Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Psychologist to work with children and young people (CYP) in a Community Paediatrics setting. Ideal for those seeking hands-on experience in the NHS, this role offers exposure to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and a strong foundation for future doctoral training applications.

You will support the Community Paediatrics Clinical Psychology Service, delivering assessment and intervention for CYP and families with developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD. The role involves direct clinical work, observation of assessments, participation in MDT decision-making, and essential clinical administrative tasks that underpin safe, effective, and timely service delivery.

Assistant Psychologists are integral to the MDT and receive regular supervision from the qualified Clinical Psychologists in the team. The post provides opportunities to develop knowledge of child development, clinical and observational skills, and understanding of professional practice in a community paediatric context.

The Trust supports continuing professional development, including connecting with Clinical Psychologists across services, broadening insight into career pathways. This role offers an excellent platform for aspiring psychologists to gain experience, develop skills, and prepare for doctoral-level training in Clinical Psychology.

Main duties of the job

• Contribute to the community paediatric clinical psychology service, as appropriate and under the supervision of the Lead Clinical Psychologist. To include supporting multi-disciplinary assessment pathways.
• Assist in the development and implementation of research and ethics protocols and projects, and draft papers for publication in peer reviewed journals as required.
• Support the department with regular audit, clinical administration, and service evaluation activities as directed by the Lead Clinical Psychologist.
• Maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with the professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.

About us
Listen to why colleagues think we are a great place to work! - https://bit.ly/3DNEQfD

What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you?

• As part of our BHT family, you'll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
• We offer flexible and agile working opportunities, alongside your NHS benefits of generous annual leave entitlement, pension and access to NHS discount schemes.
• We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce.

Why work for us?

• We're committed to promoting inclusion and making sure all colleagues feel they belong. We encourage new colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.
• As an employer, we aim to create a workplace where differences are valued and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect.
• Greater diversity within our BHT family improves positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
• A keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community who know the value of employing a service leaver/veteran and their families.

What do we stand for?

• Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work.
• Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time.
• Our CARE values are collaborate, aspire, respect and enable.

Job responsibilities
For a comprehensive list of responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to the Job Description and Person Specification by downloading the JD and PS attachment in the advert.

If you are an internal applicant there is the option for secondment, all applicants must have the endorsement/support of their line manager prior to application.

If you have a disability that makes submitting this online application difficult and would like assistance, please contact us on bht.recruitment@nhs.net quoting the vacancy reference number.

Person Specification
Education, Qualfications and Training
Essential

• An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology which provides a graduate basis for registration of the British Psychological Society.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to vehicle for use during work hours

Desirable

• Post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working to a demanding schedule and capable of completing and finishing tasks.
• Experience of working with children and young people.
• Experience of undertaking observational work with children and young people

Desirable

• Experience of working previously as an Assistant Psychologist would be desirable.
• Experience of completing childhood cognitive assessments and /or other standardised assessments (e.g. WISC)

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.

Employer details
Employer name
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Address
Amersham Hospital
Whielden Street
Amersham
HP7 0JD
United Kingdom

Employer's website
https://careers.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Lead Clinical Psychologist
Dr Kevin Jones
kevin.jones8@nhs.net

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

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.