Job Description
Role Overview
Are you a Clinical Psychologist who believes in making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people? Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is expanding its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in West Somerset and is looking for a motivated and compassionate psychologist to join its growing team.
This post is ideal for an experienced Band 8a Clinical Psychologist seeking a supportive and progressive environment, as well as Band 7 psychologists who would value a structured preceptorship pathway with clear progression to Band 8a.
The Band 8a role is offered at 30 hours per week, while Band 7 applicants may work between 30 and 37.5 hours, depending on preference and service need.
What You’ll Be Doing
Clinical Practice
- Deliver high-quality psychological assessments, formulations, and evidence-based interventions for children and young people with complex mental health presentations.
- Work with a broad range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and eating disorders.
- Act as Care Coordinator for a defined caseload, ensuring joined-up, person-centred care.
- Support carers and families as part of a holistic treatment approach.
Team & Service Contribution
- Provide consultation and psychological expertise to colleagues within CAMHS and partner services.
- Promote psychological thinking across the multidisciplinary team.
- Collaborate closely with professionals from social care, education, paediatrics, and other agencies.
Supervision, Teaching & Development
- Offer supervision and support to assistant psychologists and trainee clinical psychologists.
- Contribute to service development, clinical audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Take part in research and service evaluation projects to support evidence-informed practice.
- Engage fully in clinical governance processes.
Why Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust?
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to supporting staff both professionally and personally. As part of the team, you’ll benefit from:
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
- NHS Pension Scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- A strong emphasis on career development and progression
- Access to the Blue Light Card, offering discounts on shopping, travel, dining, and leisure
- The Trust is proud of its inclusive culture and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
- Living and Working in Somerset
Somerset offers a unique quality of life — from rolling countryside and stunning coastlines to easy access to vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter, all within easy reach. With excellent schools, relatively affordable housing, and only two hours to London, Somerset is an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying life outside work.
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent)
- Eligible for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Official registration guidance
Experience & Skills
- Strong competence in psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention
- Experience of multidisciplinary working within CAMHS or similar services
- Confidence in assessing and managing clinical risk
Desirable
- Specialist CPD training
- Experience providing clinical supervision
- Post-qualification specialist training
Safeguarding & Eligibility
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
DBS guidance
Applications are welcome from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
Skilled Worker visa information
Overseas applicants may be required to provide criminal record certificates
UKVI guidance
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration
Contract & Pay
- Pay Band: Agenda for Change – Band 8a
- Salary: £55,690 – £62,682 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time or Part-time
Location:
Foundation House
Wellsprings Road
Taunton, Somerset, TA2 7PQ
Reference: 184-OL-GR-2871