Principle Older Adult Neuropsychologist

Are you passionate about neuropsychology and making a real difference in the lives of older adults? We are seeking a permanent Band 8b Principal Older Adult Clinical Neuropsychologist, who has current registration on the BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN), to join our Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and Dementia Assessment & Support Service (DASS) in South Somerset. This unique role is embedded within our county-wide Clinical Psychology team, renowned for its supportive and collaborative environment. You will also play a key part in the South Somerset Older Persons Mental Health Service, working closely with integrated community teams. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration with professionals from different disciplines coming together to deliver holistic, high-quality care for older adults. Our team is committed to ongoing support, sharing expertise, and fostering teamwork to enhance the quality and continuity of care for our service users.Main duties, tasks & skills required As a Principal Clinical Neuropsychologist, you will lead on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of neurodegenerative, emotional, and behavioural changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions primarily dementias. You will deliver and interpret highly specialist neuropsychological assessments, develop and communicate person-centred formulations, and support care planning and cognitive neurorehabilitation. Using psychologically informed interventions you will also provide psychological support to patients and their families to adjust to their diagnosis and maintain their well-being. In addition, you will provide neuropsychological supervision, consultation and training to colleagues to enhance their understanding and champion good clinical practice across the team, ensuring the highest standards of care are maintained based on evidence-based practice. Our established Older Adult Clinical Psychology Service offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development, working alongside experienced Clinical Neuropsychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, and Doctoral Trainees from local courses.

We are looking for a resilient, organised communicator with a genuine passion for neuropsychology and older people's mental health. If you are ready to make a lasting impact and thrive in a team that values expertise, support, and innovation, we would love to hear from you., HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist. Membership of the British Psychological Society with full practice membership and current registration on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists having completed the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QICN). Post-graduate doctoral level training in clinical psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Highly developed knowledge of the theory and practice of neuropsychology. Additional training in two or more distinct psychological therapies with application across the lifespan including with older adults. Knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised psychological therapies in difficult to treat groups (e.g. dementia and behaviours that challenge in the context of dementia)., Significant post-qualification experience in the assessment and interpretation of neuropsychological assessment tools and formulation of differential diagnoses. Experience of teaching, training and providing neuropsychological supervision. Experience of working in older people's mental health services and with service users who have dementia and their families/carers. Sound knowledge and understanding of risk assessment and management of practices and procedures within a complex teams/services/clinical pathways. Up to date knowledge of evidence-based practice and national and local policies and strategies. Experience of service development., In-depth knowledge and experience of working with specialist therapeutic interventions with older adults. Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills. Highly effective written and verbal communication skills in formal and informal settings Skills and experience of offering clinical supervision Experience of effective leadershipDisclosure 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.

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, 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.

• 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.