At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialised psychological assessments and interventions for service users with complex mental health needs.
- Company: Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, a forward-thinking organisation recognised for mental health innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, and exclusive discounts with the Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Somerset, balancing countryside peace with vibrant city life.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in forensic mental health while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Doctoral Clinical Psychology degree and HCPC registration required; experience with long-term mental health issues preferred.
The predicted salary is between 57528 - 64750 £ per year.
Are you a Clinical or Forensic Psychologist with a passion for Forensic Mental Health? We're looking for a Psychologist to join our team at Ash Ward, a 12-bed Male Low Secure inpatient unit based in Bridgwater. We provide person-centred care for men with complex mental health needs across Somerset and the South West, working within a trauma-informed, psychologically and medically led model of care. You'll be part of a skilled multidisciplinary team including psychiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology.
Our focus is on reducing distress, managing risk, and promoting independence and social inclusion, with the ultimate goal of supporting safe and timely discharge. Our Trust also has a Community Forensic Team with other psychologists, giving you access to wider support, collaboration, and shared expertise beyond the ward environment.
Why join us?
- Be part of a forward-thinking Trust, recently recognised with the HSJ Award for Mental Health Innovation of the Year
- Part of the South West Provider Collaborative, giving you access to training and leadership development
- Opportunities for research and academic collaboration with Exeter University
- Support trainees
- Enjoy a Monday-Friday schedule that supports work-life balance
We welcome informal conversations with the current post-holder. Please contact Tracy Jardine to arrange.
Main duties of the job
- Provide highly specialised psychological assessments and interventions for service users with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and forensic risk profiles.
- Deliver comprehensive risk assessments, psychological formulations, and treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Offer consultation, supervision, and training to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and support reflective practice.
- Contribute to the development of the forensic service and maintain close links with the Somerset Forensic Community Team and other psychologists across the region.
- Engage in research and audit activities, promoting evidence-based practice and service development.
- Support safe and effective discharge planning in collaboration with community teams.
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Doctoral Clinical Psychology or equivalent; Registered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist
- Desirable: Accreditation in NICE approved therapy e.g., CBT or CAT; Relevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problems; Clinical Supervision training
Experience
- Essential: Significant experience of working with people with long term mental health problems; Competence in core psychological assessment formulation and skills intervention skills and in neuro-psychological assessment; Teaching and training psychology to staff and other professionals
- Desirable: Research and development work in area relevant to people with long term mental health problems; Experience of providing a psychological service to inpatient services.
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Forensic/Clinical Psychologist in Bridgwater employer: National health service
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Clinical and Forensic Psychologists. With a strong focus on career development, flexible working options, and access to exclusive benefits like the Blue Light Card, our team members can thrive both professionally and personally. Located in the beautiful Bridgwater area, you'll enjoy a perfect blend of serene countryside and vibrant city life, making it an ideal place to build your career while enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forensic/Clinical Psychologist in Bridgwater
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Forensic/Clinical Psychologist at National health service, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Forensic/Clinical Psychologist in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at National health service connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with National health service, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and National health service will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows National health service that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
