Overview

NSFT are recruiting three Assistant Psychologists to work within our services across Norfolk and Suffolk under the widening access scheme funded by NHS England. This is a part‑time position (1.3 days per week) for 12 months.

This scheme is part of a nationally funded programme aimed at improving equity of access to training in the psychological professions. It supports local people in overcoming barriers to applying for postgraduate training in psychology.

We particularly welcome applications from people from all the backgrounds described in the attached information, including first‑generation graduates, care leavers, those receiving financial aid, and those with caring responsibilities or underrepresented ethnic groups.

Applicants MUST have a BPS accredited degree in Psychology to be eligible for this post. The application guide should be read before applying. Interviews are expected during the week commencing 22 September.

Responsibilities

• One post will be assigned to Whitlingham Ward, Hellesdon Hospital, a 16‑bed blended security ward for women, working alongside the ward psychologist within the Secure Services Psychology Team.
• Work with a range of mental health difficulties (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders) and learn about offence‑specific assessments, formulations and interventions delivered by the team.
• Work with the Older Persons Community Mental Health Team and Memory Treatment Service at Northgate Hospital, Gt Yarmouth.
• Be based at the Coastal Community Mental Health Team in Ipswich, collaborating within a friendly multidisciplinary team and providing supervision by a qualified Clinical Psychologist; assist in delivering psychological assessments, formulations and group or low‑intensity interventions.

About us

We are seeking psychology graduates with at least a 2:2 in psychology (eligible for the BPS Graduate Basis for Registration) or a conversion Master’s in Psychology, with an interest in pursuing a career in the psychological professions. Candidates should show aptitude for working psychologically with people with mental health needs, a desire to work with older people, and the ability to be self‑reflective.

Successful post‑holders will gain experience of NHS psychology practice over 12 months, observe and participate in direct clinical activity with service users and families (individually and in groups), receive supervision from a qualified psychology professional, and have access to a wider community of aspiring psychologists and CPD activities. We hope our assistant psychologists will progress into other roles within NSFT.

Details

Date posted: 19 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change | Band 4

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per annum, pro rata

Contract: Fixed term | Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Part‑time, Flexible working

Reference number: 246‑COR7465231

Job locations: Multiple locations across Norfolk and Suffolk (including Norwich, NR6 5BE)

Qualifications and requirements

Please ensure you meet the essential criteria before applying:

• 2:2 or above in a BPS accredited Psychology undergraduate degree (or equivalent).
• BPS graduate membership or eligibility for membership.
• Identify as being part of a social group underrepresented in clinical psychology (e.g., financial hardship, carer, minority ethnicity, disability, significant mental health challenges). This list is non‑exhaustive.
• Limited direct clinical experience.

Other requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS submission will be necessary.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For UK Visas and Immigration information, see the employer’s guidance.

Employer

Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust

Address: Multiple locations across Norfolk and Suffolk, Norwich, NR6 5BE

Employer’s website: nsft.nhs.uk