Job Description

The closing date is 19th Oct 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 28th October

Job summary

---------------


This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and highly specialist Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (FCAMHS), a regional team that sits alongside Somerset CAMHS and supports young people across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The service works with children and young people presenting with forensic risks and complex mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs.


As a Research Assistant Psychologist, you'll play a key role in supporting the team's delivery of a Randomised Controlled Trial of Mentalization-Based Therapy with young people under FCAMHS. You'll be part of a compassionate, multi-disciplinary team that includes nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychiatry and psychology. This is an ideal role for a psychology graduates looking to gain valuable experience in forensic and child mental health services, and to develop further skills in research and service development.


This post may close early as the number of applicants is capped: So don't hesitate to apply if you can see yourself playing a part in this influential and energised FCAMHS.


A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential for this role.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

Support the delivery of MBT therapies as part of a national RCT, under supervision of a clinical/forensic psychologist. Monitor, document and report adherence to the research protocol in line with Good Clinical Practice. Assist in recruitment of participants for the RCT. Administer psychometric instruments and conduct specialised clinical assessments. Provide consultation and advice to professionals working with the FCAMHS cohort. Engage in regular supervision and contribute to service development and evaluation. Liaise with partner agencies, including youth justice services and other mental health professionals. Analyse and present data using appropriate formats (e.g. reports, presentations). Attend internal and external meetings, consultations and supervisions.

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

-------------------


You will be based at

Foundation House

and work across the South West region. The role involves:

Delivering evidence-based assessments and interventions for young people with complex forensic and mental health needs. Supporting transitions for young people moving out of secure settings. Working within a psychologically informed, multi-disciplinary team. Engaging in service development projects, including data management and analysis. Participating in audit and research activities, including service evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods. Supporting the wider FCAMHS team in training and consultation roles. Maintaining accurate records and adhering to confidentiality and safeguarding policies. Promoting equality, diversity, and sustainability in all aspects of your work.

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

First degree in psychology (first or upper second).


#

Desirable

Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT).


Teaching Qualification.

Experience

#

Essential

Experience of working within NHS mental health services.


Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting.


Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers.




#

Desirable

Post-graduate experience of research, audit and service evaluation.


Experience of work with people with severe mental health problems.


Experience of service development.


Experience of delivering training.


Experience of working in a forensic setting.

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential for this role.

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.

For help with your application, contact:

Dr James Randall, Principal Clinical Psychologist


james.randall@somersetft.nhs.uk


07920843485

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 5

Salary

31049.00 to 37796.00 Yearly

Contract

Fixed Term

Duration

20 Month(s)

Working pattern

Part-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3331

Job locations

The Horizon Centre

Bathpool

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 8BY


Trustwide

The Crescent

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 4DY