Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Psychologist to join our friendly and supportive Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Taunton. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position, offering an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate looking to develop their experience within clinical psychology and learning disability services.

Working under the supervision of a qualified HCPC-registered Clinical or Practitioner Psychologist, you will contribute to the delivery of psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for adults with learning disabilities. The role offers valuable experience in direct clinical work, service development, audit, research and multidisciplinary team working.

We are looking for someone with experience of working with people with learning disabilities and an interest in supporting individuals who may present with complex or challenging behaviours. Experience of systemic approaches and Positive Behaviour Support would be advantageous.

This post provides excellent development opportunities for aspiring psychology professionals and offers regular clinical supervision, support and opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Job responsibilities
As an Assistant Psychologist, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities, supporting the delivery of high-quality psychological services across Somerset. You will assist qualified Psychologists in the assessment, formulation and treatment planning of adults with learning disabilities and associated mental health needs.

The role involves working directly with service users and their support networks, gathering information through psychological assessments and clinical interviews, administering psychological measures and assisting with risk assessments. You will contribute to the delivery of structured psychological interventions and support service users to achieve their personal goals and improve their wellbeing.

You will play an important role in service development by supporting audits, research projects, data analysis and quality improvement initiatives. The post holder will regularly undertake literature reviews and contribute to ensuring that services are informed by current evidence and best practice.

Working closely with Psychologists, clinicians and partner agencies, you will help promote psychologically informed approaches and support training initiatives across the service. You will be expected to maintain accurate electronic records, manage your workload effectively and work within professional, organisational and ethical guidelines at all times.

The successful candidate will hold a degree in Psychology and be eligible for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society. They will be able to demonstrate experience of working with vulnerable adults, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a compassionate, person-centred approach. Experience working with people with learning disabilities and complex behaviours is essential, while knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches would be beneficial.

Due to the community-based nature of the role, applicants must hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance to travel across Somerset as required.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: First degree in psychology.
• Essential: Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS
• Desirable: A further qualification in an appropriate subject

Experience

• Essential: Experience of working in community settings.
• Essential: Demonstrable experience of working directly with a vulnerable client group, including experience of working psychologically with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems.
• Desirable: Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who can be hard to engage.
• Desirable: Experience of undertaking planned psychological interventions with adults who are experiencing mental health problems / behaviours that challenge others.

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Parkgate House, East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3ES
Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Contact
For questions about the job, contact Lorna Robbins, Hiring Manager, lorna.robbins@somersetft.nhs.uk

Details
Date posted: 19 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year maternity cover
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 184-OL-GR-5769
Closing date: 02 November 2026

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all backgrounds.