Assistant Psychologist

Job SummaryThe post holder will be part of the Forensic Community Mental Health Team (FCMHT) and the Adult Clinical Psychology Service within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.The post-holder will support the provision of a psychological service to the community team with the FCMHT, alongside the registered psychologist. The FCMHT is a large multi-disciplinary team that provides a specialist mental health service to those who present as a risk of harm to others, where this risk is linked to an identified mental health difficulty. The FCMHT in reaches to secondary mental health services, the criminal justice system and works with service users placed in out of area secure services, with the aim to repatriate people back to the community.The post is full-time at 37.5 hours per week.Please answer the following essay question as part of this application. Please type answer in bold at the beginning of the Supporting Information document.What does an Assistant Psychologist add to a Multi-Disciplinary Team, in an adult mental health setting? (250 words).Main duties of the jobThe post-holder will be expected to work alongside Registrant Psychologists to complete psychological assessments and risk assessments (of harm to self and others), to develop psychological formulations and risk formulations to inform interventions to address the presenting difficulties and risks presented by service users.This will involve working with the MDT within the FCMHT and where necessary, the rehabilitation wards within the FCMHT, as well as working with other clinical teams in secondary services (CMHTs and acute wards and other specialist services) and commissioned secure placements.Drawing from psychological models and robust psychological and specialist risk assessments, the post-holder will support the development of risk management and rehabilitation plans that build on the previous psychological work typically completed across treatment pathways. Opportunity to support the offer of reflective practice and formulation groups with the aim to develop skills within the workforce, will be available. In addition, there will be opportunity to support in the training of other professionals (in psychological models or approaches or risk assessments).About UsAneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your speciality or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.DetailsDate posted13 October 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 5Salary£31,516 to £38,364 a year per annumContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number040-ACS286-1025Job locationsSt Cadoc's HospitalLodge RoadCaerleonNP18 3XQJob DescriptionJob responsibilitiesThe post holder will be part of the FCMHT and the Adult Clinical Psychology Service within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. The post-holder will support the provision of a psychological service to the community team with the FCMHT, alongside the registered psychologist. The FCMHT is a large multi-disciplinary team that provides a specialist mental health service to those who present as a risk of harm to others, where this risk is linked to an identified mental health difficulty. The FCMHT in reaches to secondary mental health services, the criminal justice system and works with service users placed in out of area secure services, with the aim to repatriate people back to the community. The post is full-time of 37.5 hours per week.The post-holder will be expected to work alongside Registrant Psychologists to complete psychological assessments and risk assessments (of harm to self and others), to develop psychological formulations and risk formulations to inform interventions to address the presenting difficulties and risks presented by service users.This will involve working with the MDT within the FCMHT and the rehabilitation wards within the FCMHT, as well as working with other clinical teams in secondary services (CMHTs and acute wards and other specialist services) and commissioned secure placements.Drawing from psychological models and robust psychological and specialist risk assessments, the post-holder will support the development of risk management and rehabilitation plans that build on the previous psychological work typically completed across treatment pathways. Opportunity to support the offer of reflective practice and formulation groups with the aim to develop skills within the workforce, will be available. in addition, there will be opportunity to support in the training of other professionals (in psychological models or approaches or risk assessments).The post-holder will be joining a multi-disciplinary team where you will be supported by the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Highly Specialist Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist, alongside another AP and a psychology placement student, based within the FCMHT. You will also be joining a thriving adult psychology speciality who meet regularly and provide a sense of professional identity and belonging. Opportunities for peer support are also available through the adult psychology speciality and wider psychology network.The Role Of An AP Is Fundamental To Support The Delivery Of The Psychological Service In The FCMHT. The Role Will Involve:Undertaking psychological assessments under clinical supervision of a registered psychologistUndertaking group and individual interventions under clinical supervision of a registered psychologist.Preparing clinical reports under supervision of a registered psychologist.Undertaking risk assessments (of harm to others) under clinical supervision of a registered psychologist.Supporting other members of the MDT in completing risk assessments (of harm to others), including completing file reviews and supporting with clinical interviews, under the supervision of the registered psychologist.Preparing materials for the provision of training to other professional staff under supervision.Supporting in the running of a team formulation group to aid reflective practice and team formulation.Assisting with the delivery of training in the use of psychological approaches and thinking to other professionals and agencies under supervision.Contributing to the evaluation of psychological therapy by participating in service-related research, performance reporting and evaluation reports.Contributing to and conducting psychologically based research relevant to the service and/ or inpatient provision alongside a Registered Psychologist.Undertaking the preparation of test materials, data collection, data analysis and