Band 8a Clinical Psychologist

HCRG Care Group; Swindon; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community health provider seeks a Clinical Psychologist for their Learning Disability and Autism service in Swindon. The role involves conducting specialist assessments and providing therapeutic interventions, with a focus on multidisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

24/7 wellbeing support services

Access to discounts via Reward Gateway

Financial flexibility with Wagestream

Support for learning and development

Qualifications

• HCPC registered and eligible for Chartered Psychologist status.
• Skilled in psychological assessment and evidence-based interventions.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act).

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments and evaluate suitability for therapies.
• Provide various psychological interventions for individuals and groups.
• Support day-to-day operational tasks and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Psychological assessment

Evidence-based interventions

Risk management

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Empathy

Emotional awareness

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Job description

Job Introduction

We work closely with psychiatry and the wider multi-disciplinary community team. Working in a learning disability service means drawing on expertise from various theoretical orientations and interventions. Referrals include: cognitive assessments, trauma work, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions (including autism spectrum disorders), dementia and neurodegenerative conditions, and comorbid mental health difficulties, including risks of harm to self or others. We actively support the development of any specialist interests in these domains.

As part of the team, you will provide highly specialist psychological assessments, including neuropsychological and functional assessments, clinical formulations, therapeutic interventions based on multiple theoretical models, and wider service support to prevent and reduce psychosocial/mental health difficulties. You will work directly with individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and service providers, and provide consultation at operational and strategic levels, as well as clinical supervision and training for colleagues and trainees.

The importance of support and supervision for psychology staff is prioritized. There are opportunities for joint working and networking through various forums. You will be supported by a friendly and innovative team that meets regularly.

This role is primarily based in Swindon, with some travel across the BSW area. Willingness to travel, a full UK driving license, and access to a vehicle are essential.

Main Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a Clinical Psychologist are:

1. Clinical

• Previous experience working within a Learning Disability service in a community setting.
• Support the delivery of a high-quality clinical psychology service.
• Conduct in-depth assessments, including neuropsychological and risk assessments, and evaluate suitability for specialist therapies, involving carers when appropriate.
• Use psychological formulations to collaboratively understand client difficulties and guide treatment planning.
• Provide various psychological interventions for individuals, carers, and groups, adapting approaches as needed and drawing on multiple models.
• Deliver at least one evidence-based specialist intervention aligned with service needs.
• Offer expert consultation to team members and beyond, supporting psychological understanding and care planning.
• Apply advanced psychological knowledge to enhance the team's work with clients, carers, and systems.
• Contribute to training initiatives within the organization.
• Engage in clinical supervision and maintain accurate, up-to-date records and data reporting.

1. Management

• Support day-to-day operational tasks and supervise junior staff.
• Represent the service in specialist forums as needed.
• Assist in coordinating smaller projects when requested.

1. Professional

• Follow HCPC and BPS professional standards and ethical guidelines.
• Engage with relevant policies and contribute to their development when appropriate.
• Participate in local and organizational meetings, ongoing professional development, and collaborative learning with peers.
• Participate in annual appraisals and regular clinical supervision.

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent), HCPC registered, and eligible for Chartered Psychologist status.
• Skilled in psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions, and risk management, particularly within learning disabilities and mental health services.
• Experienced in multidisciplinary collaboration, consultation, clinical supervision, and delivering training to a range of professionals.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act) and systemic/organizational thinking.
• Excellent communication, liaison, and administrative skills, with the ability to work flexibly both independently and within a team.
• Demonstrates empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness, especially when supporting individuals with complex needs or challenging behaviors.
• Maintains professionalism and sensitivity under pressure, even in potentially high-risk or emotionally demanding situations.
• Advanced ability to engage clients with severe interpersonal difficulties and to sustain focus and mental effort over extended periods.

Desirable:

• Supervision training.
• Post-qualification and further specialist training in specific interventions.
• Relevant R&D or clinical audit work post-qualification.
• Clinical supervision of psychology trainees.

Package Description

As a Band 8a Clinical Psychologist within the Learning Disability and Autism service, you'll be part of our valued team based in Swindon.

We offer a range of benefits to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing, including:

• Competitive salary of £53,755 - £60,504, with NHS pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional networking and development through our Strive for Better networks.
• Access to discounts and offers via Reward Gateway.
• 24/7 wellbeing support services.
• Financial flexibility with Wagestream.
• Support for learning and development, including e-learning and career pathways.
• Awards and recognition programs, and opportunities to contribute ideas for service improvement.

About the Company

We change lives by transforming health and care. Established in 2006, we are a leading provider of community health and care services across England, focusing on experience, efficiency, and outcomes. We deliver a wide range of services, including adult and children community health, primary care, urgent care, sexual health, dermatology, MSK, adult social care, and wellbeing services. We are committed to equal opportunities and inclusive practices, including being a Disability Confident employer. Safeguarding and safer working practices are integral to our recruitment process.

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