Job overview
Assistant Psychologist – Older Adult Inpatient Psychology Service
Band 4
18 month Fixed Term Contract
Based at Thurrock Community Hospital, Grays
We are looking for a Psychology graduate who is passionate, enthusiastic and highly motivated to working with older people in inpatient settings. The Assistant Psychologist role is an integral part of Psychological Services for Older People across South Essex. Successful candidate will support and enhance the professional psychological care of service users across our older adult inpatient wards. They will be supporting psychological assessments and evidence based interventions for both talking and Art psychotherapy under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist. The post holder will be supported in their role and development by an experienced and diverse group of clinicians, staff members and managers. Psychological Services are highly respected within the Trust and inpatient wards.
The Assistant Psychologist will support a qualified psychologist and an art psychotherapist on acute inpatient dementia and mental health wards in delivering individual and group interventions. The post holder will assist in the preparation of materials and conduct administrative tasks relevant to the service. The successful applicant will be able to work with an appropriate level of independence in managing their own workload. Regular high quality supervision will be provided by a qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist.
Main duties of the job
We are committed to delivering equitable services and developing an inclusive culture. We want our organisation to reflect the diversity of the population we serve and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, as we are keen to bring diverse life experiences to our teams and expand who we are and what we have to offer.
The successful applicants must have a degree in psychology, which confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society (previously GBR). Values such as being open, compassionate and commitment to empowerment are as important as a good degree classification. In the personal statement section, applicants should respond to the person specification and show their commitment to our values.
We will only consider you for shortlisting if you answer the following questions in under 500 words:
- What are the common themes and challenges working with older people?
- What would you bring to the role that would help us provide safe and effective services for older people on inpatient wards?
Please note that applications from undergraduates who have not yet been awarded their degree will not be considered.
This advert may close early due to a high number of application, please ensure applications are submitted as soon as possible.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for a detailed list of responsibilities.
Person specification
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- Experience using microcomputers for databases or data analysis, especially SPSS for windows
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems.
- Work with people with mental health problems and/or dementia.
- Literate in IT/Computer Skills
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology.
- Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assistant Psychologist with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in Wickford, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 per annum plus 5% Fringe High Cost Allowance. The contract type is Fixed term: 18 months (18 months FTC). The application deadline is 03 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (02 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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