Job summary
Are you a Clinical Psychologist looking for an exciting challenge in a dynamic service supporting children and young people who are autistic and/or have learning disabilities?
If so, come and join our skilled and enthusiastic MDT based in Somerset. Link LD/A aspires to offer a responsive, compassionate, and effective neurodivergence-informed approach to working with young people with a focus on preventing avoidable admissions to mental health hospitals and out-of-area education placements.
We are offering a 12-month fixed term Band 8a Clinical Psychologist post (maternity cover) with the Link LD/A team--a countywide, community-based service within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop specialist skills in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment focused on clinical excellence and innovation.
We welcome applications from newly qualified Clinical Psychologists with relevant experience, with preceptorship support available if needed. A positive, enthusiastic, and flexible approach is essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary context.
Main duties of the job
This is a rewarding and dynamic opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism--especially those facing the risk of inpatient admission or placement breakdown. You'll use your clinical psychology expertise to deliver tailored, evidence-based interventions shaped by psychological formulation, working across individual, family, and wider systems to help keep young people thriving within their communities.
Alongside direct therapeutic work, you'll provide valuable consultation and joint working with professionals across education, health, and social care. The role is rooted in relationship-based, trauma-informed, and neurodivergent-affirming practice--placing compassion and collaboration at the heart of care.
There's also plenty of scope to shape the service: you'll contribute to teaching and training, lead in specialist areas, and supervise assistant and trainee psychologists. Ongoing professional development is actively supported, so you can continue to grow your expertise and clinical interests within a forward-thinking team.
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
- Deliver specialist psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism who present with complex emotional or behavioural needs.
- Work with individuals, families, and wider support systems using a range of adapted therapeutic models including systemic approaches, Positive Behavioural Support, and Sensory Attachment Interventions.
- Provide consultation, training, and supervision to colleagues and multi-agency partners in health, education, and social care.
- Contribute to psychological thinking within the multidisciplinary team and support ongoing service development initiatives.
- Maintain clear and accurate clinical records and reports through the Trust's electronic systems.
- Participate in audits, research projects, and clinical governance activities.
- Engage in regular clinical supervision and continuous professional development.
Please see the attached job description for full responsibilities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Deliver specialist psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism who present with complex emotional or behavioural needs.
- Work with individuals, families, and wider support systems using a range of adapted therapeutic models including systemic approaches, Positive Behavioural Support, and Sensory Attachment Interventions.
- Provide consultation, training, and supervision to colleagues and multi-agency partners in health, education, and social care.
- Contribute to psychological thinking within the multidisciplinary team and support ongoing service development initiatives.
- Maintain clear and accurate clinical records and reports through the Trust's electronic systems.
- Participate in audits, research projects, and clinical governance activities.
- Engage in regular clinical supervision and continuous professional development.
Please see the attached job description for full responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent, as accredited by the BPS)HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical)
Desirable
- Additional specialist CPD relevant to LD/autismTraining in clinical supervision
Experience
Essential
- Experience in CAMHS and/or learning disability/autism services for children and young peopleSkilled in psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention for complex presentationsExperience working within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams
Desirable
- Experience providing supervision or consultationInvolvement in service development, audit, or research
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication and report writing skillsAbility to work independently and manage clinical riskWillingness and ability to travel across the county (UK driving licence required)
Desirable
- Familiarity with neurodivergent-affirming approaches (e.g., PBS, sensory-based interventions)Published work or presentations in clinical psychology
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent, as accredited by the BPS)HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical)
Desirable
- Additional specialist CPD relevant to LD/autismTraining in clinical supervision
Experience
Essential
- Experience in CAMHS and/or learning disability/autism services for children and young peopleSkilled in psychological assessment, formulation, and intervention for complex presentationsExperience working within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams
Desirable
- Experience providing supervision or consultationInvolvement in service development, audit, or research
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication and report writing skillsAbility to work independently and manage clinical riskWillingness and ability to travel across the county (UK driving licence required)
Desirable
- Familiarity with neurodivergent-affirming approaches (e.g., PBS, sensory-based interventions)Published work or presentations in clinical psychology
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
