Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Assistant Psychologist

The closing date is 06 July 2025

Job summary

The Complex Care Psychology Service is seeking an Assistant Psychologist to join our team in Dorset.

The post holder will support the work of Applied Psychologists across both In-patient and Community Rehabilitation Services in ast and West Dorset to meet the needs of patients with severe mental health difficulties. The role will support client's to reach an optimum level of function; focussing on activities of daily living, vocation and leisure under the direction of qualified clinical/counselling psychologists.

Main duties of the job

The Assistant Psychologist will receive clinical supervision/training to provide low intensity targeted psychological intervention, neuro-psychological screening, psycho-educational groupwork and support our carers group. In addition, the Assistant will undertake research and development activities under the guidance of a clinical psychologist.

You will need to have a valid driving licence and use of a car as will sometimes be required to assess and monitor patients in their own homes and within other community settings.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M092.25

Job locations

Kings Park Hospital

Gloucester Rd

Bournemouth

BH76JF


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

Essential

  • Experience administering Neuro-psychological assessments under supervision of a clinical psychologist
  • A minimum of an upper second class Honours degree or higher in Psychology. Entitlement to GBR from the British Psychological Society
  • Experience carrying out clinical audit, service based research and statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrate skills in written and spoken English for effective performance in this role

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working within mental health services, working therapeutically with people with severe and enduring mental illness.
  • Ability to recognise own limitations & when to ask for support and advice.
  • A clear understanding of the function of a rehabilitation service and an understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems.
  • Skills in assessing clients in one-to-one sessions and group dynamics

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business Level 1

PERSONAL QUALITIES / ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision demonstrating effective time management.
Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

Essential

  • Experience administering Neuro-psychological assessments under supervision of a clinical psychologist
  • A minimum of an upper second class Honours degree or higher in Psychology. Entitlement to GBR from the British Psychological Society
  • Experience carrying out clinical audit, service based research and statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrate skills in written and spoken English for effective performance in this role

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working within mental health services, working therapeutically with people with severe and enduring mental illness.
  • Ability to recognise own limitations & when to ask for support and advice.
  • A clear understanding of the function of a rehabilitation service and an understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems.
  • Skills in assessing clients in one-to-one sessions and group dynamics

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business Level 1

PERSONAL QUALITIES / ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision demonstrating effective time management.

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

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kings Park Hospital

Gloucester Rd

Bournemouth

BH76JF


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kings Park Hospital

Gloucester Rd

Bournemouth

BH76JF


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Clinical psychologist

Dr Jon Boakes

jon.boakes@nhs.net

01202129100

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M092.25

Job locations

Kings Park Hospital

Gloucester Rd

Bournemouth

BH76JF


Supporting documents

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