discussed at interview.
This scheme supports national and local efforts to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the clinical psychology pro
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