About this role
Job summary
The National Specialist Adolescent Mood Disorders Service (NSAMS) are looking to recruit a Higher Assistant Psychologist/Research Assistant at Band 5. The post holder will contribute to a specialist clinical psychology service as part of a multidisciplinary team to young people referred to NSAMS for second opinion mood disorders assessments and advice on management. The clinical academic team also run research on mood disorders in children and young people. The responsibilities in their role as Higher Assistant Psychologist (2.5 days/week) involve providing specialist assessment and therapy to young people with complex mental health difficulties, including young people with mood disorders. In their role as Research Assistant (2.5 days/week) they will support the Northern Hub with recruitment and retention of participants to an exciting NIHR HTA funded study comparing the clinical and cost effectiveness of stimulant ADHD medication vs non-stimulant medication in helping young people who have ADHD and tics.
The post holder must have had experience as an assistant psychologist for at least one year and experience of working with children and adolescents in a mental health setting. A further essential criteria is the ability to drive and access to a car. Research experience is desirable. Research and clinical supervision will be provided in keeping with BPS guidelines.
Main duties of the job
The post holder's main duties are to assist qualified psychologists in the delivery of psychological services in the pathway; providing psychological assessment and specific interventions under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, working independently within the limits agreed with the psychology supervisor.
The post holder will produces assessment and intervention professional reports.
The post holder will support the service in the delivery of training initiatives.
The post holder will utilise research skills for audit, literature reviews, service development and other research initiatives within the pathway or wider service.
The post holder will receive direct weekly management and clinical supervision from a Consultant or Principal Psychologist.
The post holder will show initiative to work independently to an appropriate level.
The post-holder will provide compassionate care that is based on empathy, kindness, respect and dignity.
About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 30th June 2026
Closing date : 7th July 2026
We welcome your application.
Please note - this vacancy may close early once a suitable number of applications are received.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification Essential
Upper 2nd class honours degree, or higher, in psychology. Eligibility for graduate membership of British Psychological Society
Desirable
Further post graduate training, in relevant areas of psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Paid or unpaid work with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities. Experience as an assistant/research psychologist. Knowledge of evidence based practice
Desirable
Experience of paid work in direct care provision. Experience with client group relevant to post. Experience of psychometric test administration and interpretation. Experience of providing individual or group interventions.
Skills and Competencies Essential
High level of communication skills (written and oral), including an ability to communicate and work in highly emotive circumstances. Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues. A high standard of report writing Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues. Computer literate, including use of databases & data analysis, e.g. SPSS for Windows. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology Ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health / cognitive impairment / disability context. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems and other disabilities. Demonstrates graduate level knowledge and experience of research and research methodology. An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
Desirable
A high standard of report writing.
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 Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust
Address Walkergate Park Hospital
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 4QD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)