About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and supportive Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Taunton. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position, offering an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate looking to develop their experience within clinical psychology and learning disability services.
Working under the supervision of a qualified HCPC-registered Clinical or Practitioner Psychologist, you will contribute to the delivery of psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for adults with learning disabilities. The role offers valuable experience in direct clinical work, service development, audit, research and multidisciplinary team working.
We are looking for someone with experience of working with people with learning disabilities and an interest in supporting individuals who may present with complex or challenging behaviours. Experience of systemic approaches and Positive Behaviour Support would be advantageous.
This post provides excellent development opportunities for aspiring psychology professionals and offers regular clinical supervision, support and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Main duties of the job
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and supportive Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Taunton. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position, offering an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate looking to develop their experience within clinical psychology and learning disability services.
Working under the supervision of a qualified HCPC-registered Clinical or Practitioner Psychologist, you will contribute to the delivery of psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for adults with learning disabilities. The role offers valuable experience in direct clinical work, service development, audit, research and multidisciplinary team working.
We are looking for someone with experience of working with people with learning disabilities and an interest in supporting individuals who may present with complex or challenging behaviours. Experience of systemic approaches and Positive Behaviour Support would be advantageous.
This post provides excellent development opportunities for aspiring psychology professionals and offers regular clinical supervision, support and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
As an Assistant Psychologist, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities, supporting the delivery of high-quality psychological services across Somerset. You will assist qualified Psychologists in the assessment, formulation and treatment planning of adults with learning disabilities and associated mental health needs.
The role involves working directly with service users and their support networks, gathering information through psychological assessments and clinical interviews, administering psychological measures and assisting with risk assessments. You will contribute to the delivery of structured psychological interventions and support service users to achieve their personal goals and improve their wellbeing.
You will play an important role in service development by supporting audits, research projects, data analysis and quality improvement initiatives. The post holder will regularly undertake literature reviews and contribute to ensuring that services are informed by current evidence and best practice.
Working closely with Psychologists, clinicians and partner agencies, you will help promote psychologically informed approaches and support training initiatives across the service. You will be expected to maintain accurate electronic records, manage your workload effectively and work within professional, organisational and ethical guidelines at all times.
The successful candidate will hold a degree in Psychology and be eligible for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society. They will be able to demonstrate experience of working with vulnerable adults, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a compassionate, person-centred approach. Experience working with people with learning disabilities and complex behaviours is essential, while knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches would be beneficial.
Due to the community-based nature of the role, applicants must hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance to travel across Somerset as required.
If you are looking to build your clinical psychology experience within a supportive and professional environment, we would love to hear from you.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
First degree in psychology. Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS
Desirable
A further qualification in an appropriate subject
Experience Essential
Experience of working in community settings. Demonstrable experience of working directly with a vulnerable client group, including experience of working psychologically with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems.
Desirable
Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who can be hard to engage. Experience of undertaking planned psychological interventions with adults who are experiencing mental health problems / behaviours that challenge others.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Parkgate House
East Reach
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3ES
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)