Job summaryWe are looking for
an 8a Principal Clinical Psychologist to join the team for Adults with a Learning Disability at the Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish (The Brook).The Unit provides assessment and treatment to people with a Learning Disability and / or Autistic People who have a Mental Health condition and/or demonstrate distress through their behaviour. The service aims to become a centre of excellence.
You will be part of a rich
multi-disciplinary team including Nursing, Psychiatry, Occupational Therapy and
Speech and Language therapy, and provide a Clinical Psychology service via
complex assessment, intervention, training, consultation & supervision. Our
teams are experienced, cohesive & mutually supportive.
Psychology is
highly valued in the Learning Disability service. We have a caring & mutually
supportive culture that is a vital foundation for the challenging but rewarding
work that we do. As a key part of
the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team, psychology is committed to compassionate,
respectful & equitable care for people with Learning Disabilities using a
biopsychosocial model that is trauma-informed & sensitive to the individual
contexts in which distress arises in a population with limited or no power. We
have links with both the Plymouth and Exeter Doctoral Programmes & there is a strong research department within DPT.Main duties of the jobTo improve the
psychological health & well-being of people with Learning Disabilities and
to provide psychological services to people are admitted to The Brook.
This will be
achieved in this post by:1. Ensuring the
systematic provision of a high quality psychological service to people with
Learning Disabilities who are admitted.2. Providing
clinical leadership, co-ordination and supervision for staff, trainees and
volunteers employed by or attached to the psychology service.3. Taking a
leadership role in the development and delivery of psychological interventions
for people with Learning Disabilities4. Overseeing the
delivery of psychological support of the patients on the unit, and providing
advice and consultancy to patients and professionals.5. To work
autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise responsibility for the
systematic governance of psychological practice within the team.6. The post holder
will receive regular professional and clinical supervision in accordance with
Trust policy and Professional Practice Guidelines set out by the Health
Professions Council/British Psychological Society.7. Contributing to
the management of psychology services within the unit.
About usAbout Devon Partnership TrustWe provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we doOur valuesWe not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer. DetailsDate posted07 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary
57,528 to 64,750 a year
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time,
Job share,
Flexible working
Reference numberC9369-26-0181-1Job locationsThe Brook Learning Disability and Autism UnitExeter RoadDawlishDevonEX7 0NRUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Job description
Job responsibilitiesPlease refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role. Person Specification
Experience
EssentialExperience of teaching, training and/or supervisionDesirableExtended experience of assessing and working with people with learning disabilities/ autism and working within learning disability services/ autism services. Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts
Knowledge, Skills and Planning
EssentialKnowledge of Learning Disabilities services and Autism Services in the NHS and of the knowledge base, skills and practice of clinical psychology. Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills Ability to integrate complex data, make highly skilled evaluations and decisions, and take a long-term perspective Organisation and time management skills Highly skilled in specialist interventions Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills Consultation skills
Qualifications
EssentialQualified Clinical Psychologist (D.Clin. Psych or equivalent) and registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)DesirableFurther training in psychological approaches particularly Positive Behavioural Support Further training and experience in interventions with people with learning disabilities/ Autism
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialExperience of teaching, training and/or supervisionDesirableExtended experience of assessing and working with people with learning disabilities/ autism and working within learning disability services/ autism services. Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts
Knowledge, Skills and Planning
EssentialKnowledge of Learning Disabilities services and Autism Services in the NHS and of the knowledge base, skills and practice of clinical psychology. Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills Ability to integrate complex data, make highly skilled evaluations and decisions, and take a long-term perspective Organisation and time management skills Highly skilled in specialist interventions Advanced psychological assessment and formulation skills Consultation skills
Qualifications
EssentialQualified Clinical Psychologist (D.Clin. Psych or equivalent) and registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)DesirableFurther training in psychological approaches particularly Positive Behavioural Support Further training and experience in interventions with people with learning disabilities/ AutismDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. 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 CheckThis 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. UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameDevon Partnership NHS TrustAddressThe Brook Learning Disability and Autism UnitExeter RoadDawlishDevonEX7 0NRUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameDevon Partnership NHS TrustAddressThe Brook Learning Disability and Autism UnitExeter RoadDawlishDevonEX7 0NRUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Principal Clinical Psychologist in Dawlish employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
