Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join Wandsworth Behaviour and Communication Support Service (BACSS) as a Band 4 Assistant Clinical Psychologist, within the broader Older People's Mental Health Services. This is an established and varied role with opportunities for a broad range of experience in both clinical and research/audit duties. We are interested in applications from people who have a desire to work with older people and their families/carers. The focus of the role will be supporting people with dementia and behaviour that challenges who are living in care homes, although you may also be asked to carry out small amounts of work within other parts of the Older People's Team.

You will receive regular individual supervision and support from a senior psychologist within the service. You will be joining established Clinical Psychologists based within the team and a good network of Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists across the Cognition and Mental Health (CMHA) service line, who have a wide range of expertise and who regularly meet for CPD activities and peer supervision. You will also have access to the Trust's Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Network who meet regularly. We have good links with the ClinPsyD course at Surrey University and regularly have psychology trainees on placement and contribute to teaching on the programme. Both the multidisciplinary team and the wider Trust recognises and values the contribution of Clinical Psychology.

Main duties of the job

The role involves a variety of tasks working towards meeting the complex and challenging needs of people with dementia and other mental health problems living in nursing and residential homes, carried out under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. The BACSS is based on the belief that people's distressed behaviour in dementia, even when challenging, can be understood in the context of their current and previous experience and can often be seen as a communication of need, and this understanding often leads the way in identifying unmet needs and in developing care practice. The Assistant Psychologist role includes Provision of direct and indirect clinical work with clients; Support to staff teams; Helping to design and implement teaching and support interventions for both clients and carers; Assisting in developing and conducting of audits, monitoring outcomes, teaching and project work.

The post is based at Newton House, Springfield Hospital - this serves as a base for Wandsworth Older People's Services. This post is full time and Inner London Weighting.

N.B. Please only apply to this job if you meet the essential criteria for training and qualifications (see person specification). Having access to using a car for work would be of benefit.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.

Details

Date posted

29 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£34,186 to £37,389 a year per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

294-MHCA-8402012-EB

Job locations

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, in both community and in-patient/residential settings.

To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings, including referral, clinical and review meetings.

To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients applying psychological, including neuropsychological, tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist.

To assist in the implementation and monitoring of treatment programmes in a way that is positive and respectful of clients and carers' needs.

To assist in the compilation of assessment, update and discharge reports as required.

To work with other staff to assess clients in various settings and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews.

To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Job description Job responsibilities To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, in both community and in-patient/residential settings. To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings, including referral, clinical and review meetings. To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of clients applying psychological, including neuropsychological, tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist. To assist in the implementation and monitoring of treatment programmes in a way that is positive and respectful of clients and carers' needs. To assist in the compilation of assessment, update and discharge reports as required. To work with other staff to assess clients in various settings and review their care in preparation for multi-disciplinary reviews. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form. Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure. Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role. Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology
• oEntitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society

Desirable

• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or or other disabilities
• Experience of working with older people

Desirable

• Experience of paid work in direct care provision
• Experience of working with people with dementia

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
• An ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance
• An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities
• An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of working with behaviours that are challenging.
• Knowledge of psycho-social interventions in dementia

Person Specification Qualifications Essential An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology oEntitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society Desirable Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis. Experience Essential Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or or other disabilities Experience of working with older people Desirable Experience of paid work in direct care provision Experience of working with people with dementia Skills & Knowledge Essential High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive An ability to communicate sensitive information to clients, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities An ability to apply existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context Desirable Knowledge and understanding of working with behaviours that are challenging. Knowledge of psycho-social interventions in dementia

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.

Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)