Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Senior Assistant Psychologist in our Community Paediatric Service. The vacancy is ideal for candidates who have an interest in working with young people with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder/ Condition and their families. The post will involve working closely with external organisations, as well as members of the Multidisciplinary Team which includes Consultant Community Paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Nurses.

Under supervision from the Clinical Psychologist, the successful applicant will work as part of our Autistic Spectrum Disorder Pathway to provide training, support and advice to families who are in the process of seeking an assessment. This pathway is part of The Dorset Development and Behaviour Pathway which is a locally driven initiative designed to inform and support families who access our service.

The post holder will promote and coordinate the patient journey through the service, utilising an evidence based approach. They will act as a single point of contact for families to keep them informed about during the process of assessment and to give practical tips whilst waiting or making referrals to appropriate services.

We are looking for a motivated and flexible individual with an undergraduate/postgraduate degree in Psychology. Strong communication and organisational skills are required.

Interview: 13th November

Main duties of the job
The post will form a key part of the Dorset Development and Behavioural Pathway, specifically supporting the parents/carers of young people with suspected ASD. The post is intended to contribute to an efficient and supported journey for young people and their families/carers within the multiagency diagnostic pathway for ASD and related conditions. It is intended that this role will support clinicians with assessments so that their time and capacity is spent where it is needed most. The post-holder will be involved in information gathering and administering standardised assessments under supervision of the Lead Clinical Psychologist. The post-holder will be able to provide information and signpost parents to Early Help Services across Dorset which can support them further. This post is also intended to support those children and families who do not get a diagnosis but who have outstanding support needs. The post holder will need to make referrals into other services which can help. The post holder will collate and share with families and professionals, up-to-date local and national information on community and digital resources to support young people with ASD. The post holder will be supervised by a registered Clinical Psychologist working in the service.

About us
UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 153-SP06950
Closing date: 01 November 2026

Essential qualifications

• An Upper Second or First class undergraduate psychology degree (from a BPS accredited course)
• Evidence of on-going professional development

Desirable qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject e.g. diploma, MSc in a clinical subject relevant to the post

Essential experience

• Experience of working with young people and families in a community setting
• Understanding of Child Development.

Desirable experience

• Experience of working with parents/carers in a clinical capacity
• Experience of working with children or adults who experience a range of ASD and emotional & behavioural difficulties.
• Experience of administering cognitive/ neuropsychological assessments
• Experience of coordinating the collection of information and organisation of meetings

Essential skills and competencies

• Highly developed communication skills and ability to work with young people & their families/ carers during times of stress and uncertainty.
• Good time management and ability to prioritise
• Knowledge and understanding in order to Safeguard children.
• Awareness of personal and professional boundaries
• The ability to instill confidence in others and in managing anxiety in other professionals and with families/carers

Desirable personal attributes

• An in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by young people and their families seeking ASD diagnosis and support.

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.

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.

Apply through our website