Assistant Psychologist (Higher Level) | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Salary:	£32,073 - £39,043 per annum plus HCAs (Inner or Outer depending on the location)
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	London, SE5 8AB
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	20 Nov 2026

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Summary

This role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced assistant psychologist to join the research team working on a Wellcome funded study, AVATAR3. The successful candidate will join an existing team of clinical psychologists, research assistants, and experts by experience, to work on new developments in AVATAR therapy, a blended digital intervention for distressing voices in psychosis.

One workstream of the AVATAR3 project involves developing a version of AVATAR therapy in which automated dialogues are delivered using non-generative conversational Artificial Intelligence (AVATAR-AI) and testing the feasibility of delivery of this version by a non-specialist UK workforce. We aim to test the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical impact of AVATAR-AI, delivered by non-specialist mental health workers. The post-holder will primarily support with this workstream, but there may be opportunities for involvement in the international workstream (adapting and testing AVATAR therapy in Ethiopia and India).

We particularly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are currently underrepresented within the psychological therapies workforce, as we recognise the value of a diverse workforce in delivering high-quality, culturally responsive care.

Job Purpose:

· To support practitioner psychologists through the delivery of psychological assessment and intervention (AVATAR-AI therapy) under close supervision, as part of the AVATAR3 research project.

· To provide clinical work as required by the project, under the clinical and professional supervision of a practitioner psychologist.

· To assist in clinically relevant research administration tasks, including collection of data, where appropriate.

· To work as at appropriate levels of independence, following clinical guidelines and the policies and procedures of the service, and seeking help from clinical/professional supervisor or manager as required.

This project is taking place within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, and in collaboration with the Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients with Psychosis (PICUP). There are wide ranging opportunities for CPD and networking with teams and colleagues in SLAM and KCL, and there may be potential for observation opportunities or to gain experience supporting with other clinical activities within PICUP as required.

Trust values and commitments:

I promise to:

· Be caring kind and polite

· Be prompt and value your time

· Do what I say I’m going to do

· Take the time and listen to you

· Be honest and direct with you

Please see the full job description for further information.

This post is open to applicants with a first-class or upper-second-class Bachelors degree with Honours in Psychology that is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society. Experience of working with people experiencing distressing voices in the context of psychosis is highly desirable.

This advert closes on Wednesday 28 Oct 2026

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