Job overview
This post offers exciting opportunities within the Tees Adult Learning Disability Service. We are seeking to appoint a psychology graduate with previous experience as an assistant psychologist to work into our inpatient unit at Bankfields Court.
Bankfields Court is an inpatient facility which provides an assessment and treatment service for adults with learning disabilities, who also have associated mental health problems, behaviour that challenges or severe epilepsy.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Main duties of the job
The post holder will promote the recovery and wellbeing of our service users within a trauma informed framework, during their journey towards discharge. Their core role will involve contributing to psychological assessment and formulation, supporting the team in using psychological and behavioural interventions (e.g. PBS), providing low intensity interventions, promoting staff-wellbeing, and carrying out clinical evaluation and audit.
The successful applicant will have experience of working with people with mental health difficulties and, ideally, also with people with learning disabilities. In addition, they will be enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate about improving the emotional wellbeing and quality of life of people with a learning disability. They will be working as part of a friendly and dynamic multi-disciplinary team under direct supervision from a Clinical Psychologist.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification which outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role.
Psychologists & Psychological Therapists provide key leadership roles within the Trust. To support this, we have developed leadership profiles for each psychology band and the profile card associated with this post is attached on NHS Jobs. You can find more information about the NHS Leadership Academy’s Healthcare Leadership Model and the profiles at their website. We encourage you to look at these resources as they will play a part in the interview process.
This job advert may close early if a high volume of applications have been received. If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to relate therapeutically to the needs of clients and in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
- Ability to work collaboratively with members of the MDT to provide an effective service.
- Utilise psychometric tests competently
- Statistical analysis
- Record keeping.
- Plan and organise effectively to meet required timescales.
- Use approved breakaway techniques
- Has a full UK driving license
Desirable
- Ability to provide group interventions.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
- An understanding of the application of psychology to health care.
- Understanding of confidentiality.
- Knowledge of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct.
- An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
- Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as an Assistant Psychologist or equivalent.
- Previous involvement in clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
- Experience using statistical software packages e.g. SPSS
- Experience of using psychometric assessments.
- Experience working with people using services in psychological, mental health and/or social care settings. This may include, for example, personal experience or supporting a family member to access services.
- Experience of communicating sensitive information
- Experience of work interacting with the public
- Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (e.g. those for whom English is not their first language).
Desirable
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with individuals with learning disability and autism
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in psychology
- Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, youth work, work with offenders and/or research design and analysis
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Higher Assistant Psychologist with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in Bankfields Court Inpatient Units. It is listed as a Band 5 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 06 Sep 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 (21 Aug 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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