Assistant Psychologist Jobs in the United Kingdom

Assistant Psychologist Jobs Overview

As an assistant psychologist, you will be undertaking the important task of supporting people with mental health issues, working closely with a psychologist to manage patients. The exact duties of assistant psychologist jobs vary depending on which area of psychology you work in, but in general you’ll provide clinical support as a certified mental health professional under the direct supervision of a qualified psychologist. Psychological assistants are involved in many aspects of patient care. You’ll be helping with tasks such as:

• admitting new patients
• carrying out neuropsychological assessments
• contributing to discussions about a client’s diagnosis, treatment, and care plan
• maintaining clear written notes
• drafting reports
• researching and gathering information

If you’re someone who has an interest in how people think, can relate to and empathise with different individuals, and want to help individuals improve their mental health, working in psychology might be the perfect path for you. Psychology assistants can work in several different professional settings, including:

• Private psychological practices
• Mental health facilities
• The NHS
• Non-profit organisations
• Educational establishments

If you’re already knowledgeable in psychological theory or want to pursue an education, you may also want to broaden your search for similar healthcare jobs, such as:

• educational psychology jobs
• clinical psychology jobs
• health psychology jobs

Assistant Psychologist Education and Skills

To apply for an assistant psychologist job, you’ll usually need a degree in psychology—ideally one that’s recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Universities are often flexible when it comes to the A-levels required to pursue a psychology degree. To graduate, you’ll need a BPS membership. It’s also recommended that candidates obtain a relevant postgraduate qualification in their chosen specialisation. However, conversion courses are available at both MSc and PGDip levels as an alternative route for those whose undergraduate qualifications have not yet been accredited.

According to the British Psychology Society the competition for psychology jobs is fierce. It’s important to not only pursue a formal education but to also gain relevant training and experience in the field. You can start by working as a nursing assistant, social worker, or care assistant or in other part-time jobs or volunteer work in your field as you pursue your degree.

In addition to the right credentials and work experience, employers usually look for the following skills and qualities in assistant psychology candidates:

• A genuine interest in the way people think and act
• An investigative mind
• A calm and professional demeanour, regardless of situation
• A logical and methodical approach to solving problems
• The ability to empathise with people
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to conduct research and analyse results
• Psychological knowledge and understanding of different behaviours

Update Your Assistant Psychologist CV

With the fierce competition you’ll face for psychology jobs, it’s vital to create a CV that makes you stand out from the crowd. Make sure yours grabs a recruiter’s attention and highlights your education, qualifications, and skills. You can start with Monster’s CV template and tailor it to your specifications.

Adding a cover letter to your application is just as important. Use your cover letter to showcase your in-depth knowledge and understanding of psychological theory and practice—especially as it relates to the particular position you’re applying for. Read through this article on how to write a spectacular cover letter before composing your first draft.

Interviewing for Assistant Psychologist Jobs

Preparation is always key to a successful interview. Make sure you research the organisation and the psychologist who would be your supervisor. This guarantees that you’ll have the facts on hand to answer even the most specific questions with confidence. You can also bring up cases or areas that interest you. This transforms the interview into a conversation, allowing the hiring manager to get a deeper understanding of what kind of person you are and what you aim to achieve in the role.

Want more advice for how to spruce up your interview skills? Read through this article from Monster on how to prepare for a job interview.

How Much Do Assistant Psychologists Make?

Your pay will vary depending on your specific area of psychology, what sector you’re working in, and your location. According to the British Psychological Society assistant psychologists are normally paid by the National Health Service Agenda for Change Bands 4 to 5. This means the yearly salary for assistant psychologist jobs in the UK is between £22,549 and £31,534.

Ready to Find Assistant Psychologist Jobs?

With Monster, you can easily speed up your job search and start undertaking the important task of supporting people to achieve better mental health. Create your free profile to signal to the right recruiters that you’re looking for jobs, find the openings you’re interested in, and get custom job notifications sent directly to your inbox.