Job summary The role of the Assistant Psychologist (AP) is to implement and maintain collection and processing of service data and support service audit and development (approx.60% of job role), as well as to provide direct and indirect clinical interventions for young people experiencing mental health difficulties (approx. 40% of job role, in line with candidate's experience and development). The AP will assist with and co-deliver psychological interventions under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. The post holder will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary CAMHS Eating Disorders Team, assisting in the provision of a high-quality service to children and young people (CYP) experiencing eating disorders and other mental health difficulties. The role requires skills in jointly assessing, planning, organising, reviewing and assisting in delivering evidence-based interventions, to provide eating disorder and mental health support, as agreed with supervising clinician(s). This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards. Psychologically informed evidence-based interventions will be offered to clients where appropriate alongside Eating Disorder clinicians and under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Psychologist. Main duties of the job Clinical Duties (which will be co-worked under supervision of a qualified member of the CAMHS Eating Disorders team): To assist in the assessment of health and psychosocial care needs, and risk assessment of children and/or adolescents presenting with a wide variety of clinical conditions including eating disorders. Following this; assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care. To assist in the provision of a range of clinical interventions and treatments appropriate to the individuals' needs. Participate fully in providing quality care in line with local and national guidelines e.g. NICE Guidance & Quality Standards relating to children and/or young people with mental health disorders, social care difficulties and eating disorders. To assist the rest of the team to ensure that commissioned services allow choice to children and/or adolescents and carers and focus on support within the community with appropriate support and access to services. To liaise and negotiate with other agencies e.g. Children's Services, CGL, YC Herts, the voluntary sector e.g. Signpost etc., for joint planning with, or on behalf of, children and/or adolescents. To participate in regular managerial and clinical supervision. About us Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission. Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout: Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional. Details Date posted 09 July 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum, pro rata (Inclusive of 5% HCAS) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 367-CYP-9530 Job locations Kingsley Green 5 Forest Lane, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane Radlett WD7 9HQ Job description Job responsibilities To contribute to the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team multi-disciplinary working. Maintain close liaison with all departmentstaff involved in a children and/or adolescents care and report on progress and effectiveness to the MDT. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all users of the service, across all settings where care takes place. To implement psychologically informed interventions to clients under the direct clinical supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups as appropriate. To undertake a broad range of psychological assessments, including, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi- structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in care under direct supervision of a qualified member of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team or Clinical Psychologist as appropriate. To adhere to Trust policies and procedures To carry out any other duties as appropriately identified by your line manager. Research and Service Evaluation To participate in audit, evaluation and research projects as agreed with professional and line manager. To collaborate with other team members in the design and implementation of audit and research projects. To support the MDT with administering, collecting, and inputting a variety of data, including Routine Outcome Measures (ROMS) and KPIs. Working Relationships: Liaises with: Team Leaders Consultant Psychiatrists and Specialty Doctors Nurses/Associate Practitioners Support Professionals Psychological Therapists Other Managers and Clinical Staff As the post holder will be working within the community most of the time, they will establish and maintain positive relationships with people, agencies, charities and other providers who also provide services to children and/or adolescents in the community. These relationships are a key part of the role in which you will be representing HPFT. Close working relationships should be developed with other parts of HPFT services notably: CAMHS Clinics, The Wellbeing Service, Forest House Inpatient Service, Targeted Team and C-CATT Communication Requirements: Have a high level of competency to receive and give clinical information verbally in an age-appropriate way and, where indicated, in writing form, to those receiving care, their families/carers and professional colleagues. Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy in all communications. Ensure adherence to all aspects of patient confidentiality, documentation and record keeping according to Trust and national guidelines. Will have the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in complex situations. Will have the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues within all agencies they encounter to the benefit of the child and/or adolescent and the service. Clinical Responsibility: The post holder cannot hold clinical responsibility for cases and would work under the supervision of an experienced clinician. The Assistant Psychologist will be supported to undertake clinical work as a member of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Service for children and/or adolescents, under supervision from a Nurse/Psychiatrist or Therapist. For the psychologically-informed aspect of the role the Assistant Psychologist will be supported in clinical responsibility in their work under supervision from a Clinical Psychologist. Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility: The post holder will: Plan and organise their diaries, prioritise duties, and assist qualified members of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team to coordinate the care of the children and/or adolescents for whom they are allocated. Give due regard to the health and safety, well-being and interests of those who come into contact with the team professionally. Service Development and Improvement: Ensure that all policies applicable to Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services are implemented as far as it is within their ability. To comment upon and propose changes to working practices and procedures relevant to Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services. Where requested by the Team Manager, to assist in the implementation of those changes. To propose ideas for, and if accepted, contribute to audits relevant to the improvement of the teams clinical practice. Analytical and Judgmental Skills: The post holder will: Demonstrate an understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act. The post holder will also have an understanding of the Safeguarding Children and Child Protection procedures. Be required to make judgments involving complex facts and or situations which require analysis. Make judgments where the situation is not straightforward such as those where information is limited, difficult to obtain or when there may be conflicting opinions. Planning and Organisational Skills: Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and organise case/work load on a day-to-day basis. Ensure that the children and/or adolescents are given high quality care at all times. Where necessary request assistance from colleagues. Represent the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team at meetings as delegated by the Team Manager. Physical Working Conditions and Environment: The post holder will: Need to be able to travel to meetings / training off site and occasionally as required cover for colleagues on other sites. Be able to work in an environment that is at times extremely busy and demanding. Be required to be competent in IT and have the relevant skills necessary to carry out the activities of the job post. Maintain up to date electronic records of people that the post holder has had contact with. Additional Information: Knowledge and Skills Framework : The post holder will be expected to meet the requirements of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) appropriate outline for the post. Approved outlines are available on the HPT e-ksf local library Health and Safety: The post holder has a duty of care to themselves and to others with whom they come into contact in the course of their work as laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any subsequent amendment or legislation. Values and Behaviours: Our values and behaviours have been developed by over 800 service users, carers and members of staff. They describe how we aim to be with service users, carers and each other. By living our values, we will deliver our ambition to be a leading provider for everyone we work with. We are welcoming so you feel valued as an individual We are kind so you can feel cared for We are positive so you can feel supported and included We are respectful so you can feel listened to and heard We are professional so you can feel safe and confident Our values set the tone for: The way we plan and make decisions. The way we behave with service users and each other. The kind of colleagues we recruit. The way we induct, appraise and develop our staff. Equality and Diversity: All staff should comply with the Trusts Anti-Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and diversity. Confidentiality : All staff must be aware of the Data Protection Act 1984, and its subsequent amendments, which is now in force. This means that protection of data about individuals is a requirement of the law and if any employee is found to have permitted unauthorised disclosure, the Trust and the individual may be prosecuted. Standards of Business Conduct and Conflicts of Interest: The Trust has adopted a Standards of Conduct Policy, which reflects NHS Management Executive Guidelines. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain or seek to advantage or further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. Staff should be informing their line manager if they are working for any other organisation to ensure that this Trust complies with the Working Time Regulations. Information and Records Management: To comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Department of Health Code of Confidentiality in line with Trust procedures. To adhere to the Trusts policies on records management including creation, use, storing and retention and disposal of records. Adhere to the Trusts Corporate Identity (using the standard templates available on Trustspace). Safeguarding Adults and Children: The Trust is committed to ensuring adults and children are protected and come to no harm from abuse. All employees have a responsibility to be aware of national and local policies, their individual responsibilities with regards to the protection and safeguarding of both adults and children, and must adhere to them at all times. Review: This job description is an outline, which reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of duties and responsibilities. As these duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder. Job description Job responsibilities To contribute to the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team multi-disciplinary working. Maintain close liaison with all departmentstaff involved in a children and/or adolescents care and report on progress and effectiveness to the MDT. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all users of the service, across all settings where care takes place. To implement psychologically informed interventions to clients under the direct clinical supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups as appropriate. To undertake a broad range of psychological assessments, including, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi- structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in care under direct supervision of a qualified member of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team or Clinical Psychologist as appropriate. To adhere to Trust policies and procedures To carry out any other duties as appropriately identified by your line manager. Research and Service Evaluation To participate in audit, evaluation and research projects as agreed with professional and line manager. To collaborate with other team members in the design and implementation of audit and research projects. To support the MDT with administering, collecting, and inputting a variety of data, including Routine Outcome Measures (ROMS) and KPIs. Working Relationships: Liaises with: Team Leaders Consultant Psychiatrists and Specialty Doctors Nurses/Associate Practitioners Support Professionals Psychological Therapists Other Managers and Clinical Staff As the post holder will be working within the community most of the time, they will establish and maintain positive relationships with people, agencies, charities and other providers who also provide services to children and/or adolescents in the community. These relationships are a key part of the role in which you will be representing HPFT. Close working relationships should be developed with other parts of HPFT services notably: CAMHS Clinics, The Wellbeing Service, Forest House Inpatient Service, Targeted Team and C-CATT Communication Requirements: Have a high level of competency to receive and give clinical information verbally in an age-appropriate way and, where indicated, in writing form, to those receiving care, their families/carers and professional colleagues. Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy in all communications. Ensure adherence to all aspects of patient confidentiality, documentation and record keeping according to Trust and national guidelines. Will have the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in complex situations. Will have the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues within all agencies they encounter to the benefit of the child and/or adolescent and the service. Clinical Responsibility: The post holder cannot hold clinical responsibility for cases and would work under the supervision of an experienced clinician. The Assistant Psychologist will be supported to undertake clinical work as a member of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Service for children and/or adolescents, under supervision from a Nurse/Psychiatrist or Therapist. For the psychologically-informed aspect of the role the Assistant Psychologist will be supported in clinical responsibility in their work under supervision from a Clinical Psychologist. Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility: The post holder will: Plan and organise their diaries, prioritise duties, and assist qualified members of the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team to coordinate the care of the children and/or adolescents for whom they are allocated. Give due regard to the health and safety, well-being and interests of those who come into contact with the team professionally. Service Development and Improvement: Ensure that all policies applicable to Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services are implemented as far as it is within their ability. To comment upon and propose changes to working practices and procedures relevant to Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services. Where requested by the Team Manager, to assist in the implementation of those changes. To propose ideas for, and if accepted, contribute to audits relevant to the improvement of the teams clinical practice. Analytical and Judgmental Skills: The post holder will: Demonstrate an understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act. The post holder will also have an understanding of the Safeguarding Children and Child Protection procedures. Be required to make judgments involving complex facts and or situations which require analysis. Make judgments where the situation is not straightforward such as those where information is limited, difficult to obtain or when there may be conflicting opinions. Planning and Organisational Skills: Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and organise case/work load on a day-to-day basis. Ensure that the children and/or adolescents are given high quality care at all times. Where necessary request assistance from colleagues. Represent the CAMHS Eating Disorders Team at meetings as delegated by the Team Manager. Physical Working Conditions and Environment: The post holder will: Need to be able to travel to meetings / training off site and occasionally as required cover for colleagues on other sites. Be able to work in an environment that is at times extremely busy and demanding. Be required to be competent in IT and have the relevant skills necessary to carry out the activities of the job post. Maintain up to date electronic records of people that the post holder has had contact with. Additional Information: Knowledge and Skills Framework : The post holder will be expected to meet the requirements of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) appropriate outline for the post. Approved outlines are available on the HPT e-ksf local library Health and Safety: The post holder has a duty of care to themselves and to others with whom they come into contact in the course of their work as laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any subsequent amendment or legislation. Values and Behaviours: Our values and behaviours have been developed by over 800 service users, carers and members of staff. They describe how we aim to be with service users, carers and each other. By living our values, we will deliver our ambition to be a leading provider for everyone we work with. We are welcoming so you feel valued as an individual We are kind so you can feel cared for We are positive so you can feel supported and included We are respectful so you can feel listened to and heard We are professional so you can feel safe and confident Our values set the tone for: The way we plan and make decisions. The way we behave with service users and each other. The kind of colleagues we recruit. The way we induct, appraise and develop our staff. Equality and Diversity: All staff should comply with the Trusts Anti-Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and diversity. Confidentiality : All staff must be aware of the Data Protection Act 1984, and its subsequent amendments, which is now in force. This means that protection of data about individuals is a requirement of the law and if any employee is found to have permitted unauthorised disclosure, the Trust and the individual may be prosecuted. Standards of Business Conduct and Conflicts of Interest: The Trust has adopted a Standards of Conduct Policy, which reflects NHS Management Executive Guidelines. It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain or seek to advantage or further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. Staff should be informing their line manager if they are working for any other organisation to ensure that this Trust complies with the Working Time Regulations. Information and Records Management: To comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Department of Health Code of Confidentiality in line with Trust procedures. To adhere to the Trusts policies on records management including creation, use, storing and retention and disposal of records. Adhere to the Trusts Corporate Identity (using the standard templates