At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of a specialist Psychology Service for individuals with Cauda Equina Syndrome.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to improving lives and raising awareness of CES.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and professional supervision from qualified psychologists.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your psychology skills.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Psychology and experience in care provision.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a supportive, patient-led environment.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.
Assistant Psychologist (Band 5)
Job Reference: AP/SS/02
Salary: £32,073 pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, 18 months Fixed term contract
Location: BB7 9SE
Responsible to: Clinical Psychologist
About the Role
Cauda Equina Champions Charity (CES Champions Charity) is seeking a motivated and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to support the continued development of our specialist Psychology Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a unique, patient-led UK charity supporting individuals living with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). The postholder will work under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist and contribute to clinical work, service development, research, and audit activity. Supervised direct clinical experience will be provided, dependent on experience.
About Us
Cauda Equina Champions Charity is a UK-based organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome and their families. Our mission is to:
- Raise awareness of CES
- Reduce trauma and isolation following diagnosis
- Promote positive recovery
We provide bespoke services including:
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychosexual Therapy
- CBT Therapy
Our Psychology Service sits at the core of our work, addressing gaps in NHS provision for people living with chronic Cauda Equina Syndrome. We are committed to high-quality, specialist, psychologically informed care and continuous service development.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical (Under Supervision)
- Undertake protocol-based psychological assessments using:
- Psychological and neuropsychological tests
- Self-report measures and rating scales
- Structured observations and semi-structured interviews
Teaching, Training and Supervision
- Receive regular clinical supervision in line with professional guidelines
- Develop professional psychology skills and competencies
- Assist in delivery of teaching and training alongside qualified psychologists
Service Development and Management
- Support the development of service systems and referral pathways
- Monitor and manage referral waiting lists and allocation
- Provide signposting where appropriate
- Contribute to service development projects
Research and Audit
- Assist in design and implementation of audit and research projects
- Undertake data collection, analysis and report writing
- Use statistical software and IT systems appropriately
- Conduct literature reviews to support evidence-based practice
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain high standards of clinical record keeping in accordance with British Psychological Society guidance
- Participate in CPD and training activities
- Prepare assessment materials and documentation as required
- Adhere to relevant codes of conduct
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Upper second-class honours degree (2:1 or above) in Psychology
- Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society
Experience
- Experience (paid or voluntary) where relating to people is central
- Experience in direct care provision
- Experience working with individuals with mental health difficulties and/or disabilities
Desirable:
- Experience in physical health settings
- Experience within neuro/spinal cord injury services
- Experience in charitable organisations
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Understanding of mental health difficulties and psychological frameworks
- Ability to apply psychological theory to clinical settings
- Good knowledge of research methods and statistics
- Strong IT skills including:
- Microsoft Office (including Excel)
- Statistical software (e.g. SPSS)
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Professional and reliable
- Able to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Interest in physical and mental health psychology
- Motivated to contribute to a growing charity service
Physical Demands
- Sustained concentration during clinical sessions
- Handling psychometric materials accurately and under time pressure
- Regular computer use
- Ability to sit for extended clinical sessions
- Driving licence desirable
Supervision
The postholder will receive at least weekly supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist, with additional support available as required.
How to Apply
To apply please send a copy of your C.V. together with a covering letter and a ten minute video explaining:
- Why you are applying for this post
- What skills you will bring
- Your motivation for doing the doctorate
- Describe your flexibility to undertake a variety of tasks to become a core member of the team involved in the development of the charity.
Please email all the above to claire@championscharity.org.uk. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. Early application is encouraged.
Assistant Psychologist in Whalley employer: Cauda Equina Champions Charity 1187294
Contact Detail:
Cauda Equina Champions Charity 1187294 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Psychologist in Whalley
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to professionals in the psychology field, especially those connected to charities or mental health services. LinkedIn is a great place to start – connect with people and engage in conversations about their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the charity and its mission, especially how it relates to Cauda Equina Syndrome. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform. It helps us keep track of candidates and ensures you’re considered for all the right roles. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Psychologist in Whalley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for psychology and how it aligns with our mission at Cauda Equina Champions Charity. Highlight your relevant experiences and skills that make you a great fit for the Assistant Psychologist role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Emphasise your understanding of mental health difficulties and any experience you have in clinical settings.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free from errors. Use professional language but let your personality shine through – we want to see the real you!
Be Authentic in Your Video: When creating your video, be yourself! Share why you’re excited about this opportunity and what unique skills you bring to the table. Remember, we’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified, but also genuinely motivated to contribute to our charity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cauda Equina Champions Charity 1187294
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychological theories and frameworks. Understand how they apply to clinical settings, especially in relation to mental health difficulties. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Show Your Compassion
As an Assistant Psychologist, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in previous roles, whether paid or voluntary. This will help the interviewers see that you truly care about the individuals you'll be working with.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss protocol-based psychological assessments and how you would approach them. Think about how you would assist in formulating intervention plans or coordinating therapeutic groups. Being ready with specific examples will set you apart.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Cauda Equina Champions Charity's mission and services. Be ready to discuss how your skills and motivations align with their goals. Showing genuine interest in their work can make a big difference in how they perceive you as a candidate.