Assistant Psychologist

Role overview

West London NHS Trust is looking to appoint three Assistant Psychologists to join its Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Services (CIDS) teams across West London, covering Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Hounslow. CIDS works with people of all ages who have dementia, or may have dementia, as well as with their carers. The role is carried out under the guidance of a Clinical Psychologist.

What the post offers

This position provides strong opportunities to build a broad clinical skill set. The successful candidate will take part in a range of service activities, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups, psycho-education sessions, and other work that contributes to delivery of clinical care. The role also offers scope to gain experience in neuropsychology and to strengthen therapeutic work with carers.

Key areas of work

A major part of the post involves supporting colleagues who work with carers of people experiencing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including visits and support delivered in people’s homes. The role also involves working alongside professional colleagues to help ensure effective care for people living with dementia.

Community and cultural context

The service supports a highly varied population, including Asian, Somalian, and Arabic-speaking communities. Interpreting support is commonly used. While not essential, the ability to speak a relevant language such as Arabic, Farsi, Punjabi, or Hindi would be an advantage. Experience or understanding of working across different cultures would also be beneficial.

Team, supervision and development

You will be part of a supportive and well-established integrated team, working with health and social care colleagues to deliver services to a broad client group. Regular one-to-one supervision from an experienced Clinical Psychologist will be provided, and research activity is actively encouraged. The Trust also offers access to training resources to support continuing professional development.

About the Trust

West London NHS Trust is among the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering mental health, physical health, and community services. The Trust operates Broadmoor Hospital, one of the country’s three high secure hospitals, and provides high, medium, and low secure services across London. It also delivers mental and physical healthcare across Ealing, Hounslow, and Hammersmith & Fulham. The organisation employs around 4,500 staff, 56% of whom are from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Its 2023-24 turnover was £426 million. The Trust is rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission, with forensic services rated ‘Outstanding’.

Additional trust information

The Trust is an established partner in the development of the North West London Integrated Care System and Integrated Care Board, and it leads the North West London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Contact for informal enquiries

For further information or an informal discussion, contact Helen Stirk, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, at helen.stirk1@nhs.net.