The National Specialist Adolescent Mood Disorders Service (NSAMS) are looking to recruit a Higher Assistant Psychologist/Research Assistant at Band 5. The post holder will contribute to a specialist clinical psychology service as part of a multidisciplinary team to young people referred to NSAMS for second opinion mood disorders assessments and advice on management. The clinical academic team also run research on mood disorders in children and young people. The responsibilities in their role as Higher Assistant Psychologist (2.5 days/week) involve providing specialist assessment and therapy to young people with complex mental health difficulties, including young people with mood disorders. In their role as Research Assistant (2.5 days/week) they will support the Northern Hub with recruitment and retention of participants to an exciting NIHR HTA funded study comparing the clinical and cost effectiveness of stimulant ADHD medication vs non-stimulant medication in helping young people who have ADHD and tics.
The post holder must have had experience as an assistant psychologist for at least one year and experience of working with children and adolescents in a mental health setting. A further essential criteria is the ability to drive and access to a car. Research experience is desirable. Research and clinical supervision will be provided in keeping with BPS guidelines.
The post holder’s main duties are to assist qualified psychologists in the delivery of psychological services in the pathway; providing psychological assessment and specific interventions under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, working independently within the limits agreed with the psychology supervisor.
The post holder will produces assessment and intervention professional reports.
The post holder will support the service in the delivery of training initiatives.
The post holder will utilise research skills for audit, literature reviews, service development and other research initiatives within the pathway or wider service.
The post holder will receive direct weekly management and clinical supervision from a Consultant or Principal Psychologist.
The post holder will show initiative to work independently to an appropriate level.
The post-holder will provide compassionate care that is based on empathy, kindness, respect and dignity.
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 30 th June 2026
Closing date : 7th July 2026
We welcome your application.
Please note - this vacancy may close early once a suitable number of applications are received.
