Job summary Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with mental health difficulties? We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and dynamic Community Mental Health Service. Our team has redefined the boundaries between primary and secondary care, working closely with service users, the voluntary sector, and community enterprises. You will be part of a psychology- and trauma-informed service, using a collaborative, strengths-based approach to support those in need. Your clinical work will be supervised and guided by an HCPC-registered Clinical or Counselling Psychologist within the team. We understand that Assistant Psychologists are often looking to progress in their careers, so we actively support professional development and encourage growth opportunities whenever possible. To thrive in this role, you should be resilient, reflective, and motivated to work psychologically with our client group. Main duties of the job n this role, you will support the delivery of psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions, working alongside a multi-professional team committed to person-centred care. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting Psychologists in undertaking assessments of service users. This may involve administering psychological measures, risk assessments, self-report measures, rating scales, and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members, and others involved in their care. Accessing electronic patient record systems to extract relevant information that will assist in psychological assessments. Developing therapeutic relationships with service users while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Contributing to training, service development, and audit, helping to shape and improve our service. A full driving licence and permanent access to a vehicle with business insurance are essential for this role. 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 19 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 9 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-GR-1729 Job locations Summerlands 56 Preston Road Yeovil Somerset BA20 2BN Job description Job responsibilities To support Psychologists in undertaking assessments of service users. This may include 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 develop therapeutic relationships with service users within appropriate, professional boundaries. Please see the attached job description for full duties. Job description Job responsibilities To support Psychologists in undertaking assessments of service users. This may include 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 develop therapeutic relationships with service users within appropriate, professional boundaries. Please see the attached job description for full duties. Person Specification Qualifications Essential First degree in psychology. Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS. Desirable A further qualification in an appropriate subject. Experience Essential Experience of working in community settings. Demonstrable experience of working directly with a vulnerable client group, including experience of working psychologically with people with mental health problems. Desirable Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who can be hard to engage. Experience of undertaking planned psychological interventions with adults who are experiencing mental health problems. Additional Criteria Essential To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours: Outstanding Care Listening and Leading Working Together Person Specification Qualifications Essential First degree in psychology. Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS. Desirable A further qualification in an appropriate subject. Experience Essential Experience of working in community settings. Demonstrable experience of working directly with a vulnerable client group, including experience of working psychologically with people with mental health problems. Desirable Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who can be hard to engage. Experience of undertaking planned psychological interventions with adults who are experiencing mental health problems. Additional Criteria Essential To carry out this role successfully the post holder needs to be fully aware of and adhere to Trust values/standards and reflect these as their behaviours: Outstanding Care Listening and Leading Working Together 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 Summerlands 56 Preston Road Yeovil Somerset BA20 2BN Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)