Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Assistant Psychologist

The closing date is 04 March 2026

Job summary

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologists to support an exciting Digital Neurodevelopmental Profiling Project. As an Assistant Psychologist in the project team, you will join our existing CAMHs neurodevelopmental team to support the design, development, and evaluation of a digital profiling tool for children and young people. This is a unique opportunity to blend clinical knowledge with digital innovation to improve early understanding, assessment, and support for neurodiversity.

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Passionate about neurodevelopment and improving support for children and young people
  • Skilled in building rapport and facilitating conversations with service users
  • Confident with digital tools and interested in technology-enhanced care
  • Organised, reflective, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, creative project environment
  • Able to think flexibly and contribute ideas to help shape a new and innovative product

Offered on 12 month fixed term working 37.5 hours per week.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

Main duties of the job

As part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and digital developers, you will play a key role in shaping a user-centred tool that helps families, schools, and professionals better understand individual neurodevelopmental profiles.

You will be involved in: -

  • Supporting the co-design process with children, young people, families, and clinicians
  • Assisting with the development of evidence-based content, questionnaires, and psychoeducational materials
  • Contributing to usability testing, data collection, and early evaluation of the tool
  • Conducting literature searches and summarising research to inform design decisions
  • Ensuring the tool reflects neuroaffirming principles and prioritises accessibility and inclusivity
  • Supporting project coordination, documentation, and communication across clinical and digital teams

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 ofways 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.

Details

Date posted

18 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year p.a.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M550.25

Job locations

The Bridges

49 Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Job description

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 using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, 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

Job description

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 using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, 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 Children and Young People mental health
  • Experience of psychometric testing, as well as experience with other tests

job specific criteria

Essential

  • Experience of working with young people who have autism or adhd
  • Experience of psychometric/neuropsychological assessment

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
Person Specification

knowledge, skills and training

Essential

  • 2:1 or 1st class degree in psychology
  • Experience with Children and Young People mental health
  • Experience of psychometric testing, as well as experience with other tests

job specific criteria

Essential

  • Experience of working with young people who have autism or adhd
  • Experience of psychometric/neuropsychological assessment

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

The Bridges

49 Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Bridges

49 Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Clare Young

clare.young2@nhs.net

01202308084

Details

Date posted

18 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year p.a.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-M550.25

Job locations

The Bridges

49 Alumhurst Road

Bournemouth

BH48EP


Supporting documents

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