Job summary Are you an Assistant Psychologist who would like an opportunity to working a within a new Specialist Forensic Mental Health Team? Somerset FT have recently received significant funding to establish and build a Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) and are seeking a skilled and motivated assistant psychologist to help support the psychology provision within the MDT. The SCFT will be responsible for overseeing the care of Somerset patients who are currently detained to a secure hospital within the South West Provider Collaborative region. The aim of the SCFT is to reduce the length of patient stay for patients in secure hospital and work to prevent admission to secure care by Providing enhanced community support, to facilitate, support and maintain discharge processes. Providing clear, tiered levels of intervention with the aim of admission avoidance, including risk management. Encouraging proactive discharge discussions for longer stay patients who may have faced barriers to the discharge process. Supporting community placements. The post holder will be an assistant psychologist who will support the delivery of psychologically informed, risk managed care for a cohort of patients with complex forensic mental health needs. Early applications are encouraged, as this posting may close sooner than anticipated if a large number of applications are received. Main duties of the job Key role responsibilities will include: Supporting psychological interventions for patients actively under the care management of the SCFT Delivering tiered levels of psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for the SCFT caseload, appropriate to experience and under supervision Autonomous work within professional guidelines Utilising research skills for audit, policy, and service development. Supporting individual / group supervision for SCFT staff as appropriate. Delivering psychology-based training to the MDT as identified. The team office will be in Bridgwater, however there will be an expected element of reimbursed travel across the County of Somerset and the South West Provider Collaborative region. 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. Date posted 13 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-GR-1627 Job locations Broadway House Broadway Park Bridgwater Somerset TA6 5LX Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships The role involves working along wider health care teams, agencies, including probation, courts, and the police. There is therefore a need to communicate complex information in an accessible way. Key Relationships: SCFT Lead Psychologist and Team Psychologist Somerset Specialist Community Forensic MDT Forensic Operational Service Manager Community Psychology colleagues Inpatient psychology colleagues Other MDT's within the Forensic Service Somerset FT Forensic Locality Leads Criminal Justice agencies, including police and court staff South West Provider Collaborative colleagues Trust staff across professions Trust audit department Service users and their families Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy To support Psychologists in undertaking assessments of service users. This may include practicing and administering psychological measures, risk assessments, self-report measures, rating scales and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service user's care. To access electronic patient record systems and extract pertinent information in order to assist psychological assessments. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving brief, planned psychological interventions to address issues under the supervision of a qualified Psychologist. To develop therapeutic relationships with service users within appropriate, professional boundaries. To communicate effectively with a wide range of health professionals, voluntary sector colleagues, and peer support workers. The post-holder will provide compassionate care that is based on empathy, kindness, respect and dignity. Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships The role involves working along wider health care teams, agencies, including probation, courts, and the police. There is therefore a need to communicate complex information in an accessible way. Key Relationships: SCFT Lead Psychologist and Team Psychologist Somerset Specialist Community Forensic MDT Forensic Operational Service Manager Community Psychology colleagues Inpatient psychology colleagues Other MDT's within the Forensic Service Somerset FT Forensic Locality Leads Criminal Justice agencies, including police and court staff South West Provider Collaborative colleagues Trust staff across professions Trust audit department Service users and their families Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy To support Psychologists in undertaking assessments of service users. This may include practicing and administering psychological measures, risk assessments, self-report measures, rating scales and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service user's care. To access electronic patient record systems and extract pertinent information in order to assist psychological assessments. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving brief, planned psychological interventions to address issues under the supervision of a qualified Psychologist. To develop therapeutic relationships with service users within appropriate, professional boundaries. To communicate effectively with a wide range of health professionals, voluntary sector colleagues, and peer support workers. The post-holder will provide compassionate care that is based on empathy, kindness, respect and dignity. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Psychology degree or equivalent Desirable Relevant specialist CPD qualification Experience Essential Experience of psychological assessment and formulationExperience of risk assessmentExperience of working alongside severe mental illnessExperience of working with forensic mental health Desirable Experience of working within the NHS Additional Criteria Essential Demonstrates an ability to take instruction, direction and work effectively as part of a team.Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan activities.Well organised with good administration skills.Compassionate, empathic/engagement skills with client group.Ability to cope with workload pressure and prioritise workload.Motivated with an ability to work independently.Self-awareness and emotional resilience.Car driver with a valid driving licence Desirable Evidence of intervention delivery, 1:1 and group based Person Specification Qualifications Essential Psychology degree or equivalent Desirable Relevant specialist CPD qualification Experience Essential Experience of psychological assessment and formulationExperience of risk assessmentExperience of working alongside severe mental illnessExperience of working with forensic mental health Desirable Experience of working within the NHS Additional Criteria Essential Demonstrates an ability to take instruction, direction and work effectively as part of a team.Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan activities.Well organised with good administration skills.Compassionate, empathic/engagement skills with client group.Ability to cope with workload pressure and prioritise workload.Motivated with an ability to work independently.Self-awareness and emotional resilience.Car driver with a valid driving licence Desirable Evidence of intervention delivery, 1:1 and group based 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. Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Broadway House Broadway Park Bridgwater Somerset TA6 5LX Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)