Job Description

Are you a Clinical Psychologist driven by compassion, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in young lives?

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is expanding its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in West Somerset and is welcoming applications from experienced Band 8a Clinical Psychologists, as well as Band 7 psychologists seeking a supported preceptorship pathway to senior practice.

This is an opportunity to join a service that values reflective practice, collaboration, and innovation—where psychological thinking is embedded across multidisciplinary care.

About the Role

As part of the CAMHS West Team, you will deliver high-quality psychological care to children and young people experiencing moderate to complex mental health difficulties, while also supporting families and carers.

You’ll work within a skilled multidisciplinary team and have access to robust clinical supervision, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to influence service development at both local and Trust level.

Band 7 applicants will receive structured development and supervision, enabling progression to Band 8a as competencies and experience grow.

What You’ll Be Doing

Deliver comprehensive psychological assessments, formulations, and evidence-based interventions

Work therapeutically with children and young people presenting with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, self-harm, eating disorders, and related difficulties

• Act as care coordinator for a defined caseload
• Offer consultation, advice, and psychological insight to CAMHS colleagues and partner agencies
• Promote psychologically informed practice across multidisciplinary teams
• Supervise and support assistant psychologists, trainees, and other staff
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, research, and service evaluation
• Collaborate closely with education, social care, paediatrics, and other agencies to ensure joined-up care

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent)
• Eligibility for Chartered Clinical Psychologist status
• Current HCPC registration
• Strong assessment, formulation, and intervention skills
• Experience working within CAMHS or equivalent child-focused services
• Confidence in assessing and managing clinical risk

Desirable

• Post-qualification specialist training
• Experience providing clinical supervision
• Relevant CPD in specialist therapeutic approaches

Why Work with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust?

We’re committed to creating an environment where clinicians feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Strong emphasis on career progression and learning
• Access to the Blue Light Card for national discounts
• A culture that actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion

Living and Working in Somerset

Somerset offers an exceptional quality of life—combining beautiful countryside, dramatic coastlines, and easy access to cities such as Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. With more affordable housing and excellent schools, it’s an ideal place to grow both professionally and personally.

Explore life in Somerset:
 https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Safeguarding & Compliance

This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1975).

Visa Sponsorship & Overseas Applicants

Applications are welcomed from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, which will be considered in line with Home Office guidance.

Overseas applicants may be required to provide criminal record certificates for countries lived in during the past 10 years.
 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants

Professional Registration

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.

Key Details at a Glance

• Pay Band: Agenda for Change – Band 8a
• Reference Number: 184-OL-GR-2871
• Base Location: Foundation House, Wellsprings Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 7PQ