the preparation of reports on service audit, performance and research projects.Providing administration support to members of the psychology team including tasks relating to case work, including keeping case notes, conducting file reviews and preparing written reports under supervision.This list is non-exhaustiveJob DescriptionJob responsibilitiesThe post holder will be part of the FCMHT and the Adult Clinical Psychology Service within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. The post-holder will support the provision of a psychological service to the community team with the FCMHT, alongside the registered psychologist. The FCMHT is a large multi-disciplinary team that provides a specialist mental health service to those who present as a risk of harm to others, where this risk is linked to an identified mental health difficulty. The FCMHT in reaches to secondary mental health services, the criminal justice system and works with service users placed in out of area secure services, with the aim to repatriate people back to the community. The post is full-time of 37.5 hours per week.The post-holder will be expected to work alongside Registrant Psychologists to complete psychological assessments and risk assessments (of harm to self and others), to develop psychological formulations and risk formulations to inform interventions to address the presenting difficulties and risks presented by service users.This will involve working with the MDT within the FCMHT and the rehabilitation wards within the FCMHT, as well as working with other clinical teams in secondary services (CMHTs and acute wards and other specialist services) and commissioned secure placements.Drawing from psychological models and robust psychological and specialist risk assessments, the post-holder will support the development of risk management and rehabilitation plans that build on the previous psychological work typically completed across treatment pathways. Opportunity to support the offer of reflective practice and formulation groups with the aim to develop skills within the workforce, will be available. in addition, there will be opportunity to support in the training of other professionals (in psychological models or approaches or risk assessments).The post-holder will be joining a multi-disciplinary team where you will be supported by the Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Highly Specialist Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist, alongside another AP and a psychology placement student, based within the FCMHT. You will also be joining a thriving adult psychology speciality who meet regularly and provide a sense of professional identity and belonging. Opportunities for peer support are also available through the adult psychology speciality and wider psychology network.The Role Of An AP Is Fundamental To Support The Delivery Of The Psychological Service In The FCMHT. The Role Will Involve:Undertaking psychological assessments under clinical supervision of a registered psychologistUndertaking group and individual interventions under clinical supervision of a registered psychologist.Preparing clinical reports under supervision of a registered psychologist.Undertaking risk assessments (of harm to others) under clinical supervision of a registered psychologist.Supporting other members of the MDT in completing risk assessments (of harm to others), including completing file reviews and supporting with clinical interviews, under the supervision of the registered psychologist.Preparing materials for the provision of training to other professional staff under supervision.Supporting in the running of a team formulation group to aid reflective practice and team formulation.Assisting with the delivery of training in the use of psychological approaches and thinking to other professionals and agencies under supervision.Contributing to the evaluation of psychological therapy by participating in service-related research, performance reporting and evaluation reports.Contributing to and conducting psychologically based research relevant to the service and/ or inpatient provision alongside a Registered Psychologist.Undertaking the preparation of test materials, data collection, data analysis and the preparation of reports on service audit, performance and research projects.Providing administration support to members of the psychology team including tasks relating to case work, including keeping case notes, conducting file reviews and preparing written reports under supervision.This list is non-exhaustivePerson SpecificationQualificationsEssentialUndergraduate Degree (First or Upper Second Class (in psychology or conversion)Graduate Basis for Registration with the BPSDesirableMasters Degree or Post-graduate trainingAccredited training in a psychological model and/or research design and analysisAccredited training in the delivery of an evidenced based therapyExperienceEssentialPrevious (paid) experience as an Assistant PsychologistHas experience of working with complex casesHas delivered group interventionsHas experience of delivering psychological interventions on an individual basisHas experience of working with people who present as a risk of harm to self or othersDesirablePrevious experience of Forensic Mental Health ServicesAbility to reflect on lived experience of distress/difficultiesHas experience of working with people who present in crisisPrevious experience as a research assistantPerson SpecificationEssentialPrevious (paid) experience as an Assistant PsychologistHas experience of working with complex casesHas delivered group interventionsHas experience of delivering psychological interventions on an individual basisHas experience of working with people who present as a risk of harm to self or othersDesirablePrevious experience of Forensic Mental Health ServicesAbility to reflect on lived experience of distress/difficultiesHas experience of working with people who present in crisisPrevious experience as a research assistantDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 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 informationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 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 detailsEmployer nameAneurin Bevan University Health BoardAddressSt Cadoc's HospitalLodge RoadCaerleonNP18 3XQEmployer's websitehttps://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)Employer detailsEmployer nameAneurin Bevan University Health BoardAddressSt Cadoc's HospitalLodge RoadCaerleonNP18 3XQEmployer's websitehttps://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)