Assistant Psychologist
The closing date is 20 July 2026

Job summary
This is a permanent post of 30 hrs (4 days) and will provide the applicant with excellent experience that is relevant to obtaining onward progression to Doctoral Clinical Psychology Training.

We have an excellent record of our Assistant Psychologists gaining places on this training. Based in teams in the North and East of the county with a primary base in Sturminster Newton CTLD, you will work with adults who have learning disabilities within well established multi-professional community teams across the area.

Duties will include routine testing (e.g. dementia and psychometric), therapy, behavioural analysis and intervention, management of referrals, telephone follow-ups and assisting with clinical audits.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

Main duties of the job
We are seeking to recruit an Assistant Psychologist to join our Clinical Psychology Team which consists of four Clinical Psychologists, another two Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Clinical Psychologists, and Admin support. This is a part-time post of 30 hours per week on a permanent contract.

You will work with adults who have learning disabilities within well established multi-professional community teams across the North and East of Dorset. Duties will include routine testing (e.g. dementia and psychometric), therapy, behavioural analysis and intervention, management of referrals, telephone follow-ups and assisting with clinical audits.

It is essential that you have a 2.1 honours degree or higher in Psychology and that you have a car that can be used for work as the area involves visits to different team bases.

Previous experience in Learning Disability Services and familiarity with psychometric testing (e.g. WAIS IV) is highly desirable. A car is essential for this post as it involves home visiting and visits to day centres etc.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net.

Person Specification
knowledge, skills and training
Essential

• 2:1 or 1st class degree in psychology
• Experience with adults with LD
• Experience of psychometric testing, as well as experience with other tests

job specific criteria
Essential

• experience with learning disabled people
• experience of psychometric/neuropsychological assessment
• experience of dementia testing

information technology
Essential

• experience running and maintaining databases
• experience of audit
• completion of research dissertation - preferably relevant to clinial psychology

personal qualities
Essential

• previous experience as an assistant psychologist
• good understanding of people with special neeeds or mental health problems

business travel
Essential

• has a car that can be used for work

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Sturminster Newton CTLD office, Dorset Local Office, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1DR

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead
Claudia Reading
c.reading@nhs.net
01305751360

Employer's website: Apply through our website