Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for one experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join our Wandsworth Primary Care Network (PCN) Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) Team. We are an innovative project aiming to support GPs work with people presenting with mental health related difficulties. The successful candidates will provide supervised, direct clinical work to clients in GP practices by offering brief psychologically informed interventions to support motivation and improve functioning and if applicable, help people navigate the care system, access the right service and where possible, work with them to overcome barriers to engagement. The role requires working closely with GPs and other professionals in a dynamic and changing environment.
Career development opportunities:
We are committed to get the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We have career pathways available, where you will be able to develop your skills and build on your experience. For this role, we offer the option of attending continuing professional development sessions specifically for aspiring clinical psychologists working at the Trust in various roles and being part of that community
Main duties of the job
The role requires a range of clinical, liaison and administrative skills. The post holder will provide supervised, direct clinical contact, attend weekly meetings and frequently, liaise with professionals and/or services integrated within the mental health pathway within Wandsworth (including GPs and other clinicians situated within the PCN, IAPT and secondary mental health services, other community/third sector resources etc.).
The day-to-day responsibilities for the post holder will include completing assessments and collaboratively developing person-centred plans. At times, this will involve offering follow-up sessions to provide brief psychologically informed interventions and at other times making onward referrals.
The post holder will work collaboratively with both clients and/or other professionals to problem-solve and facilitate the referral process so the person can access the right type of support. Therefore, a flexible and proactive approach, as well as a candidate who feels comfortable working independently.
Flexible working:
The postholder will be asked to deliver direct clinical work in person from GP surgeries within surgery open hours, usually Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the time frames from 9am to 5pm, with Thursdays kept for supervision, team meetings and CPD. However, there are some opportunities for remote working when you are not required at your GP base.
Details
- Date posted: 02 November 2026
- Closing date: 11 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 5
- Salary: £38,488 to £46,852 a year per annum Inclusive of inner London HCAS
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 12 months
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 294-COMM-8401151-EB
- Job locations: Springfield University Hospital, 15 Springfield Drive, Tooting, SW17 0YF, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
To complete assessments and where appropriate, provide brief, psychologically informed interventions.
To support clients whilst waiting for escalation of treatment into mental health services
To monitor and support clients in between their GP appointments
To provide medicine education and adherence advice and lifestyle advice for clients and their carers, presenting with mental health problems
Assist in supporting early intervention and supporting shared decision-making around self-management
To work with clients and team members to support engagement with appropriate services and treatment which may include onward referral to secondary mental health services or signposting to other mental health services, social prescribers, voluntary services and community-based support groups
To support clients to transition from primary care to secondary care when more specialist or intensive support is required
To support clients to stay well within their local communities, including the re-enforcement of newly learned psychology techniques
Work always to promote the safety and the wellbeing of service users and their families/carers
To develop a close relationship with Primary Care practices, attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact.
To work closely and in partnership with colleagues within primary care and the Trust in a collaborative way, ensuring that decisions are made that ensure the best care for service users and that there is a seamless pathway.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications
If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.
Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.
Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Relevant clinical experience
- At least twelve months experience of working with people who have experienced serious ongoing mental health problems
- Experience of research based/reflective practice e.g. understanding and ability to use supervision to reflect on skills, attitude and knowledge and develop these by using evidence-based practice.
Desirable
- Experience of supervision and/or mentoring of junior staff and students
- Experience of working as a Recovery Support Worker in Mental Health
Training & Qualifications
Essential
- An upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology
- Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society Evidence of continuing professional development
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology and mental health practice, such as delivery of evidence based psychological therapies for severe mental health problems
Desirable
- Training in support of people with mental health problems
- Training in recovery approaches in mental health
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Able to proactively and independently manage workload
- Ability to provide quality care that is responsive to service user needs, without close supervision
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Unless expressly stated in the job advert the role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
Employer details
- Employer name: South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
- Address: Springfield University Hospital, 15 Springfield Drive, Tooting, SW17 0YF, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/