The closing date is 23rd Aug 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) August, dates to be confirmed.
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Job summary
We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (SASS).
Our specialist service provides NICE-recommended diagnostic assessments for adults with a likely Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-5 diagnosis) and is developing time-limited post-diagnostic support to help people understand and thrive following diagnosis.
You'll become part of a welcoming multidisciplinary team that includes Clinical / Counselling Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, a Music Therapist, Trainee Clinical Psychologists and Team Secretaries. Together, we're committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care for autistic adults, including those experiencing long-term mental health difficulties.
We're seeking someone with excellent communication and organisational skills who enjoys working collaboratively and is passionate about making a difference. You'll need an undergraduate Psychology degree (or recognised conversion qualification) that provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
A genuine interest in, or experience of, supporting autistic adults and neurodivergent individuals would be advantageous. Above all, we're looking for someone who brings energy, curiosity and enthusiasm, is keen to learn, and is excited to contribute fresh ideas within a supportive and developing service.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
You'll support adults throughout their journey with the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service, from referral to discharge. This includes attending weekly referral meetings, responding to enquiries and helping people access the support they need.
Working alongside Clinical and Counselling Psychologists and the wider multidisciplinary team, you'll contribute to pre-assessment work, diagnostic assessments and post-diagnostic support, including co-facilitating groups. You'll also support service development through data collection, audit and service evaluation. Regular supervision from experienced psychologists will support your learning and development.
You'll have opportunities to contribute to co-produced projects with our Experts by Experience, helping to shape and improve services for autistic adults.
We have strong links with services across Somerset, autism teams throughout the South West and the University of Exeter Clinical Psychology training programme. You'll also benefit from opportunities to connect with the Trust's wider psychology network.
We are committed to supporting professional development and offer a friendly, supportive environment in which to grow your skills and experience.
If you're passionate about supporting autistic adults and developing a career in psychology, we'd love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Julia Bower (07818 586536), Dr Max Buchanan (07741 296210) or Dr Jenny Lee (07425 617286).
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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
Support the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (SASS) in delivering specialist autism services for adults across Somerset, including diagnostic assessments, post-diagnostic support, service development activities and co-production projects.
Assist in the triage and processing of referrals to the service, including attending referral meetings, preparing information for discussion and supporting associated administrative processes.
Liaise effectively with GPs, health and social care professionals, voluntary sector organisations, recovery partners and other agencies involved in supporting autistic adults.
Work alongside Clinical and Counselling Psychologists and other members of the multidisciplinary team to support autism diagnostic assessments for adults referred to the service.
Review and extract relevant information from electronic patient records and other clinical documentation to support psychological assessment and formulation.
Develop and maintain compassionate, respectful and professional therapeutic relationships with autistic adults, their families and carers, ensuring communication is tailored to individual needs.
Support the planning, organisation and delivery of post-diagnostic support, including one-to-one sessions, six-month follow-up appointments, online drop-in services and group interventions.
Work collaboratively with the team's Experts by Experience, supporting co-produced initiatives that help shape, improve and develop services for autistic adults across Somerset.
Contribute to service development projects, helping to identify opportunities for improvement and supporting the implementation of new ways of working.
Undertake data collection, analysis and interpretation to support audit, research and service evaluation projects, producing reports and summaries as required.
Carry out literature searches and reviews to support evidence-based practice, service development and the work of qualified psychologists within the team.
Assist in the preparation and delivery of training, information sessions and psychological education activities for colleagues and partner organisations.
Maintain accurate, timely and professional electronic clinical records in line with Trust policies and professional standards.
Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary meetings, psychology forums, service development meetings and other relevant professional meetings.
Manage and prioritise your workload effectively, working independently where appropriate whilst recognising the limits of your role and seeking guidance when needed.
Make full use of regular clinical and management supervision to support reflective practice, clinical decision-making and professional development.
Work in accordance with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust policies, HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and relevant professional guidance.
Travel across Somerset as required to support service delivery, meetings and partnership working. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance are essential for this role.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture, demonstrating the Trust values of kindness, respect and teamwork in all aspects of your work.
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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 mental health problems.
Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with autistic people.
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Desirable
Experience of undertaking planned psychological interventions with adults who are experiencing mental health problems.
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
Interest and passion for working with autistic people.
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:
Julia Bower
[email protected]
07818586536
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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
Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-5370
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Job locations
Glanville House
Church Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 5AT
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