Psychologist

Are you a compassionate Psychologist looking for an exciting opportunity? Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a newly qualifying Psychologist we'd love to hear from you.

We're seeking a Forensic/Clinical Psychologist for our Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT).

You'll be part of the management team, providing clinical leadership & expertise to ensure the delivery of high-quality, psychologically informed, & risk-managed care for a cohort of patients with complex forensic mental health needs.

The role involves conducting psychological assessments, formulations & interventions for individuals with complex & challenging presentations.

Most patients admitted to our caseload will transition back into the community under restricted sections of the MHA, requiring intensive multidisciplinary team support.

There are opportunities to contribute to development/wellbeing, as well as provide training & supervision.

The post is being advertised at Band 7, Band 7 preceptorship to Band 8a, or Band 8a, dependent on experience. If appointed as a Band 7 preceptor, you'll be supported by a peer group of psychologists within our Forensic Service to develop the skills & experience required to progress to a Band 8a role. Newly qualified or soon-to-be qualified psychologists are encouraged to apply.

If you are awaiting your HCPC registration, please tick to confirm you have HCPC registration, but make it clear on your application your position in terms of registration at the time of application.

Main duties of the job

On a day to day basis you'll provide specialist risk assessments utilising structured professional judgement tools (e.g. HCR-20) and deliver clinical interventions for the SCFT clinical caseload. You'll help support colleagues with a forensically minded psychological approach to care planning and risk management.

You'll contribute towards the development of the service and provide supervision for the wider MDT.

Our Trust is looking to build our research capacity and you would be welcome to be part of this.

The Forensic service consists of:

• The SCFT who gatekeep/avoid admission to secure care and who keywork patients within the team;
• Forensic Link Workers who provide forensic advice and support to community mental health services and non-secure inpatient settings;
• A Liaison and Diversion Service within police Custody, locally named ASCC (Advice and Support in Custody and Court);
• An Offender Personality disorder (OPD) Pathway in conjunction with probation services;
• Ash Ward which is a 12 bedded Male, a low secure inpatient ward that is part of the South West Provider Collaborative.

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.

Job responsibilities

See detailed job description for full description of responsibilities.

Should you have any queries in relation to the job description or main responsibilities, then please do contact Victoria Tunbridge.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Doctoral Clinical or Forensic Psychology or equivalent;
• Registered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist;
• Significant experience of working with people with long term mental health problems;
• Relevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problems.

Experience

• Clinical work with people with long term mental health problems;
• Competence in core psychological assessment formulation and skills intervention skills;
• Experience of working with people with a diagnosis of personality disorder;
• Experience of teaching and training psychology to staff and other professionals;
• Experience of working in a multi-professional/multi-agency setting.

Additional Criteria

• Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner;
• Compassionate -- exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives (as appropriate) remaining sensitive and empathetic;
• Ability to undertake appropriate PMVA training at the level required for this post;
• Able to travel to locations around the SWPC region as required. Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

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.