Psychology Assistant (Aspiring Clinical Psychologist Scheme) - Band 4

At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC), we provide joined-up mental health, physical health and learning disability services to people of all ages across Gloucestershire. We run community hospitals and provide care and support in people's own homes and in a range of other locations across the county.
We are on a mission to enable people to live the best life they can and we have a vision to work together to provide outstanding care. We put people at the heart of our services, focusing on personalised care by asking 'what matters to you'.
We're passionate about making sure that everyone can contribute to achieving our mission and we are continually working to support healthy and happy high-quality teams in all areas of the Trust., A variety of roles are available across various specialities (see attached additional information) and all posts will involve working under the supervision of a qualified psychologist to promote the psychological health and well-being of service users.
Specific duties may include:
+ supporting psychological assessment and intervention with individuals or groups of service users
+ assisting in clinically related administration, audits, collection of statistics, research and quality improvement.
+ teaching and project work
Service delivery will vary across placements but is likely to involve a mixture of office based and community working alongside some work from home depending on service need.
There will be access to a wider community of aspiring psychologists and other CPD opportunities.

• Please read the additional information provided before applying
  
  We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated graduates with at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in psychology and an interest in pursuing a career in the psychological professions.
  
  We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.

The annual NHS Staff Survey gives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views (58.5%). It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:

• 89.7% believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;


• 73.3% would recommend the organisation as a place to work;


• 82.4% agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;


• 76.7% would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative

Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work., At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, we are supportive of the people we care for in the community and aim to provide a fully responsive service to everyone who needs it. This is the same approach we take for our employees. We look to value the skills and experiences of those we work with, whether they are service users, carers, families or those looking to work with us.


• Full or Part time Fixed Term contract opportunities for up to 5 months (pro rata for part time), with 6 Positions available

The Aspiring Clinical Psychologists Access Scheme is a nationally funded programme which aims to improve equity of access to training in the psychological professions. By offering opportunities for paid clinical experience we hope to be able to support local people to overcome the barriers that may reduce the chance of accessing further training and a career in psychology.
We welcome applications from people who may be at particular disadvantage in terms of access to training and career opportunities due to factors associated with their backgrounds. These factors may include being:
+ from family on a low income or supported by benefits
+ in receipt of bursaries, awards or government maintenance grants
+ a care leaver or student not supported by their family or parents
+ from a socio-economic or ethnic group significantly under-represented in psychological professions.
To be eligible for the programme, candidates should not:
+ hold or be studying for a master's degree (with exception of a master's conversion degree for applicants with a non-psychology undergraduate degree OR a combined undergraduate MSc degree)
+ be a salaried or post graduate trainee in a university programme
+ have held any substantial prior paid assistant psychology/research assistant post or or similar employment., Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust is part of the NHS. We treat NHS patients according to NHS principles and standards. The difference is the Trust is accountable to local people, rather than to Government, and so we are able to work closely with our community to develop services in the way that best suits the needs of local people.
When joining us, as well as becoming part of a team that makes a difference, we also offer:
+ Free car parking at many of our sites
+ 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service
+ A broad range of training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships up to Level 7 qualification.
+ A multi-professional preceptorship programme for all Newly Qualified; Nurses, Nursing Associates, Internationally Educated Practitioners, Social Workers, Allied Health Professionals and Return to Practice Practitioners.
+ Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when if you work unsocial hours
+ Flexible, family friendly and agile working opportunities
+ Recognition and long service awards
+ Fast Track physiotherapy
+ Our Wellbeing line
+ Access to discounts and salary sacrifice schemes; including Cycle to Work, Car scheme and discounts on travel, leisure and retailers.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Good luck with your application.
For more information please see the attached 'Additional Information for Applicants' document.