Job summary
Are you passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and young people? The Children and Young People's Neurodevelopmental Partnership (CYPNP) is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly, dynamic, and multidisciplinary team.
Based in Taunton and working across beautiful Somerset, this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a highly valued service delivering neurodiversity assessments (Autism and ADHD) for 4--17-year-olds. You'll work under the supervision of Clinical Psychologists and as part of a wider team including Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Paediatricians, and more.
We are committed to a neuro-affirmative approach, celebrating neurodivergent strengths while also recognising areas of difficulty. This post would suit a resilient, reflective psychology graduate (with GBC status) who is passionate about making a meaningful difference.
Main duties of the job
- Conduct neurodevelopmental assessments under supervision, including cognitive and adaptive functioning tests and school observations.
- Offer initial appointments to parents/carers to gather developmental histories.
- Support interactional assessments and multidisciplinary diagnostic processes.
- Lead the CYPNP's Telephone Advice Line, offering signposting and support.
- Assist in co-facilitating psychoeducational groups for parents and support wider system work via the Neuro-Affirmative Support Hub.
- Prepare clear, neuro-affirmative reports celebrating strengths and recognising needs.
- Participate in service development, data collection, audits, and evidence-based practice reviews.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As an Assistant Psychologist, you will:
Work within a multidisciplinary team: Collaborate with Clinical Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists, OTs, Educational Psychologists, and medical professionals to deliver joined-up assessments.
Undertake diverse clinical responsibilities: From cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V, WAIS) to adaptive functioning assessments (e.g., ABAS-3), to supporting clinical interviews and school observations.
Support families and systems: Lead the Telephone Advice Line, co-deliver group sessions, and contribute to outreach and support hubs.
Drive service quality and development: Participate in research, service evaluations, and audits--your insights will help shape a forward-thinking and inclusive service.
Communicate compassionately and effectively: Build rapport with young people and their families, always working from a foundation of kindness, respect, and professionalism.
Stay mobile and flexible: Travel countywide to assessment sites and schools. Hybrid working is supported where it doesn't interfere with clinical responsibilities.
This role is ideal for someone planning to pursue further training in psychological professions and seeking significant, meaningful clinical experience in a supportive environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As an Assistant Psychologist, you will:
Work within a multidisciplinary team: Collaborate with Clinical Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists, OTs, Educational Psychologists, and medical professionals to deliver joined-up assessments.
Undertake diverse clinical responsibilities: From cognitive testing (e.g., WISC-V, WAIS) to adaptive functioning assessments (e.g., ABAS-3), to supporting clinical interviews and school observations.
Support families and systems: Lead the Telephone Advice Line, co-deliver group sessions, and contribute to outreach and support hubs.
Drive service quality and development: Participate in research, service evaluations, and audits--your insights will help shape a forward-thinking and inclusive service.
Communicate compassionately and effectively: Build rapport with young people and their families, always working from a foundation of kindness, respect, and professionalism.
Stay mobile and flexible: Travel countywide to assessment sites and schools. Hybrid working is supported where it doesn't interfere with clinical responsibilities.
This role is ideal for someone planning to pursue further training in psychological professions and seeking significant, meaningful clinical experience in a supportive environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Psychological degree (2.1 or above, BPS - GBC - accredited)
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience working with vulnerable client group/s in a clinical setting (at least one year).
- Some direct or indirect experience of working with or supporting neurodivergent young people (nb. this does not have to be in a specialist neurodiversity setting)
Desirable
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist
Additional Criteria
Essential
- An understanding of differences associated with Autism and ADHD
- An understanding of what is meant by neuro-affirmative practice.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant psychological theories and insights to neurodiversity
- Knowledge of relevant legislation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Psychological degree (2.1 or above, BPS - GBC - accredited)
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience working with vulnerable client group/s in a clinical setting (at least one year).
- Some direct or indirect experience of working with or supporting neurodivergent young people (nb. this does not have to be in a specialist neurodiversity setting)
Desirable
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist
Additional Criteria
Essential
- An understanding of differences associated with Autism and ADHD
- An understanding of what is meant by neuro-affirmative practice.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant psychological theories and insights to neurodiversity
- Knowledge of relevant legislation
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.
