Assistant Psychologist | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Salary:	£34,186 - £37,389 per annum inclusive of HCAs
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, SE5 8AZ
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	5 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

We are seeking an Assistant Psychologist to support an innovative project in the roll-out of trauma-informed approaches (TIA) in our adult acute inpatient wards. Many people coming into our inpatient environments have a history of trauma and the experience of being in hospital during a mental health crisis can itself be incredibly traumatic. We are committed to ensuring our wards take a trauma-informed approach to clinical care and to staff support. The successful candidate will work as part of a small MDT supporting this inpatient work across all 4 South London & The Maudsley boroughs. They will support with, delivering interventions and training to staff and service users and with the evaluation of the project’s outcomes. The project will support our strategic priorities around anti-racism, building a culture of trust with the communities we serve and providing outstanding mental health care.

This role will support the delivery of strategy, stakeholder engagement and implementation of trauma-informed approaches (TIA) and the further development of a trauma-informed culture across adult acute inpatient wards at South London & The Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The post-holder will work flexibly across our inpatient wards in all four boroughs covered by the trusts. They will support the delivery of group-based interventions with staff and service users including skills groups, reflective practice, team formulations and training sessions. They will be involved in audit and evaluation of the project including gathering data, conducting interviews and writing up reports. They will be involved in the gathering of and translation of best practice across the region and nationally to support the strategy underpinning the project. They will support the development of training materials and manuals for use on the wards. They will work closely with colleague across the trust working on thePatient and Carer Race Equity Framework (PCREF) to ensure the strategy encompasses our commitment to anti-racism.We are happy to talk flexible working at the interview stage.

This post will sit within the Corporate Psychology & Psychotherapy team at South London & The Maudsley. This small, central team provides support, governance and leadership for Psychological Professionals and staff support across the trust. It is a diverse and experienced team with a warm and supportive culture. The Trauma-Informed Approaches for Adult Inpatient Team is a new initiative and will reach out across the trust and work with multiple ward-based teams within each of the 4 boroughs covered by South London & The Maudsley – Lambeth, Lewisham, Croydon and Southwark. The post will be able to access office-based space at the Maudsley Hospital but will need to travel to and spend time in all 4 borough’s inpatient spaces based at the Maudsley, Bethlem Royal and Lewisham Hospitals:

Maudsley Hospital:Our Trust headquarters is located at Denmark Hill less than 5 minutes from the train station (zone 2) and is within walking distance from the beautiful green spaces of Ruskin park and the vibrant high-street that offers great shopping opportunities and with a wide range restaurants. The Corporate Psychology & Psychotherapy team have office space based in Trust Headquarters.

Clinical and Client Care

• To provide protocol-based psychological group and individual interventions within inpatient settings under the close supervision of a Practitioner Psychologist.

• To assist the Trauma-Informed Approaches Team in developing clinical, therapeutic and training materials that support trauma-informed care.

• To organise, schedule and co-facilitate training sessions for ward staff, service users and partner agencies.

• To arrange, coordinate and co-facilitate staff support interventions, reflective practice sessions, team formulation meetings and other trauma-informed initiatives designed to improve staff wellbeing and service delivery.

Contributing to Team or Service Clinical Functioning

• To contribute to the effective operation of the Trauma-Informed Approaches Inpatient Project Team.

• To work within and promote a psychologically informed and trauma-informed framework across inpatient services.

• To support the delivery of accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive services for diverse local communities.

• To contribute to the development and implementation of trauma-informed care strategies across adult acute inpatient wards throughout the Trust.

• To support project planning, administration, coordination and delivery of trauma-informed care initiatives.

Policy and Service Development

• To implement Trust policies and procedures within own area of responsibility.

• To participate in service user and carer engagement activities that support the planning, development and delivery of trauma-informed inpatient services.

• To contribute to service improvement initiatives that enhance patient experience and the quality of care provided across inpatient settings.

Care or Management of Resources

• To take responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of Trust equipment and physical resources.

• To monitor resource requirements and request supplies when necessary to support service delivery.

• To ensure the safe storage and management of equipment, materials and resources used within the service.

• To inform supervising staff when resources require replenishment and assist in maintaining adequate stock levels.

Teaching and Training

• To support the induction, learning and development of Assistant Psychologists and other staff as appropriate.

• To assist in sharing research findings, service evaluation outcomes and examples of good practice through presentations, reports and publications.

• To organise, schedule and co-facilitate training sessions for Trust staff and partner organisations to support the implementation of trauma-informed care and service improvement initiatives.

Record-Keeping and Information Governance

• To ensure that all information generated through own work is recorded and stored in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and local procedures.

• Under supervision, to maintain accurate clinical records, reports and electronic documentation in line with professional and organisational requirements.

• To maintain databases, accurately record data and assist in the production of reports and service information.

Research and Development

• To support the design, implementation and evaluation of audit, research and service development projects that promote trauma-informed care across inpatient services.

• To undertake data collection, analysis and reporting using appropriate IT and statistical software.

• To conduct literature reviews and evidence searches to support the development of evidence-based trauma-informed practice.

• To assist with surveys, consultation exercises and feedback activities involving staff, service users, carers and other stakeholders, helping to inform service development and improvement.

• To identify and share examples of effective trauma-informed practice from other organisations to support innovation within the Trust.

Maintaining Professional Standards and Continuing Professional Development

• To receive regular clinical and professional supervision in accordance with professional and Trust requirements.

• To broaden knowledge and experience of psychology practice within NHS services.

• To maintain and develop the competencies required to undertake the duties of the role effectively.

• To participate in training, learning and continuing professional development opportunities agreed with the supervising psychologist and manager.

General

• To travel across Trust sites and other locations as required.

• To maintain awareness of risks associated with inpatient environments and follow Trust policies regarding the management of challenging behaviour and other clinical risks.

• To respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations and support colleagues and service users when required.

• To work flexibly in line with service needs, including participation in evening clinics or Saturday working where agreed within the overall job plan.

Please refer to the attached job description for detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities of the role.

This advert closes on Monday 12 Oct 2026

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