Specialist Clinical Psychologist - SAT & ASDThe closing date is 18 August 2026Job summaryWe are looking for two enthusiastic Specialist Psychologists to join our Specialist Autism Team and Autism Assessment Service, on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis. This is an exciting opportunity to develop specialist skills in autism assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation within a supportive, multi-disciplinary service.
You will work with autistic people, people seeking assessment, families, carers and professional networks, contributing to high quality, person-centred and neuro-affirming care. The role is well suited to someone at the start of their qualified career who is keen to build confidence and competence in autism-specific practice.
We offer regular clinical and professional supervision, opportunities for CPD, peer support and involvement in service development. You will be part of a psychology structure that values reflective practice, formulation-led work and compassionate, inclusive services.
There may be an opportunity for the role to be extended or to become permanent, depending on service need and funding.
Main duties of the jobWithin the Autism Assessment Service, the post holder will contribute to specialist autism assessments, including gathering developmental history, using structured clinical interviews and assessment tools, integrating information from multiple sources and supporting clear, accessible feedback and reports.
Within the Specialist Autism Team, you will provide psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for autistic people at high risk of admission to a mental health unit or placement breakdown, and their families or carers, adapting approaches to individual communication, sensory and cognitive needs. You will work closely with colleagues within DHCFT, and wider health and social care services. The role includes consultation, advice and formulation to colleagues, contribution to multi-disciplinary decision making, liaison with partner agencies and involvement in training, audit, evaluation and service development.
The post is line managed through a robust Psychology structure and offers excellent support to develop a specialist area of psychological expertise in autism.
About usThe successful candidates will be welcomed into a vibrant and creative team of skilled Psychologists who have extensive experience, knowledge and skill, and are passionate about supporting people who are autistic.
Our Psychology and Psychological Therapies service has a strong focus on staff wellbeing and is keen to support and develop research activities. There are excellent opportunities for peer support, to join a range of specialist supervision groups and to participate in regular in-house and external CPD. We also have strong links with local Psychology Training Courses and provide regular placements and teaching.
Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of 'making a positive difference in people's lives'.
DetailsDate posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 383-SPE-7657-26
Job locations: Ash Green, Ashgate Rd, Ashgate, Chesterfield, S42 7JE, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the Job Description & Person Specification click link APPLY FOR THIS JOB for re-direction to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not have an account.The post holder will need to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), eligible for BPS Chartership and able to meet the travel requirements of the post.
The full job description and person specification for this role can be found on the job application page.Person SpecificationTraining and qualificationsEssential- Good Honours degree in Psychology (2:1 or above) giving eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS
- Postgraduate doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996 or those in lateral transfer) as accredited by the BPS and giving eligibility for membership of the Health Care Professions Council HCPC
- Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC
- Eligibility for Chartered status with the BPS
DesirableExperienceEssential- Experience of working with people with a range of mental health / psychological problems and across the lifespan and a variety of settings
Desirable- Expertise and interest in a specialist area relevant to the Specialist Autism Team and Autism Assessment Service
Knowledge & skillsEssential- Very high level of interpersonal and communication skills enabling written and oral presentation and receipt of complex and sensitive information, to facilitate acceptance and relate effectively in an emotive and hostile environment
OtherEssential- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post.
Additional informationDisclosure 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Ash Green, Ashgate Rd, Ashgate, Chesterfield, S42 7JE, United Kingdom
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Principal Clinical Psychologist Richard Smith (Specialist Autism Team) richard.smith88@nhs.net
