Forensic/Clinical Psychologist

NHS; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Bridgwater seeks a Psychologist to join the multidisciplinary team at Ash Ward. The role involves providing specialized psychological assessments and interventions for individuals with complex mental health needs. Candidates should have a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and experience with long-term mental health challenges. Benefits include a flexible working schedule, NHS pension scheme, and career development opportunities. This is a full-time, permanent position with a salary ranging from £55,690 to £62,682 annually.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card for exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working with long-term mental health problems is essential.
• Competence in psychological assessments and intervention skills.
• Teaching and training psychology to staff is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological assessments for service users with severe mental health issues.
• Deliver tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.
• Engage in research and collaborative development of forensic services.

Skills

Psychological assessment

Psychological intervention

Consultation and supervision

Research and audit

Education

Doctoral Clinical Psychology or equivalent

Registered with HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist

Job description

Job Summary

Are you a Clinical or Forensic Psychologist with a passion for Forensic Mental Health?

We're looking for a Psychologist to join our team at Ash Ward, a 12-bed Male Low Secure inpatient unit based in Bridgwater. We provide person-centred care for men with complex mental health needs across Somerset and the South West, working within a trauma-informed, psychologically and medically led model of care. You'll be part of a skilled multidisciplinary team including psychiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology.

Our focus is on reducing distress, managing risk, and promoting independence and social inclusion, with the ultimate goal of supporting safe and timely discharge.

Our Trust also has a Community Forensic Team with other psychologists, giving you access to wider support, collaboration, and shared expertise beyond the ward environment.

We welcome informal conversations with the current post-holder. Please contact Tracy Jardine to arrange.

Why join us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking Trust, recently recognised with the HSJ Award for Mental Health Innovation of the Year
• Part of the South West Provider Collaborative, giving you access to training and leadership development
• Opportunities for research and academic collaboration with Exeter University
• Support trainees
• Enjoy a Monday‑Friday schedule that supports work‑life balance

Responsibilities

• Provide highly specialised psychological assessments and interventions for service users with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and forensic risk profiles.
• Deliver comprehensive risk assessments, psychological formulations, and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
• Offer consultation, supervision, and training to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and support reflective practice.
• Contribute to the development of the forensic service and maintain close links with the Somerset Forensic Community Team and other psychologists across the region.
• Engage in research and audit activities, promoting evidence‑based practice and service development.
• Support safe and effective discharge planning in collaboration with community teams.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Doctoral Clinical Psychology or equivalent; Registered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist

Desirable Qualifications

• Accreditation in NICE approved therapy e.g., CBT or CAT
• Relevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problems
• Clinical Supervision training

Essential Experience

• Significant experience of working with people with long term mental health problems
• Competence in core psychological assessment formulation and skills intervention skills and in neuro‑psychological assessment
• Teaching and training psychology to staff and other professionals

Desirable Experience

• Research and development work in area relevant to people with long term mental health problems
• Experience of providing a psychological service to inpatient services

Benefits and Work‑Life Balance

• Flexible working options
• NHS pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Career development opportunities
• Blue Light Card for exclusive discounts

About the Trust

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 are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

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.

Details

Date posted: 09 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 184-OL-GR-3489

Location

Broadway House, Broadway Park, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5LX

Legal & Immigration

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer Website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)