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Job Overview
An opportunity has arisen to recruit to two full-time, permanent Band 5 Assistant Psychologist posts: one in the Part One Psychology Service (POPS) and one in the Aneurin Bevan Specialist Drug & Alcohol Service (ABSDAS).
POPS Role:
POPS supports psychologists in CMHTs by delivering group interventions and individual psychological support in line with Matrics Cymru. Assistant Psychologists play a central role in facilitating groups and delivering structured 1:1 interventions.
Much of the work is online, though regular attendance at St Cadoc’s Hospital and the ability to travel to other bases or service users’ homes is essential. The team includes administrative staff, peer mentors, assistant psychologists, therapists, CAAPs and practitioner psychologists.
ABSDAS Role:
ABSDAS supports individuals with substance use and complex needs, including mental and physical health. This role coordinates the Co-Occurring Needs Panel (COG), a multi-agency forum reviewing care for a small cohort of people with complex engagement needs.
The post holder will coordinate, support and evaluate this approach, undertake administrative work, and provide psychological input. They will also work within the ABSDAS MDT delivering group (e.g. DBT-informed emotional skills) and individual interventions under supervision.
The role is grounded in trauma- and attachment-informed principles, focusing on engagement, inclusion, and working alongside individuals who often experience exclusion.
Main duties of the job
POPS Post:
POPS works across all eight adult CMHTs in Gwent, providing high-quality, evidence-based psychological interventions. The focus is on formulation-driven approaches tailored to the clinical context.
The role involves delivering group and individual interventions, primarily using CBT- and DBT-informed approaches, alongside other evidence-based models where appropriate. It also includes assisting qualified psychologists and practitioners with assessments and interventions, and supporting data collection, reporting, and outcome monitoring.
Successful applicants will receive high levels of support, including regular, high-quality supervision.
ABSDAS Role:
This role involves coordinating the Co-Occurring Needs Panel (COG) in Newport, supporting the planning, delivery, and evaluation of an innovative multi-agency approach for individuals with complex mental health and substance use needs.
The post holder will undertake administrative tasks, provide psychological input, and contribute to the wider ABSDAS MDT. They will support and deliver therapy within the service, working under the guidance of a senior psychologist while using initiative and representing the profession effectively.
The role includes implementing care plans, offering advice within competence, and delivering individual and group interventions (e.g. DBT-informed emotional skills training) under consultant clinical psychologist supervision.
Working for our organisation
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025–2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of
Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another.
We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Good honours degree in Psychology (First or Second Class)
- Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society
- Successfully completed a course of study in line with Matrics Cymru competencies/standards for low-intensity psychological interventions / qualified as a PWP
Desirable criteria
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential criteria
- Paid experience as an Assistant Psychologist
Desirable criteria
- Previous delivery group interventions
- Ability to reflect on own lived experience of psychological distress
Skills and Knowlege
Essential criteria
- Basic competency in word processing and statistical analysis
- Able to use supervision appropriately in order to agree and review goals
Desirable criteria
- Experience using computers for databases or data analysis, including SPSS and Excel
Other
Essential criteria
- Be able to navigate the Gwent footprint in a timely way so as to provide a Pan Gwent Service
