Job overview
Whilst we welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.
This post is an Assistant Psychologist role within the Adult Mental Health Forensic Psychology Service (AFPS) covering both Beech Low Secure Unit and the Community Forensic Team. This post will be based mainly on Beech LSU.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be accountable to the Clinical Lead Psychologist for the team. They will be working with Beech service users and with HPFT service users in the community who reach the threshold for the Community Forensic Team for assessment and intervention. Beech LSU is a 15 bed unit for adult males detained in hospital through the criminal justice system.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Undertake protocol based psychological assessments of service users
Assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a service user’s difficulties, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist
Assist in the delivery and evaluation of group treatment programmes
Work with other members of the staff team to assess service users and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews & CPA meetings
Attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings
Person specification
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Essential
- An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a forensic context
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working with individuals with complex needs including developmental disorders, mental illness and forensic issues.
- Experience of communicating with clients who have severe limitations in comprehension and expression
Desirable
- Experience of working across a range of care settings including out-patient, in-patient, community and residential care settings.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY
Essential
- Good knowledge of relevant psychological theories, psychometric assessment and associated literature
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Psychology.Honours Degree (minimum 2:1) in Psychology, accredited by the British Psychological Society.
Desirable
- Training in risk assessment measures, e.g. HCR20v3.
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 4 Dietetic Assistant roles in Hatfield
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assistant Psychologist with Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in Hatfield, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £29,812 - £32,715 per annum, pro rata (Inclusive of 5% HCAS). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 20 Jun 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 (19 Jun 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.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.