At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elite athletes' psychological development and prepare teams for major tournaments.
- Company: Join England Hockey, a leading organisation in promoting hockey excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and the chance to impact young athletes' lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, fostering mental resilience in sports and shaping future champions.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate qualification in Psychology or Sport Science and relevant experience required.
- Other info: Applications close on 20 June 2025; interviews on 3 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
The psychologist will work closely with the Head Coach and staff team to provide psychology support to the programme. The five primary components of the role are to:
- Provide 1-1 and small group psychology support to a targeted group of identified Elite Development Programme athletes to support their psychological development and transition to the Senior Centralised programme.
- Provide psychology support to the GB /ENGU21 teams in preparation for major tournaments (Junior World Cups, European Cups).
- Provide support and training to the staff teams to develop their psychological awareness and understanding of sub-senior elite players aged 17-23, enabling them to create psychologically informed environments where players can develop their mental and team ship skills to thrive in a performance environment.
- Develop a performance psychology approach for the Elite Development Programme including ways of working with external partners to maximise the performance, psychology and wellbeing resources available at universities and through TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme).
- Keep abreast of the wellbeing of players and staff, working closely with the Pathway Chief Medical officer to ensure players requiring mental health support are signposted and referred to the most appropriate support.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Post-graduate qualification to PhD or Master level (or equivalent in Psychology or Sport Science).
- Current British Psychological Society Chartered Status or Qualification in Sport & Exercise Psychology (QSEP, Stage 2), or The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route (SEPAR) or something equivalent.
- Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Experience in the provision of psychology support services to pathway athletes and coaches to improve performance with national teams in the international environment.
- Track record of analysing the psychological needs of a system / sport / team and effectively implementing psychological support.
- A verifiable record of working within a multi-disciplinary team effectively delivering impactful psychological support.
- Experience of and an ability to respond to evolving psychological needs of a system / team.
Desirable:
- Experience of working effectively in a team sport environment.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Empathetic understanding.
- Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness.
- Ethical judgment and integrity.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Assessment and evaluation skills.
- Patience and resilience.
For a full role description and details of how to apply please visit this link.
GB Elite Development Programme Psychologist employer: England Hockey
Contact Detail:
England Hockey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land GB Elite Development Programme Psychologist
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports psychology field, especially those who have experience with elite athletes. Attend relevant workshops or conferences to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in performance psychology.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of athletes aged 17-23, as this role focuses on their psychological development. Consider volunteering or shadowing in environments where you can observe and understand the dynamics of team sports and athlete support.
β¨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in sport and exercise psychology. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience working within multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with coaches and other professionals to implement psychological support strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace GB Elite Development Programme Psychologist
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the GB Elite Development Programme Psychologist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in providing psychology support to athletes, particularly in a team sport environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse psychological needs and implement effective support strategies.
Showcase Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications, including your post-graduate degree and any relevant certifications such as British Psychological Society Chartered Status or HCPC registration. Make sure to mention any experience working with national teams or in high-performance settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for sports psychology and your understanding of the unique challenges faced by elite athletes. Be sure to express your commitment to fostering a psychologically informed environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at England Hockey
β¨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your post-graduate qualifications and any relevant certifications, such as your British Psychological Society Chartered Status. Be prepared to discuss how your education has equipped you for the role.
β¨Demonstrate Team Experience
Since the role involves working closely with coaches and athletes, share specific examples of your experience in a multi-disciplinary team. Discuss how you've effectively collaborated to deliver psychological support in a sports environment.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to respond to the evolving psychological needs of athletes. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully implemented psychological strategies or interventions, particularly in high-pressure situations.
β¨Emphasise Communication Skills
Exceptional communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've used your interpersonal skills to build rapport with athletes and staff, and how you've facilitated training sessions to enhance psychological awareness.