available on Trustspace). Safeguarding Adults and Children: The Trust is committed to ensuring adults and children are protected and come to no harm from abuse. All employees have a responsibility to be aware of national and local policies, their individual responsibilities with regards to the protection and safeguarding of both adults and children, and must adhere to them at all times. Review: This job description is an outline, which reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of duties and responsibilities. As these duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder. Person Specification Essential Essential Upper second class honours degree in psychology, or other higher degree in psychology, or equivalent undergraduate qualification. Knowledge of legislation related to children and/or adolescents mental health and social care e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Care Programme Approach, Child Protection and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Children etc. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals. Ability to manage distressing and challenging situations. Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive. Ability to communicate sensitive information to children and/or adolescents, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance. Ability to feedback and discuss cases within the multi-disciplinary team. Ability to interact sensitively with children and/or adolescents with mental health problems. Excellent report writing skills. Ability to communicate information on formulation, risk and intervention Good range of problem solving skills. Good range of information gathering skills. Ability to assess and manage risks Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively Physical abilities to work safely in an environment where there may be risk of physical violence Hold a current driving licence. Car driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving) Ability to travel between sites when necessary for meetings and/or clinical sessions. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of children and/or adolescents with learning disability, problems or other disabilities. An ability to sustain empathy and personal engagement with children and/or adolescents experiencing mental health problems or challenging behaviour. Ability to work closely with a staff team, without becoming overly personally involved with the staff team. A commitment to work in ways which support equality and diversity and treat everyone with appropriate dignity and respect. Ability and willingness to work outside office hours when required by the role. Desirable Post graduate level training in relevant Psychological or Mental Health area Experience of working in a multi- disciplinary team Significant experience of work with children and/or adolescents with moderate to severe mental health problems Experience in psychological interventions - CBT or interpersonal therapy / dialectical behaviour therapy interventions or other evidence based approaches Competence using IT and media equipment. Experience using computers for databases or data-analysis. Person Specification Essential Essential Upper second class honours degree in psychology, or other higher degree in psychology, or equivalent undergraduate qualification. Knowledge of legislation related to children and/or adolescents mental health and social care e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Care Programme Approach, Child Protection and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Children etc. Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals. Ability to manage distressing and challenging situations. Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive. Ability to communicate sensitive information to children and/or adolescents, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance. Ability to feedback and discuss cases within the multi-disciplinary team. Ability to interact sensitively with children and/or adolescents with mental health problems. Excellent report writing skills. Ability to communicate information on formulation, risk and intervention Good range of problem solving skills. Good range of information gathering skills. Ability to assess and manage risks Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively Physical abilities to work safely in an environment where there may be risk of physical violence Hold a current driving licence. Car driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving) Ability to travel between sites when necessary for meetings and/or clinical sessions. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of children and/or adolescents with learning disability, problems or other disabilities. An ability to sustain empathy and personal engagement with children and/or adolescents experiencing mental health problems or challenging behaviour. Ability to work closely with a staff team, without becoming overly personally involved with the staff team. A commitment to work in ways which support equality and diversity and treat everyone with appropriate dignity and respect. Ability and willingness to work outside office hours when required by the role. Desirable Post graduate level training in relevant Psychological or Mental Health area Experience of working in a multi- disciplinary team Significant experience of work with children and/or adolescents with moderate to severe mental health problems Experience in psychological interventions - CBT or interpersonal therapy / dialectical behaviour therapy interventions or other evidence based approaches Competence using IT and media equipment. Experience using computers for databases or data-analysis. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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 Sponsorship Applications 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 information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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 Sponsorship Applications 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 details Employer name Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Address Kingsley Green 5 Forest Lane, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane Radlett WD7 9HQ Employer's website https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab) Employer details Employer name Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Address Kingsley Green 5 Forest Lane, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane Radlett WD7 9HQ Employer's website https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab). Location : Kingsley Green, 5 Forest Lane, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane, WD7 9HQ Radlett, United Kingdom
