Associate Psychologist – NHSE Homeless Sector Project

The Clinical Psychology programme team is looking to employ a Clinical Associate, from February 2026 until September 2027. During this period, you will be contracted to work 900 hours (working pattern to be agreed in discussion with the research team) to support the development of our work within the homeless sector. 

With support from South-East NHS England, the Surrey PsychD programme has been working on an innovative project over the past two years to develop homelessness placements for trainees, and to embed housing and homelessness as a priority agenda within the PsychD programme. The project seeks to expand the psychological workforce within the homelessness sector, and to generate ways of working between the third sector and the NHS.

Building on the success of the project to date, we are now seeking an Associate with experience of working in the homelessness sector, or a similar field, to support the continued development of these placements and the longevity of the project. This post will form a crucial role in building strategic relationships with local third sector organisations across Surrey and Sussex, and with our partner NHS Trusts’ housing initiatives. 

The post holder will be expected to develop and coordinate trainee placements, generate new ways to assess trainee competencies within these organisations, and support trainees undertaking these roles. There will also be a requirement to support supervisors in the region, and to work with organisational leads to provide overall structure to the placements. This is an exciting time to join the project team, with opportunities for project management, leadership, stakeholder engagement and national dissemination. The role will involve close liaison with the PsychD programme exec team, as well as the wider team.

About you

The post holder will be expected to have excellent communication skills and a passion for supporting those who are marginalised and facing inequalities and deprivation. Applicants will need to be registered with the HCPC as a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist, will have experience of working in third sector organisations, and will be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and project management skills. The post will provide an opportunity to work with a team of applied psychologists, homeless sector partners as well as trainees who respect and value one another, are advocates for lived experience, lifelong learning, and who embrace change. 

The School and Faculty

The clinical psychology programme is based within the School of Psychology, within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (FHMS). The faculty is a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare education, research and consultancy.  It has extensive links with local health care providers and is based in a modern, purpose built, state-of-the-art teaching facility on the University of Surrey campus in Guildford.  The campus provides a pleasant working environment with close links to road and rail transport. Further information about the University and the School of Psychology can be found at https://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-psychology

Further Information

For an informal discussion please contact  Jane Iles, Programme  Director via [email protected] or Mary John, Head of Discipline via [email protected] 

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter via the University website.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.  

Closing Date: 28 Jan 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £40 per hour Fixed Term (- Sept 2027)