Assistant Psychologist

Would you like to work for a great employer?

Enable Ireland is an organisation that makes a real difference to the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Ireland, and is named as one of Ireland's Irish Independent 150 Best Employers 2023

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our team in Kilkenny Children’s Network Disability team.

Contract Hours: Full or Part Time Contract available

Contract Type: 1 year Fixed Term / Part Time or Full Time

Overview of the role:
The post holder will work as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing services to children aged 0 -18 years and families within the region, under the clinical supervision of a Psychologist in providing psychological support, including therapeutic support and formal assessments, to children and young people (aged 0 – 18 years) attending our service. The post holder will be required to work across a variety of settings including the clinic, schools, preschools and special schools, children’s homes and respite centre settings.

Duties
Under the guidance and supervision of the Supervising Psychologist, the Trainee Psychologist may be involved with: -

• Responding to incoming queries and referrals to the Psychology department.

• Contributing to the development of psychological resources for service users, families, schools and other health and education professionals.

• Regular review and maintenance of the Psychology referrals database.

• Collaborating with all members of the multi-disciplinary team in delivering therapeutic interventions, including associated administrative duties.

• Operate within the Psychological Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Code of Ethics.

• Developing the skills needed to engage in clinical assessment and diagnostic skills relating to the psychological and emotional needs of children and young people within the context of their presenting developmental difficulties and/or disability.

• Developing the skills needed to engage in assessment relating to the adaptive functioning, intellectual functioning, behaviour and emotional wellbeing of the children and young people attending the service.

• Developing the skills needed to engage in therapeutic intervention drawing upon concepts and techniques within various therapeutic frameworks.

• Developing the skills needed to engage in functional assessments of behaviour and collaborating in the development of behaviour management plans.

• Continuously developing professional knowledge and expertise, attending and participating in learning and development events, meetings and conferences (as requested/approved by supervisor/line manager) to ensure up to date knowledge relevant to the role.

• Attending and participating in regular team and other meetings, both internal and external.

• Developing competencies working within a biopsychosocial model of clinical practice.

• This description is not restrictive and the post holder may be required to carry out other duties as requested by their manager/supervising Psychologist.

The successful candidate will have:

Essential Criteria:

• Have a Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) accredited qualification at not less than a Level 8 at 2.1 honours grade on the QQI qualifications framework in which psychology was a major subject. 
OR 
• A Level 8 honours degree in another subject together with an accredited conversion qualification at a minimum of (2.1) as conferring eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland. 
OR 
• A qualification equivalent to the above accredited by the British Psychological Society for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society. OR A qualification equivalent to either (i) or (ii) which would allow the applicant to become a graduate member of the PSI. 
AND 
• Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and administrative ability, for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Desirable Criteria:

• Children First Training. 
• Demonstrated evaluation and research skills.
• Relevant training in areas specific to therapeutic interventions for children 0–18 years.
• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience.
• Any relevant postgraduate training specific to child disability services.
• An awareness and understanding of the features of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Experience working with children with disabilities and their families.

If you believe you would fit the role then please submit your application today.

Benefits:
As a staff member of Enable Ireland, you will have access to a wide range of benefits, including:-

• Excellent training opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlements
• Long service reward scheme 
• Pay adjusted Maternity Leave
• Pay adjusted Adoptive Leave
• Pay adjusted Paternity Leave
• Wellbeing benefits
• Pension 

For a full list of our benefits & conditions, please search:  

What now?

Applications must be made on the Enable Ireland application form only. CV’s will not be accepted.

To apply, please download the job description and person specification below for your information and complete the online application form 

For informal enquiries, please contact: Therese Healy on .

Closing date for applications: 27/05/24

Interview Date: TBC


A panel will be formed from this vacancy for any similar vacancies, which may arise during the next 12 months.

Enable Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

• The post will be subject to reference checks and may be subject to Garda vetting/police clearance, as relevant.
• Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview.
• Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants from all sections of the community.
• The above information serves only as a guide to the advertised position. Enable Ireland, at its discretion, reserves the right to change this prior to appointment.
• Please review the Enable Ireland’s External Data Protection Notice available at for details on how Enable Ireland processes applicant’s personal information. Please note if you are invited for interview, we will share your personal data with: 1) Any virtual service provider we use to host the interview; and 2) the interview panel (if applicable). Your information will be stored for this purpose in line with our retention policy.