Assistant Psychologist

Dorset Healthcare; Poole; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Poole is seeking an Assistant Psychologist to support children and young people's psychological care. This role involves conducting assessments and interventions under supervision, contributing to a growing service committed to making a difference in the community. Ideal candidates should possess a BPS accredited psychology degree and relevant experience, with opportunities for flexibility and professional development.

Benefits

27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years

Excellent NHS pension scheme

Flexible working options

Health and wellbeing services

Free training and one-to-one career coaching

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in mental health or educational settings.
• Willingness to assist in clinically related administration and audits.

Responsibilities

• Support psychological assessments and interventions under supervision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for continuity of care.
• Participate in neurodevelopmental assessments.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Empathy

Ability to work independently

Understanding of safeguarding

Education

BPS accredited psychology degree

Job description

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.

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 to escape concerns where necessary.

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.

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.

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.

At Dorset HealthCare we want to offer all our staff the opportunity to work flexibly, putting health and wellbeing first, whilst continuing the delivery of excellent patient care. Flexible working looks different for everyone and we welcome applicants to discuss flexible working opportunities with the recruiting manager.

What working for us will provide:

• 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions)
• Excellent NHS pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing services
• Flexible working options, including family-friendly hours
• Free training and one-to-one career coaching to reach your career goals
• Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs
• Access to nine staff networks – have a voice and transform our Trust
• Relocation costs where applicable
• Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying annual leave
• NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more
• Visit our careers website to learn more about our culture, staff stories, benefits, development programmes and opportunities.

What you need to do