Clinical / Forensic Psychologist

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. 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
We welcome informal conversations with the current post-holder. Please contact Tracy Jardine to arrange. Main duties of the job
• 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., As a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist within Ash Ward, you will:
• Work autonomously within a trauma-informed model of care, providing psychological oversight for service users.
• Lead the development and delivery of psychological care pathways, ensuring the MDT has access to psychologically informed frameworks.
• Interpret and integrate complex data from multiple sources, including psychological and neuropsychological assessments, risk assessments, and multi-agency information.
• Make expert clinical decisions regarding treatment options, drawing on a range of therapeutic models.
• Provide specialist consultation to external agencies, including high secure hospitals, prisons, and the Ministry of Justice.
• Supervise assistant psychologists, trainees, and other staff, and offer opportunities for coaching and mentoring.
• Participate in strategic planning, service audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
  
  Doctoral Clinical Psychology or equivalentRegistered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist
Desirable
• Accreditation in NICE approved therapy e.g., CBT or CATRelevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problemsClinical Supervision training
Experience Essential
• Significant experience of working with people with long term mental health problemsCompetence in core psychological assessment formulation and skills intervention skills and in neuro-psychological assessmentTeaching and training psychology to staff and other professionals
Desirable
• Research and development work in area relevant to people with long term mental health problemsExperience of providing a psychological service to inpatient services.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
• Doctoral Clinical Psychology or equivalentRegistered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist
Desirable
• Accreditation in NICE approved therapy e.g., CBT or CATRelevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problemsClinical Supervision training
Experience Essential
• Significant experience of working with people with long term mental health problemsCompetence in core psychological assessment formulation and skills intervention skills and in neuro-psychological assessmentTeaching and training psychology to staff and other professionals
Desirable
• Research and development work in area relevant to people with long term mental health problemsExperience of providing a psychological service to inpatient services.
  
  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.