Job Description

Overview

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Assistant Psychologists to join our team.

The Assistant Psychologist, under the supervision and direction of the Clinical Support Manager, will be responsible for conducting assessments, delivering individual and group intervention programmes, and supporting creative and therapeutic work practice within the organisation. This role involves providing psychological assessment, therapeutic intervention, and support to young people and adults within a private mental health clinic. The post holder will be trained in and promote Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy/Practice (DDP) as a core approach in all their work, ensuring alignment with the mission and ethos of the organisation and associated national guidelines.

Key Objectives:

Take a lead role in psychological, educational, and neuro assessments of all individuals supported by the clinic. Provide direct therapeutic intervention to individuals. Take a lead role in the coordination of therapeutic practice within the organisation, supporting practitioners to work with young people and each other in a manner consistent with DDP. Support staff, families, and individuals to fully understand assessment outcomes and use the information obtained to support the development of care plans for all individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the Clinical Support Manager, implement policies and procedures for the effective delivery of all aspects of individual and group therapeutic practice. Deliver therapeutic programmes and individual interventions to young people, along with education and care staff members, as appropriate. Maintain a close working relationship with the Clinical Support Manager, Clinicians, and individual Service Managers to maintain a consistent approach and ensure that each individual experiences a seamless and integrated service. Liaise with other relevant agencies and professionals in the provision of support to young people, facilitating communication and collaboration. Provide written evaluations of each completed group work or individual programme, including an individual report on each young person who participated in group work. Contribute to Child's Plan Development Meetings, LAC Reviews, and the Children's Hearing system, ensuring reports are completed for each young person with whom work is being undertaken. Participate in regular professional supervision with the Clinical Support Manager and the annual review system/appraisal process. Participate in personal training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure knowledge and practice are kept up to date to meet service and organisational needs. Provide training to staff across the organisation and to partner agencies. To work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight stays, to meet the needs of the service, with a strong emphasis on therapeutic interventions for individuals. To be actively involved in the development of the service and to assume new key responsibilities as they are identified, undertaking any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Management team

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience:

A professional graduate qualification in Psychology (essential). Experience of working with young people both individually and in a group setting (essential). Experience of working with a relational approach, consistent with the requirements for DDP (essential). Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area (e.g., child psychology, clinical psychology) (desirable). Formal training in DDP (desirable). Experience working in a therapeutic setting (desirable). Experience with neuro assessments (desirable).

Personal Competencies:

Physically and mentally fit (essential). Highly motivated with demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm to working with young people (essential). A caring attitude and a genuine interest in the rights and welfare of young people (essential). Mature, trustworthy, and reliable (essential). Able to work under pressure and adapt to change (essential). Excellent interpersonal and team working skills (essential). Able to work on your own initiative (essential). Excellent written and verbal communication skills (essential). Excellent conflict/crisis resolution skills (essential).
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 33,323.40 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Livingston EH54: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/08/2025
Expected start date: 22/09/2025