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Assistant Psychologists - Job Opportunity at St Michaels House

Dublin, Ireland
Contract
Entry-level
Posted: July 21, 2025
On-site
€35,081–€50,864 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive annual leave package providing extended time off for work-life balance and professional development
Robust sick pay scheme ensuring financial security during health-related absences
Cycle to work scheme promoting sustainable transportation while offering tax benefits and health advantages
HSE incremental pay scale providing structured salary progression and long-term earning potential
Premium payments for frontline staff recognizing additional responsibilities and direct care contributions
Paid maternity leave supporting family planning and career continuity
Pension scheme ensuring long-term financial security and retirement planning
Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges
Comprehensive training and CPD opportunities fostering professional growth and skill enhancement
Clear career progression pathways within established healthcare organization

Key Responsibilities

Lead systematic behavioral observations and functional assessments to drive evidence-based intervention strategies for adults with intellectual disabilities
Design, implement, and evaluate psychological interventions and training programmes that directly impact service user outcomes and quality of life
Collaborate in developing evidence-based clinical formulations that inform treatment decisions and service delivery approaches
Deliver specialized training programmes to staff and service users, building organizational capacity and promoting best practices
Conduct comprehensive research literature reviews to inform practice improvements and evidence-based decision making
Support research and evaluation projects that contribute to organizational learning and service enhancement
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including PICs and frontline staff to ensure integrated care delivery
Monitor and evaluate intervention effectiveness through data collection and analysis to ensure continuous improvement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree (or Equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 level or above from a PSI-accredited Psychology course

Experience

Experience and interest in supporting adults with moderate to profound Intellectual Disabilities

Required Skills

Experience and interest in supporting adults with moderate to profound Intellectual Disabilities Experience of working with adults or children who are Autistic and have an Intellectual Disability Training and/or experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis Strong IT skills Research and evaluation skills Full, clean Driver's License

Certifications

Full, clean Driver's License
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The disability services sector in Ireland is experiencing significant transformation driven by the HSE's Comprehensive Employment Strategy and increased government investment in community-based care models. This shift towards person-centered approaches and evidence-based interventions is creating substantial demand for qualified psychology professionals who can bridge clinical expertise with practical application in community settings. There is growing emphasis on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and positive behavior support frameworks within Irish disability services, reflecting international best practices and research outcomes. This trend is driving demand for professionals with specialized training in these methodologies, particularly those who can work effectively with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. The integration of technology and data-driven approaches in psychological interventions is becoming increasingly important, with organizations seeking professionals who can combine traditional clinical skills with strong IT capabilities for assessment, monitoring, and evaluation purposes. This technological integration is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating outcome effectiveness.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of €35,081–€50,864 aligns well with HSE pay scales for assistant-level psychology positions in Ireland. This represents competitive compensation for entry-level psychology graduates, particularly when combined with the comprehensive benefits package including pension, incremental progression, and professional development opportunities. The fixed-term nature provides excellent experience-building potential with strong prospects for permanent placement.

Role Significance

Typically working within a multidisciplinary team structure including qualified psychologists, persons in charge (PICs), frontline care staff, and potentially occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. The role involves both receiving supervision from senior psychologists and providing guidance to support staff, positioning the assistant psychologist as a key connector within the service delivery model.
This is a supervised entry-level professional role that serves as a critical bridge between academic psychology training and independent clinical practice. The position offers substantial responsibility for direct intervention delivery while providing essential supervision and mentorship from qualified psychologists, making it an important stepping stone for career development in disability psychology services.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of individual behavior support plans for service users with complex needs Staff training initiatives on psychological approaches and positive behavior support strategies Research projects evaluating intervention effectiveness and service outcomes Assessment and functional analysis projects to inform care planning and service development Quality improvement initiatives focused on evidence-based practice implementation

Success Factors

Strong foundation in psychological theory combined with practical application skills, particularly the ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible interventions for diverse staff teams and service users with varying communication abilities. Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams while building trust with service users, families, and colleagues in a complex organizational environment with multiple stakeholders. Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning, demonstrated through engagement with research literature, data collection and analysis, and willingness to adapt approaches based on outcomes and feedback. Cultural competency and person-centered approach that respects individual differences, promotes dignity and choice, and aligns with contemporary disability rights perspectives and organizational values.

