Senior Assistant Psychologist in Hellingly inHellingly PUBLISHED WED 5 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section
Band 5: £31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
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Job description
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Assistant Psychologist (Band 5, full time, one-year
Contract
with potential to extend) to join our friendly Psychological Professionals (PP) team based at the Hellingly Centre, which is part of Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Forensic Healthcare Service.The role is across two secure wards. Assessments and interventions offered include those focused on mental health and those focused on offending behaviour. There will be opportunities to be involved in audit, service development, and evaluation of the outcomes of our work with the possibility of submitting for publication.You will join a dedicated multidisciplinary inpatient team and a friendly Psychological Professions team that includes a varied range of practitioners and specialisms. The team prides itself in being supportive, with regular opportunities to think together in team meetings, reflective practice and team days. You will receive regular supervision from a practitioner psychologist.
Main duties of the job
As part of our
Experience
d psychological therapies team, you will work alongside a clinical or forensic psychologist, aiding assessments and the psychological therapies provision for two wards at the Hellingly Centre. There will be the opportunity to develop your forensic and neuropsychological assessment skills. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in group programmes such as DBT-informed groups or offending behaviour groups. You will attend MDT and PP meetings. You will be supported in thinking about how to achieve next steps in your career goals.Key tasks:Assessment of individuals and groups.? Assisting qualified applied psychologists carry out prescribed interventions with individuals or in groups.? Report writing.? Audit and service evaluation.? Literature searches.? Developing resources.? Assisting qualified applied psychologists in delivering training for other professionals.
About us
Proximity to the South Downs, the sea, the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove whilst only an hour train ride from London!We have a thriving, well-funded, friendly and highly skilled psychological professions department. We strive toward compassionate leadership and flexible support. We offer the opportunity to learn about the very best psychological therapies, in a safe therapeutic environment, with a challenging and often traumatised and marginalised client group.The Hellingly Centre is a low and medium secure unit for people between the ages of 18-65 who have mental health problems and who have become involved with the criminal justice system. We offer assessment and treatment for people whose conditions cannot safely be treated other than in a secure environment. There are three medium secure inpatient wards and one low secure ward, housed in a modern unit in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex countryside.
Details
Date posted
05 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed termDuration12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
354-FH-20569
Job location
sHellingly CentreThe DriveHellinglyBN27 4ER
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main responsibilities:To undertake assessments and interventions (including neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews of clients, family members and others involved in the client's care).To assist in the development of psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service.To formulate and deliver care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems within settings where there may be a hostile atmosphere, challenging behaviour or high levels of expressed emotion.To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.To compile risk histories to inform care plans, risk and crisis plans.To work with other team members to improve care practices and the quality of life of clients.To design and implement agreed elements of audit and research projects.Scope and Authority:To undertake projects relating to service development and evaluation.To set up databases, spreadsheets and using advanced IT skills in evaluation audit and research.To support assessment and treatment interventions undertaken by the service.To undertake direct and indirect clinical work that is managed and goals agreed and reviewed through regular supervision by a qualified applied HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist.Key knowledge and skills:Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS
Experience
of working with people with complex needs.Relevant clinical and research skills
Experience
of working as part of a multi-disciplinary teamBasic knowledge of databases, research skills and methodology
Experience
of group work and individual therapeutic contactAbility to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health contextDemonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the Care Group and those of the Trust.Please see the
Job description
for full
Details
of duties, responsibilities and requirements.For further information or to talk about the post please call and ask to speak to Jane Roberts, Consultant Forensic Psychologist, Andy Cook, Consultant Clinical Psychologistor Sam Cole, Principal Clinical Psychologist (or email ).
Job description
Job description
for full
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialHonours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPSKnowledge/
Experience
Essential
Experience
of working with people with complex needs
Experience
of working with people with disabilities, in a health or Mental Health setting and or work with people with complex needsRelevant clinical and research skills
Experience
of group work and individual therapeutic contactAbility to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health contextAn understanding of psychology applied to health care
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Additional information
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer
Details
This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Assistant Psychologist (Band 5, full time, one-year
Contract
with potential to extend) to join our friendly Psychological Professionals (PP) team based at the Hellingly Centre, which is part of Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Forensic Healthcare Service.The role is across two secure wards. Assessments and interventions offered include those focused on mental health and those focused on offending behaviour. There will be opportunities to be involved in audit, service development, and evaluation of the outcomes of our work with the possibility of submitting for publication.You will join a dedicated multidisciplinary inpatient team and a friendly Psychological Professions team that includes a varied range of practitioners and specialisms. The team prides itself in being supportive, with regular opportunities to think together in team meetings, reflective practice and team days. You will receive regular supervision from a practitioner psychologist.
