Assistant Psychologist

About Oakdale Group

Oakdale Group is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing trusted, evidence-based psychological therapies and assessments for children, young people, and adults. Operating for over 25 years, Oakdale partners with NHS, schools, local authorities, and private clients, always prioritizing compassionate care and clinical excellence.

Role Summary

The Assistant Psychologist will support qualified practitioner psychologists by assisting with neurodevelopmental, trauma, and attachment assessments, conducting psychometric evaluations, and contributing to service audit and training activities. This fixed-term, full-time role lasts 18 months and requires some travel between sites including Horsforth, Harrogate, and potentially Halifax.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in administering psychometric questionnaires for specialised trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopmental assessments under supervision.
• Support the comprehensive cognitive assessment process, including test administration, report drafting, and attendance at feedback meetings alongside a qualified psychologist.
• Participate in neurodevelopmental evaluations including DIVA interviews and QbCheck test administration under guidance.
• Prepare clinical reports with direct supervision from Oakdale's qualified psychologists.
• Carry out school observations, interact with educational staff, and facilitate multi-agency communication as needed.
• Engage in multidisciplinary team meetings and reviews, including preparation and contribution, under supervision.
• Help organise and assist with training sessions and psychoeducational group delivery.
• Utilise AI-supported technology and modern software tools confidently to enhance operational and clinical report-writing efficiency.
• Support the design, implementation, and distribution of audits, outcome monitoring, and service improvements.
• Attend service planning meetings and participate in projects aimed at improving service delivery.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case records, observations, and test data in accordance with Oakdale's record-keeping procedures.
• Manage client case journeys from referral through discharge under the support of line management and qualified psychologists.
• Manage personal workload responsibly and participate in regular clinical supervision sessions.
• Travel flexibly between primary locations and satellite sites to meet clinical demand.
• Perform additional duties aligned with the role and organisational requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• An undergraduate psychology degree eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) by the British Psychological Society.
• An academic record of either a 2:1 or higher at bachelor's level, or any bachelor's degree complemented by a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc).
• Relevant paid or voluntary experience working in health, care, or educational settings with children or adults.
• Experience administering cognitive or neurodevelopmental assessments, such as DIVA or QbCheck, and working with individuals with autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, developmental trauma, or complex needs is advantageous.
• Proven involvement in multidisciplinary team environments and multi-agency cooperation is preferred.
• Familiarity with clinical auditing, data analysis, and service evaluation techniques is an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of child and adolescent developmental principles is essential.
• Knowledge in implementing and evaluating intervention programs and risk assessment frameworks is beneficial.
• Strong literacy, precise report-writing capabilities, and meticulous attention to detail, including psychometric scoring accuracy.
• Proficiency in utilising AI-driven tools and various IT systems (including electronic patient records) to support clinical workflows.
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and non-verbal—and ability to establish interpersonal rapport.
• Self-motivated with capacity for effective time management, prioritisation, and workload management under pressure.
• Capability to engage constructively in clinical supervision sessions.

Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is required for travel between multiple clinical sites.

Employee Benefits and Work Environment

• 29 days of annual leave including bank holidays, with entitlement increasing based on tenure.
• Flexible and adaptive working arrangements from the outset.
• Access to SimplyHealth services offering 24/7 GP consultations, counselling, physiotherapy, and more.
• Highly discounted private neurodevelopmental assessments (ADHD and autism) for employees and their families.
• Paid flu vaccinations and an employee wellbeing initiative featuring trained mental health champions.
• Participation in Smart Pension and Rewards schemes with discounts and cashback options.
• Enhanced occupational sick pay, cycle to work, and technology salary sacrifice plans.
• Employee discounts, protected professional development days, annual away days, and quality training opportunities.
• Coverage of professional registration fees when applicable.
• Opportunities for involvement in service innovation and improvement.
• Provision of necessary equipment such as laptops, monitors, and keyboards for effective work performance.

Application Details

Applicants are invited to apply before 17th August 2026, with interviews anticipated during the weeks commencing 24th August and 1st September 2026. Oakdale is committed to diversity and is a registered Disability Confident Committed Employer.