Senior Assistant Psychologist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Yate; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 professional to work within the Community Paediatric Service, supporting the autism assessment pathway under a Clinical Psychologist. You will guide families through assessment, offer training, advice and strategies while they wait, and act as their main contact.

The role involves coordinating information, gathering standardised assessments under supervision, and working with a multidisciplinary team to support children and

Qualifications

• Upper second or first class psychology degree from a BPS-accredited course.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide training, support and advice to families while seeking autism assessment.
• Act as main contact for families, keeping them informed through the assessment process.
• Promote and coordinate each family's journey through the service using evidence-based approaches.
• Gather information and administer standardised assessments under supervision of Lead Clinical Psychologist.
• Support clinicians with assessments to optimise time and focus on key needs.
• Signpost to Early Help Services across Dorset.
• Make referrals to other services as needed and support families without a diagnosis.
• Share current local and national information on community/digital autism resources.
• Collaborate with external organisations and the multidisciplinary team.
• Offer practical tips to families while they wait for assessment or referral.

Skills

Child development

Communication skills

Time management

Boundaries

Education

BPS-accredited psychology degree

Job description

This Band 5 post sits in the Community Paediatric Service at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, supporting the autism assessment pathway under a Clinical Psychologist. The work centres on guiding families through assessment, offering training, advice and everyday strategies while they wait, and acting as their main contact throughout. It forms part of the Dorset Development and Behaviour Pathway and includes families whose children are not diagnosed but still have support needs. Entry requires an upper second or first class psychology degree from a BPS-accredited course.

What the job involves

• Give families training, support and advice while they are seeking an autism assessment
• Act as the main contact for families, keeping them informed through the assessment process
• Promote and coordinate each family's journey through the service using an evidence-based approach
• Gather information and administer standardised assessments under the Lead Clinical Psychologist's supervision
• Support clinicians with assessments so their time is focused where it is most needed
• Signpost parents and carers to Early Help Services across Dorset
• Make referrals to other services that can help families
• Support children and families who do not receive a diagnosis but have outstanding support needs
• Collate and share current local and national information on community and digital resources for young people with autism
• Work with external organisations and the multidisciplinary team, including consultants, clinical psychologists and therapists
• Offer practical tips to families while they wait for assessment or referral

What's required

Qualifications

• Upper second or first class undergraduate psychology degree from a BPS-accredited course
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Experience

• Experience of working with young people and families in a community setting

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of child development
• Highly developed communication skills for working with families in times of stress and uncertainty
• Good time management and ability to prioritise
• Knowledge needed to safeguard children
• Strong organisational skills

Other

• Awareness of personal and professional boundaries
• Ability to instil confidence in others and manage anxiety in professionals and families
• Motivated and flexible approach

Nice to have

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical subject, such as a diploma or MSc
• Experience of working with parents or carers in a clinical capacity
• Experience of working with children or adults with autism and emotional or behavioural difficulties
• Experience of administering cognitive or neuropsychological assessments
• Experience of coordinating information collection and organising meetings
• In-depth understanding of the challenges faced by young people and families seeking autism diagnosis and support