Job Description
Role Overview
We are inviting applications for an experienced Principal Older Adult Clinical Neuropsychologist (Band 8b) to join our integrated Community Mental Health Team and Dementia Assessment & Support Service in South Somerset.
This is a senior specialist post for a clinician registered on the BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN). The role sits within a well-established, county-wide psychology service known for strong professional support, collaboration, and a shared commitment to high-quality care for older adults.
You will work across multidisciplinary community teams, contributing to assessment, treatment, leadership, and service development in older adult mental health and neurodegenerative conditions.
Key Purpose of the Role
This post is designed to provide advanced neuropsychological expertise to individuals experiencing cognitive decline, emotional distress, and behavioural changes associated mainly with dementia and related conditions.
Your work will combine direct clinical input with leadership, supervision, and service development, ensuring psychologically informed care across South Somerset older adult services.
Core Responsibilities
Specialist Neuropsychological Practice
You will take a leading role in complex clinical assessment and formulation.
- Deliver advanced neuropsychological assessments and interpret complex results
Support diagnosis of dementia and related neurodegenerative conditions
Develop clear, person-centred formulations to guide intervention and care planning
Provide cognitive rehabilitation and psychologically informed interventions
Support individuals and families in adjusting to diagnosis and managing emotional impact
This aligns with national dementia priorities
Leadership & Professional Guidance
You will act as a senior clinical resource within the service.
- Provide specialist supervision and consultation to colleagues
Support psychological formulation and risk-informed decision-making
Deliver training to multidisciplinary staff across community services
Promote evidence-based neuropsychological practice
Professional standards reference
Multidisciplinary & Integrated Working
Collaboration is central to this role.
- Work closely with CMHTs, DASS, inpatient services, and community partners
Contribute to integrated care planning across health and social care
Support consistency of care across different service pathways
Engage with families, carers, and external agencies
Risk, Safeguarding & Clinical Governance
You will contribute to safe, structured, and accountable clinical practice.
- Support complex risk assessment and management in older adult populations
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met consistently
Apply national frameworks and local governance procedures
Safeguarding guidance
Mental health legislation framework
Service Development & Quality Improvement
This is a leadership role with scope to influence service delivery.
- Contribute to service evaluation and clinical audit
Support development of older adult psychology pathways
Drive improvements in neuropsychology provision
Ensure alignment with national and local mental health strategies
Training, Teaching & Supervision
- Provide neuropsychological supervision across disciplines
Support clinical training for psychologists, trainees, and assistants
Promote reflective practice and continuous professional development
Engage in your own supervision and appraisal processes
Documentation & Professional Standards
About the Service
You will join a collaborative Older Adult Clinical Psychology Service that includes:
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
Clinical Psychologists
Assistant Psychologists
Doctoral Trainees
The service places strong emphasis on teamwork, shared expertise, and supportive clinical practice.
About Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
The Trust offers a supportive working environment with benefits including:
- Flexible working arrangements
NHS pension scheme
Generous annual leave
Career development opportunities
Blue Light Card discounts
Why Somerset?
Somerset offers a high quality of life with:
- Access to countryside, coastlines, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Easy travel to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London
Affordable housing compared to many UK regions
Strong educational and community infrastructure
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
BPS full membership with registration on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN)
Doctoral-level training in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent pre-1996 qualification)
Completion of the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QICN)
Strong theoretical and applied knowledge of neuropsychology
Training in at least two psychological therapy modalities
Desirable Qualifications
- Formal training in clinical supervision
Essential Experience
- Extensive post-qualification experience in neuropsychological assessment and formulation
Experience working with older adults, particularly dementia care
Experience delivering supervision, training, and teaching
Experience working within complex multidisciplinary teams
Service development and improvement experience
Strong understanding of risk management in clinical pathways
Desirable Experience
- Experience working across diverse cultural contexts
Core Skills
Additional Information
DBS Check
- This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Visa Sponsorship
Professional Registration
Apply or Learn More
- This role is ideal for an experienced neuropsychologist seeking a senior leadership position combining clinical excellence, teaching, and service development within older adult mental health.
For informal enquiries, contact the named clinical leads in the original advert.
