Forensic CAMHS Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and highly specialist Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (FCAMHS), a regional team that sits alongside Somerset CAMHS and supports young people across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The service works with children and young people presenting with forensic risks and complex mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs.

As an Assistant Psychologist, you'll play a key role in supporting the team's therapeutic work with young people, contributing to psychological assessments, interventions, consultation and formulation. You'll be part of a compassionate, multi-disciplinary team that includes nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychiatry and psychology. This is an ideal role for a psychology graduate looking to gain valuable experience in forensic and child mental health services.

This post may close early as the number of applicants is capped: So don't hesitate to apply if you can see yourself playing a part in this influential and energised FCAMHS.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

• Conduct structured assessments, including psychometric and risk assessments

• Support delivery of therapeutic interventions and psychological care plans

• Participate in consultations and multidisciplinary formulation meetings

• Provide input into reflective practice, peer supervision and joint casework

• Liaise with professionals in health, education, youth justice and social care

• Contribute to service evaluation, quality improvement, and data reporting

• Support the development and delivery of training sessions to external agencies

• Assist with audit and service improvement projects in line with national FCAMHS goals

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 description

The role is varied and includes clinical, consultative and service development tasks. You will assist with comprehensive assessments, intervention planning and the delivery of low-intensity psychological interventions. There is a strong focus on multidisciplinary team working, and you will have the opportunity to be part of a shared caseload approach, which prioritises reflective practice and professional learning.

You'll receive supervision from experienced psychologists within the team and be supported to develop personally and professionally in a nurturing and compassionate learning environment. Your work will span both community and inpatient settings, and involve partnership with a range of services including CAMHS, youth justice, education, social care, and inpatient units.

If you are looking for a role where you can grow, collaborate, and make a real difference to the lives of young people with complex needs, we'd love to hear from you. This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an energised, reflective and supportive service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

First degree in psychology (first or upper second).

Desirable

Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT)

Teaching Qualification

Experience

Essential

Experience of working within NHS mental health services.

Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting.

Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers.

Desirable

Post-graduate experience of research, audit and service evaluation.

Experience of work with people with severe mental health problems.

Experience of service development.

Experience of delivering training

Experience of working in a forensic setting.

Additional Criteria

Essential

Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.

Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities.

Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.

Desirable

Knowledge and skills in working with people with psychosis and/or personality disorder

Advanced computer skills.

Teaching/training skills

Risk assessment skills

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.

For help with your application, contact:

James Randall

[email protected]

07920843485