The closing date is 4th Aug 2026
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Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and supportive Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities.
As an Assistant Psychologist, you will assist in the provision of psychological assessments and evidence-based psychological interventions for adults with learning disabilities. You will also contribute to training, service development, audit and service evaluation activities, working as part of a multi-professional team.
We are seeking a Psychology Graduate with experience of working with people with learning disabilities. Experience of supporting individuals who present with challenging or complex behaviours would be advantageous, as would knowledge of systemic approaches and Positive Behaviour Support.
You will have opportunities to deliver therapeutic interventions under the supervision of an HCPC-registered Clinical or Practitioner Psychologist, while developing your skills in assessment, formulation and intervention. All clinical work will be supported through regular supervision and professional development.
We are committed to supporting Assistants who wish to further their careers within the psychology professions and encourage development opportunities whenever possible. We are looking for someone who is resilient, reflective, compassionate and motivated to work psychologically with this client group.
A full UK driving licence and permanent access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance are essential for this role.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
Assist qualified Clinical and Practitioner Psychologists in the assessment, formulation and delivery of psychological interventions for adults with learning disabilities.
Support psychological assessments through the administration of psychological measures, rating scales, interviews and information gathering.
Deliver brief, planned psychological interventions and therapeutic work under the supervision of a qualified Psychologist.
Develop positive therapeutic relationships with service users, families, carers and professionals.
Assist with research, audit, service evaluation and data analysis projects.
Contribute to the delivery of training and psychologically informed support to staff and care providers.
Maintain accurate electronic records and reports in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings and work collaboratively with a wide range of partner agencies.
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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 life
NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, 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.
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Job description
As an Assistant Psychologist within CTALD, you will work as part of a multi-professional team supporting adults with learning disabilities across Somerset. You will assist qualified Psychologists in delivering a high-quality psychological service, contributing to assessment, intervention and service development activities.
You will support psychological assessments by gathering and reviewing information from a range of sources, including electronic patient records, service users, families, carers and professionals. You may administer psychological assessments, outcome measures, rating scales and semi-structured interviews to assist formulation and care planning.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to deliver therapeutic interventions under supervision, developing skills in evidence-based psychological approaches and positive behaviour support. All clinical work will be overseen through regular supervision and review provided by an allocated HCPC-registered Clinical or Practitioner Psychologist.
You will work closely with a wide range of professionals including psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, care providers and experts by experience, helping to ensure coordinated and person-centred care.
The role also includes supporting research, audit and service evaluation activities, undertaking literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and assisting with the development of service improvement initiatives. You will contribute to the delivery of training and psychologically informed support for colleagues, carers and support providers.
We are particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate resilience, reflective practice and a commitment to working compassionately with adults who may present with complex needs, behaviours that challenge and significant life experiences. You will need excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
The role involves travel across Somerset to attend appointments, meetings and other service commitments. Therefore, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have permanent access to your own vehicle with appropriate business insurance.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
First degree in psychology.
Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS.
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Desirable
A further qualification in an appropriate subject.
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Experience
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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.
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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.
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
An understanding of the psychological assessment process to develop formulations, inform care and risk assessment.
An understanding of and experience in research/audit and data analysis.
Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service and willingness to drive to different locations across the county.
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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.
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Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
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For help with your application, contact:
Lorna Robbins
[email protected]
07342066110
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 5
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Salary
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£32073.00 to £39043.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Part-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-4963
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Job locations
Glanville House
Church Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 5AT
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