Assistant Psychologist

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare provider is looking for a compassionate Assistant Psychologist to join their CAMHS team in Poole. This role involves providing psychological assessments and interventions under supervision, supporting the mental health care of children and young people. Candidates should have a BPS accredited psychology degree and relevant experience with young people. The position is fixed term, offering 37.5 hours per week with opportunities for supervision and development.

Benefits

Opportunities for clinical supervision

Training and development

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Relevant experience working with children or young people in a mental health or educational setting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance the professional psychological care for young people.
• Work independently under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
• Involved in the screening process for neurodevelopmental assessments.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Education

2:1 or 1st class degree in psychology

Tools

Database management

Psychometric testing tools

Job description

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Assistant Psychologist

The closing date is 04 December 2025

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our dynamic community CAMHS team, supporting children and young people and enhancing the professional psychological care for young people under the team by providing protocol-based psychological assessment and psychological interventions under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.

Offered on 12-month fixed term working 37.5 hours per week. The post is based in Poole Core CAMHS. The service has adopted the THRIVE model of care, which aims to identify and deliver clinical interventions that are based on the family need.

The service is entering an exciting period of growth, with new investments and initiatives underway. This role will evolve alongside the development of our service; initially, you may support existing teams while new structures are implemented. All positions are pan-Dorset and will involve having a temporary base during the transitional phase. As our service develops, some roles may involve working flexibly within extended hours to reflect our commitment to being there at the moments that count most. This is more than just a role - it's a chance to help shape a growing service and be part of something that really matters. We are looking for compassionate, adaptable and positive individuals who are inspired by the idea of making a genuine difference and who want to help shape the future of care in our community.

Main duties of the job

You will support and enhance the professional psychological care for young people within team by providing protocol based psychological assessment and psychological interventions under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist.

You will also work independently according to a plan agreed with a qualified Clinical Psychologist and within the overall framework of the CAMHS Team policies and procedures.

You will be actively involved in the screening process for neurodevelopmental assessments and offering appropriate interventions to young people and their families. You will also assist in clinically related administration and audits.

You will use evidence-based approaches to support emotional wellbeing and signpost to appropriate resources, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and elevate concerns where necessary.

About You

A psychology degree (BPS accredited) and relevant experience working with children or young people in a mental health or educational setting.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a warm and empathetic approach.

Ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team.

A strong understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.

Opportunities for clinical supervision, training and development are available as well as involvement in CAMHS transformation.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

• 2:1 or 1st class degree in psychology
• Experience with Children and Young People mental health
• Experience of psychometric testing, as well as experience with other tests

Job specific experience

• Experience of working with young people who have autism or adhd
• Experience of psychometric/neuropsychological assessment

Information technology

• Experience running and maintaining databases
• Experience of audit
• Completion of research dissertation - preferably relevant to clinial psychology
• Previous experience as an assistant psychologist
• Good understanding of people with special neeeds or mental health problems

Business travel

• Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust Level 1* or business.

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.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust