Assistant Psychologist

The Changing Lives Initiative is a cross-border, community-led early intervention project to address neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and Autism.

Following an earlier successful EU funded project, the 4 year Changing Lives Initiative: Flourish & Thrive project has been tasked with delivery and evaluation of a new community based early intervention pathway for neurodevelopmental concerns. Having formally launched in September 2025, the project is providing a range of early interventions to families of children with queried or diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and Autism; with 8,700 parents and children in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic, expected to benefit from the project. Please note that this is not a diagnostic service. The project is being supported by an €8.4m award from PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Archways, lead partner on the Project are currently seeking an Assistant Psychologist to support delivery of the Project.

JOB DESCRIPTION - Assistant Psychologist (Fulltime) Job Title: Assistant Psychologist
Salary Scale: Archways Therapist Point 1 (€48,996)
Duration: To 30th September 2028
Location: Remote/hybrid, with travel to project locations including Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Belfast
Line Manager: Changing Lives Initiative Regional Coordinator
Supervisor: Quality & Development Lead (Senior Psychologist).

JOB PURPOSE Archways is recruiting a paid Assistant Psychologist to support the Quality & Development Lead (Senior Psychologist) in delivery of the Changing Lives Initiative: Flourish & Thrive project. The Assistant Psychologist will support the project by assisting with development and delivery of psychoeducational workshops; administration, scoring and analysis of screening questionnaires; co-facilitation of evidence-based parenting programmes; supporting delivery of training to facilitators; contributing to research and evaluation activities; and assisting the facilitator team with queries relating to intervention delivery. As a cross-border project, the Assistant Psychologist will also work collaboratively with project colleagues in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, providing opportunities to develop an understanding of different healthcare, psychology and community service structures and how psychological practice operates across different service contexts.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Workshop Support: Assist in development and delivery of psychoeducation workshops for parents and professionals.
• Screening and Assessment: Assist with the administration, scoring and analysis of screening questionnaires, under the Senior Psychologist's guidance, including supporting screening processes for families participating in Project interventions.
• Research and Evaluation: Support research and evaluation activities associated with the Project, including data collection, data management, literature reviews and other research activities as required.
• Parenting Programme Delivery: Co-facilitate evidence-based parenting programmes delivered as part of the Project, including Triple P Fear-Less and other relevant Project interventions.
• Facilitator Team Training and CPD: Assist the Senior Psychologist with the delivery of training and CPD to the facilitator team.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and contribute to shared learning across the Project.
• Facilitator Team Assistance: Provide support to the facilitator team, assisting with queries related to intervention delivery.
• Relationship Building: Help the Senior Psychologist strengthen links with local agencies, ensuring children and families can access further resources.
• Administrative Tasks: Carry out suitable administrative duties linked to service provision, in accordance with the role of an Assistant Psychologist.
• Keep abreast of relevant developments at a national and international level in relation to ADHD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Engage in training as required with other Changing Lives Initiative staff.
• Provide a flexible approach to work as some evening and potentially weekend work will be required.
• Have access to personal transport, as travel to Project offices (Dundalk, Belfast, Clondalkin) and other service delivery locations is required.

SUPERVISION AND DEVELOPMENT

• The Assistant Psychologist will receive both individual and group supervision from the Quality & Development Lead (Senior Psychologist).
• A minimum of four hours of formal supervision and professional development support will be available each month, alongside informal supervision and consultation as required.
• The Assistant Psychologist will have opportunities to observe and work alongside the Senior Psychologist and other members of the psychology and wider project teams.
• The role will provide experience in neurodevelopmental screening, psychoeducation, evidence-based parent programmes, group facilitation, research and evaluation, service development and cross-border psychological practice.
• Time will be allocated, where appropriate, for literature review, professional learning and networking with other professionals working in the field.
• The Assistant Psychologist will have opportunities to participate in shared learning and professional development with colleagues across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications & Experience:

Essential Qualification & Experience:

• A 2.2 honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology (or equivalent)
• A Master's degree in Psychology or a relevant discipline.
• A minimum of two years' experience working with children, young people, and/or families.
• Eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Additional training in neurodevelopmental conditions, such as ADHD and Autism.
• Experience delivering or co-facilitating workshops, psychoeducational groups, parenting programmes or structured interventions with children, families or professionals.
• Experience administering, scoring or supporting the interpretation of psychological screening measures under appropriate supervision.
• Familiarity with psychological assessment, screening, outcome measurement or service evaluation.
• Experience working in multi-agency or community-based settings, collaborating with professionals from education, healthcare, or social services.
• Understanding of neurodivergent-affirmative approaches to supporting children, young people, and families.
• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures and ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of local services and supports available to families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions

Skills & Attributes: Essential

• Strong knowledge of evidence-based approaches in child and family psychology, particularly early intervention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate psychological concepts clearly to parents, professionals and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Good presentation and group facilitation skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Competence in IT systems, including data entry, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between project locations, including Dundalk, West Belfast, Clondalkin, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and other locations as required.
• Access to personal transport.

Personal Characteristics Essential:

• Flexible and adaptable
• Resilient
• Motivated
• Goal-oriented
• Proactive attitude
• Collaborative
• Committed to learning and professional development
• Comfortable working across remote, community and in-person settings

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Location

While elements of this role can be delivered remotely/online, in-person working and travel are an important part of the post and applicants should not consider the role to be fully remote.

The Archways project team delivers services across Counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan and works collaboratively with project partners and colleagues across Northern Ireland.

The main Archways Project Office is located in Dundalk at DkIT. In-person work may also take place in the Changing Lives Initiative Project Office in West Belfast, Archways' main office in Clondalkin, and other community and project locations.

Regular travel to locations including Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Belfast will therefore be required.

Hybrid and remote working arrangements are available where appropriate to the requirements of the role.

Contract Type Fixed term contract (to 30th September 2028) reflecting current funding secured. It is hoped that ongoing funding will be secured beyond this point. All posts are subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Hours

• Fulltime Post (35 hours per week)
• Annual Leave
  25 days exclusive of public holidays

Why work with Archways?

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid-working model including the option to work from home (up to 3 days per week)
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