Job summary
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.
About us
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 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
- Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential
- Paid experience as an Assistant Psychologist
Desirable
- Previous delivery group interventions
- Ability to reflect on own lived experience of psychological distress
Skills and Knowlege
Essential
- Basic competency in word processing and statistical analysis
- Able to use supervision appropriately in order to agree and review goals
Desirable
- Experience using computers for databases or data analysis, including SPSS and Excel
Other
Essential
- Be able to navigate the Gwent footprint in a timely way so as to provide a Pan Gwent Service
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Address
St Cadoc's Hospital
Lodge Road
Caerleon
NP18 3XQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
This listing was aggregated from publicly-available sources. The employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence at the time of this listing, but sponsorship of this specific role is not guaranteed — the employer's offer and UK Visas and Immigration are the final authority. Details may have changed since our last update — verify with the employer via the Apply link.