Assistant Psychologist

Opportunity Overview

An exciting role is available within the Essex CAMHS team for enthusiastic psychology graduates who have experience and interest in supporting children and young people with mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges. Opportunities exist across several teams including CAMHS Hubs in South and West Essex, the Eating Disorders Team in Chelmsford, and the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in South Essex.

The successful candidates will engage in clinical activities and contribute to service development while being supervised by Clinical Psychologists through individual or group sessions. Weekly supervision, comprehensive training, and ongoing support will be provided as part of being a member of a forward-thinking healthcare Trust.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supporting children and young people (0-18 years, up to 25 years for those with special educational needs) through CAMHS services for Southend, Essex, and Thurrock.
• Participating in assessment and triage of referrals according to NICE guidelines, addressing a range of difficulties such as mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, eating disorders, self-harm, substance misuse with co-existing mental health conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders with mental health needs.
• Contributing to clinical service delivery in the designated CAMHS teams or MHST locations as per placement.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Good honours degree in psychology (minimum 2:1, preferably upper second class or higher).
• Postgraduate training related to professional psychology, mental health, or research methodology.
• Experience working with people who have mental health difficulties or other disabilities.
• Previous paid experience in direct care roles.
• Knowledge of outcome measurement tools and psychometric testing.
• Experience engaging with children, young people, and families facing mental health challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills facilitating collaboration with families, colleagues, and multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Information

• This role includes a probationary period (with exceptions for current internal candidates).
• New hires join on the first Monday of each month and undergo an extensive two-week induction at the Trust's head office in Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford, Essex, which includes mandatory training, system orientation, and networking opportunities.
• Applications must be independently written without assistance from AI-generated tools; support can be provided for declared disabilities.

Available Teams

• Thurrock SET CAMHS - Maidstone Road, Grays
• West SET CAMHS - Aylmer House, Harlow
• Eating Disorders Team (SET CAMHS) - Widford Hall, Chelmsford
• Mental Health Support Teams - Various sites across South East and South West Essex

Contact for Inquiries

For further information or informal visits, contact Wilana Brown, Consultant Counselling Psychologist, via email.