Main duties of the job
As part of our
Experience
d psychological therapies team, you will work alongside a clinical or forensic psychologist, aiding assessments and the psychological therapies provision for two wards at the Hellingly Centre. There will be the opportunity to develop your forensic and neuropsychological assessment skills. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in group programmes such as DBT-informed groups or offending behaviour groups. You will attend MDT and PP meetings. You will be supported in thinking about how to achieve next steps in your career goals.Key tasks:Assessment of individuals and groups.? Assisting qualified applied psychologists carry out prescribed interventions with individuals or in groups.? Report writing.? Audit and service evaluation.? Literature searches.? Developing resources.? Assisting qualified applied psychologists in delivering training for other professionals.
About us
Proximity to the South Downs, the sea, the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove whilst only an hour train ride from London!We have a thriving, well-funded, friendly and highly skilled psychological professions department. We strive toward compassionate leadership and flexible support. We offer the opportunity to learn about the very best psychological therapies, in a safe therapeutic environment, with a challenging and often traumatised and marginalised client group.The Hellingly Centre is a low and medium secure unit for people between the ages of 18-65 who have mental health problems and who have become involved with the criminal justice system. We offer assessment and treatment for people whose conditions cannot safely be treated other than in a secure environment. There are three medium secure inpatient wards and one low secure ward, housed in a modern unit in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex countryside.
Details
Date posted
05 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed termDuration12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
354-FH-20569
Job location
sHellingly CentreThe DriveHellinglyBN27 4ER
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main responsibilities:To undertake assessments and interventions (including neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews of clients, family members and others involved in the client's care).To assist in the development of psychologically based frameworks of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service.To formulate and deliver care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems within settings where there may be a hostile atmosphere, challenging behaviour or high levels of expressed emotion.To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.To compile risk histories to inform care plans, risk and crisis plans.To work with other team members to improve care practices and the quality of life of clients.To design and implement agreed elements of audit and research projects.Scope and Authority:To undertake projects relating to service development and evaluation.To set up databases, spreadsheets and using advanced IT skills in evaluation audit and research.To support assessment and treatment interventions undertaken by the service.To undertake direct and indirect clinical work that is managed and goals agreed and reviewed through regular supervision by a qualified applied HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist.Key knowledge and skills:Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPS
Experience
of working with people with complex needs.Relevant clinical and research skills
Experience
of working as part of a multi-disciplinary teamBasic knowledge of databases, research skills and methodology
Experience
of group work and individual therapeutic contactAbility to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health contextDemonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the Care Group and those of the Trust.Please see the
Job description
for full
Details
of duties, responsibilities and requirements.For further information or to talk about the post please call and ask to speak to Jane Roberts, Consultant Forensic Psychologist, Andy Cook, Consultant Clinical Psychologistor Sam Cole, Principal Clinical Psychologist (or email ).
Job description
Job description
for full
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialHonours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology, or equivalent. Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership with the BPSKnowledge/
Experience
Essential
Experience
of working with people with complex needs
Experience
of working with people with disabilities, in a health or Mental Health setting and or work with people with complex needsRelevant clinical and research skills
Experience
of group work and individual therapeutic contactAbility to apply existing psychological knowledge to a health contextAn understanding of psychology applied to health care
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Additional information
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer
Details
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for a Senior Assistant Psychologist:
Click to view
To work as a Senior Assistant Psychologist in the UK, you will typically need a combination of relevant educational qualifications, practical experience, and specific skills. Here are the key skills and qualifications that are generally required:
Educational Qualifications
1. Degree in Psychology: A good (usually 2:1 or above) undergraduate degree in psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
2. Relevant Experience: Previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist or in a related role in a healthcare or clinical setting is often required.
3. Postgraduate Qualifications: A master’s degree in psychology or a related field may be beneficial, particularly for more competitive positions.
Essential Skills
1. Clinical Skills: Understanding psychological theories, assessment techniques, and therapeutic methods. Ability to conduct psychological assessments and interpret results is crucial.
2. Research Skills: Ability to design and conduct psychological research, analyze data, and contribute to academic publications may be required.
3. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with clients and multidisciplinary teams, as well as to prepare reports and documentation.
4. Interpersonal Skills: Strong skills in building rapport and working with clients, families, and professionals in health and social care settings.
5. Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, understanding the roles and contributions of different professionals.
6. Organizational Skills: Strong time management and organizational abilities to manage caseloads, inventory, and administrative tasks effectively.
7. Emotional Resilience: Ability to manage stress and respond to challenging situations with professionalism and care.
8. Ethics and Professionalism: Strong understanding of professional ethics in psychology and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Additional Skills
1. Analytical Skills: Ability to critically evaluate research and clinical outcomes and apply evidence-based practices.
2. IT Skills: Proficiency in using software for data analysis, report writing, and managing electronic patient records.
3. Supervisory Skills: Experience or skills in mentoring and supervising junior staff or students may be beneficial, particularly in senior roles.
4. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and devise solutions for complex psychological issues.
Professional Development
- Continuous professional development (CPD) is important in psychology to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and ethical standards.
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