At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multi-disciplinary team to support maternal mental health and infant care.
- Company: CWP provides compassionate health services to over one million people in Cheshire and Wirral.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and a supportive induction programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health care for mothers and infants while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Good honours degree in Psychology and eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to inclusivity in recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 25700 £ per year.
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Psychologist to work across the community mental health teams in west Cheshire. Predominantly based in our Ellesmere Port team, the successful candidate may be required to work across our other bases (Chester & Winsford) for the purposes of audit and evaluation projects, supervision & meetings.
Your role will involve working closely with clinical psychologists, psychology practitioners, and multi-disciplinary teams, to support the provision of a high quality and inclusive psychology offer to the client population within secondary care. We are in the early stages of developing a psychology service which is embedded within the CMHTs, as such the post offers a broad variety of opportunities and applications from innovative and creative thinkers are especially welcomed.
This is a fixed term role for 18 months and may be offered as a secondment opportunity. (Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application).
Main duties of the job
The role will involve contributing to the provision of psychological assessment, formulation and interventions (1:1 and group-based) to clients within the community mental health teams, under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist(s). The post will require someone with a willingness to work alongside colleagues from other professions that form the MDT, whilst representing psychology as a valuable contribution to the service. With a positive attitude towards supervision and reflection, you will be well-supported to contribute meaningfully to the clients our service is designed to serve. The role will also involve supporting the evaluation of the service through audits and quality improvement projects as well as the development of psychological resources and training.
About Us
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.
We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton and Liverpool.
Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you\’ll find something to suit you at CWP.
Details
Date posted
11 August 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
373-SMH2442
Job locations
Cherrybank Resource Centre
Ellesmere Port
CH65 0BY
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.
At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.
At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good honours degree in Psychology (2.i or above). Eligibility for Graduate Membership of BPS
Desirable
- Advanced keyboard skills
- Other related academic qualifications to Masters or Doctorate level
Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- The ability to communicate complex/ sensitive information where barriers to understanding exist. For example, instances requiring empathy and reassurance
- The ability to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations requiring analysis or comparison of a range of options. Also skills for assessing clients in one-to-one sessions, group dynamics or who are participating in research
- The ability to organise straightforward tasks, activities or programmes, some of which may be ongoing. Also, the ability to plan and prioritises own workload, research programme activities; group sessions, etc
- Working to Professional Guidelines
- Must be capable of working within guidelines; receives regular supervision/ direction
Desirable
- Ability to use routinely available spreadsheet/database software (Excel, Access, etc.)
- Record of having published in either peer reviewed or academic or professional journals and/or books
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable relevant work experience with people who have complex mental health problems/ learning disabilities risk patterns and challenging behaviour
Desirable
- Relevant work experience of people with learning disabilities/ mental health problems
- Desire to progress to Clinical Training (DClinPsy)
Person Specification
Essential
- Demonstrable relevant work experience with people who have complex mental health problems/ learning disabilities risk patterns and challenging behaviour
Desirable
- Relevant work experience of people with learning disabilities/ mental health problems
- Desire to progress to Clinical Training (DClinPsy)
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 Sponsorship
Applications 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 the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, 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 Sponsorship
Applications 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 the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, 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
Employer name
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Cherrybank Resource Centre
Ellesmere Port
CH65 0BY
Employer\’s website
https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Cherrybank Resource Centre
Ellesmere Port
CH65 0BY
Employer\’s website
https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)
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Assistant Psychologist employer: PAN TRADE
Contact Detail:
PAN TRADE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Psychologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's Values and think about how your personal values align with them. During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate these values in action.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former employees of CWP to gain insights into the team dynamics and work culture. This can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of perinatal mental health and attachment-based approaches. Being able to discuss recent research or case studies in this area will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Psychologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Psychologist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your relevant work experience, especially any roles involving mental health or working with vulnerable populations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication, assessment, and intervention.
Align with Trust Values: CWP values are crucial to their recruitment process. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples in your supporting information that showcase your commitment to compassionate, person-centred care.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential in a healthcare role.
How to prepare for a job interview at PAN TRADE
✨Understand the Role and Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Assistant Psychologist and the values of the organisation. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, as they use a values-based approach in their interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to perinatal mental health. Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information and provide empathetic support.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
As you'll be working in a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Highlight any relevant experiences where you contributed to team goals or supported colleagues in delivering care.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you. Consider asking about training opportunities or the team's approach to supervision.