Forensic /Clinical Psychologist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Forensic / Clinical Psychologist to join the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) based in Bridgwater. We welcome applications from experienced psychologists at Band 8a , as well as those suitable for a Band 7 preceptorship leading to Band 8a .

Newly qualified psychologists with relevant experience, and trainees approaching qualification, are encouraged to apply. The SCFT is a developing and innovative service supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental health difficulties and complex forensic risk profiles.

The team works across inpatient, community and forensic pathways to support admission avoidance, facilitate successful discharges from secure services and improve long-term outcomes for service users.

As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, you will provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation, risk assessment and intervention for individuals with complex forensic mental health needs.

You will also play an important role in service development, consultation, training, supervision and ongoing improvements within forensic mental health services.

Main duties of the job Provide specialist forensic and clinical psychological assessments, formulations and interventions for individuals with complex mental health and forensic needs. Undertake structured professional judgement risk assessments and contribute to risk management planning.

Deliver evidence-based psychological interventions on an individual and group basis. Support admission avoidance, discharge planning and community reintegration for individuals accessing forensic services. Provide psychological consultation, guidance and support to multidisciplinary colleagues and partner agencies.

Contribute to multidisciplinary formulations and promote psychologically informed approaches to care planning and risk management. Deliver teaching, training and reflective practice sessions to colleagues and external stakeholders.

Provide clinical supervision to assistant psychologists, trainees and other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate. Participate in service evaluation, audit, quality improvement and research activities.

Support the continued development of the Specialist Community Forensic Team and wider forensic psychology provision across Somerset.

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

The Specialist Community Forensic Team provides specialist support to individuals with severe and enduring mental health needs who may be at risk of admission to secure services or who are transitioning from secure settings back into the community.

The service works closely with inpatient teams, community mental health services, criminal justice agencies and other partners to improve outcomes and support recovery.

As a Forensic / Clinical Psychologist, you will provide a highly specialised psychology service to working-age adults with complex mental health difficulties and forensic risk profiles.

You will undertake comprehensive assessments, develop psychological formulations and deliver evidence-based interventions to support recovery, reduce risk and improve quality of life. The role involves working collaboratively with patients, families, carers and professionals across health, social care and criminal justice settings.

You will provide expert psychological advice regarding assessment, treatment planning, risk management and discharge planning, while contributing to psychologically informed care across the wider system.

You will support colleagues through consultation, supervision and training, helping to embed psychological thinking within multidisciplinary practice.

The post holder will also contribute to service development initiatives, audit, evaluation and research activity to ensure the service continues to deliver high-quality care and achieve positive outcomes.

Applicants must hold a Doctorate in Clinical or Forensic Psychology (or equivalent) and be registered with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist .

Applications are welcomed from experienced psychologists seeking a Band 8a role, as well as newly qualified psychologists or those nearing qualification who are suitable for a Band 7 preceptorship pathway.

The role requires excellent assessment, formulation and communication skills, together with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a complex and evolving service. As travel across Somerset and the wider South West region is required, applicants must hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle .

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and ambitious forensic service, helping to shape and develop innovative community forensic pathways while making a meaningful difference to the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Doctoral Clinical or Forensic Psychology or equivalent Registered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist Training in administering, scoring, and feeding back psychometric measures Desirable Eligible for Chartered Clinical/ Forensic Psychologist Status Accreditation in NICE approved therapy e.g., CBT, CAT, Schema Relevant specialist CPD training in psychological therapy with long term mental health problems Clinical Supervision training Relevant training in specific offence related assessments e.g.

HCR-20, SARA, RSVP Experience Essential Clinical experience with people with severe and enduring mental health problems Competence in core psychological assessment, formulation and intervention skills Experience of working with a forensic population Experience of working with people with a diagnosis of personality disorder Competence in neuro-psychological assessment Supervision experience with a range of staff Desirable Experience of teaching and training staff and other professionals in psychology related matter Experience in administering, scoring and feeding back a variety of psychometric measures Consultancy experience in a range of settings Experience of working in a multi-professional/ multi- agency setting Experience of providing a psychological service to inpatient services Additional Criteria Essential Knowledge of legislation and its implications for clinical practise Full driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable Knowledge of research and development work in an area relevant to people with severe and enduring mental health problems and offending 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship 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) .