Market Demand

High demand driven by expanded government funding for disability services, regulatory requirements for qualified psychology support, and the specialized nature of intellectual disability and autism services requiring specific expertise and training.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bachelor's degree in Psychology from PSI-accredited program is absolutely essential as this provides the theoretical foundation and professional recognition necessary for supervised practice leading to full registration. The 2.1 level requirement ensures strong academic preparation for the complex clinical and research demands of the role. Experience with intellectual disabilities is critical because this specialized population requires specific knowledge of developmental considerations, communication approaches, and intervention strategies that differ significantly from general psychology practice. This experience demonstrates commitment to the field and practical understanding of the challenges involved. Full driving license is essential due to the community-based nature of services requiring travel between multiple locations, home visits, and transportation to various service sites. This mobility is fundamental to effective service delivery in community disability services.

Beneficial Skills

Applied Behaviour Analysis training is highly valuable because ABA represents the gold standard for evidence-based interventions in intellectual disability and autism services. This specialized knowledge significantly enhances intervention effectiveness and aligns with contemporary best practices in the field. Strong IT skills are increasingly important for data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements while supporting the integration of technology into assessment and intervention processes. These skills enhance efficiency and support evidence-based practice through better data management. Research and evaluation skills are beneficial for contributing to the organization's continuous improvement efforts and professional development, while supporting the evidence base for effective interventions and service improvements.

Unique Aspects

Fixed-term contract structure providing intensive supervised experience equivalent to traditional psychology internship programs, with clear pathway for skill development and professional registration preparation
Direct integration with HSE systems and pay scales while maintaining the community-focused mission and flexibility of a charitable organization, offering both stability and meaningful impact
Specialized focus on adults with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities combined with autism expertise, providing niche experience in high-demand specialty areas
Comprehensive supervision model combining clinical oversight with practical mentorship, preparing graduates for independent practice while contributing meaningfully to service delivery from day one

Career Growth

Typical progression to qualified psychologist status requires 2-3 years of supervised practice followed by professional registration, with this fixed-term contract providing essential supervised experience. Senior assistant roles may be accessible within 1-2 years, while specialized positions typically require 3-5 years of diverse experience.

Potential Next Roles

Qualified Psychologist positions following completion of professional training and registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland Senior Assistant Psychologist roles with increased autonomy and specialized focus areas Training and Development Coordinator positions leveraging experience in staff education and capacity building Research and Evaluation Specialist roles focusing on service improvement and evidence-based practice development Service Development roles combining clinical expertise with operational and strategic planning responsibilities

Company Overview

St Michaels House

St. Michael's House is a well-established Irish charity and HSE Section 38 agency with over 65 years of experience providing comprehensive services to people with intellectual disabilities. The organization operates multiple residential, day, and community-based services across Dublin and surrounding areas, with a strong reputation for person-centered care and evidence-based practice approaches.

Recognized as one of Ireland's leading disability service providers with a strong reputation for quality care, professional development, and innovative service delivery models. The organization's status as a HSE Section 38 agency provides stability and credibility while maintaining the flexibility and mission-driven focus of a charitable organization.
Significant presence in the Dublin metropolitan area with established community connections and strong relationships with HSE, regulatory bodies, and other service providers. The organization's regional leadership position creates opportunities for professional networking, career development, and involvement in sector-wide initiatives and policy development.
Professional healthcare environment emphasizing evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and person-centered values. The organization's commitment to staff development, comprehensive benefits, and structured career progression suggests a supportive workplace culture that values professional growth and work-life balance.
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