Originally commissioned since 2019 by Somerset Council and recommissioned in April 2026, Step Together is an innovative service that offers a psychological, adversity and trauma (PAT) informed approach to supporting those rough sleeping/at risk of homelessness with multiple disadvantage and complex needs (mental health, forensic history, substance use). We also advocate for system change, creatively thinking with other agencies to develop innovative ways to overcome barriers to engagement, turning these into opportunities to steer positive trauma‑informed system change.
Responsibilities
- Develop the psychological therapy pathway and oversee psychologists in training on placement from local universities in Step Together.
- Under the supervision and direction of the Head of Psychology, offer therapeutic understanding and interventions to a small caseload of clients with higher levels of need, including collaborative psychologically informed assessments, formulations and therapeutic provision integrating trauma‑informed and relational/attachment frameworks.
- Provide PAT‑informed staff support and development through reflective contexts (team formulation, reflective practice) to recovery coaches and managers.
- Liaise with the Head of Psychology, Learning and Development team and Senior PAT practitioner to develop and deliver training and resources that build staff capacity for the PAT approach.
- Provide psychological consultation to external agencies that is PAT‑informed and aims to facilitate system change.
- Be a member of the Second Steps Psychology Team and work with our network of practitioners across Second Step services throughout the South‑West region.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Working with people with severe and multiple disadvantage including adult mental health problems, substance misuse, forensic histories, and homelessness.
- Formulating adaptive strategies using trauma‑informed and attachment frameworks.
- Experience in evaluation and audit.
- Developing and delivering training to diverse audiences.
- Group facilitation and providing reflective practice sessions.
- Influencing the networks of support around individuals to create system change.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in NHS secondary care mental health services.
- Experience working in non‑NHS settings.
- Experience with relational approaches to therapy such as psychodynamic models.
- Experience creating and delivering psychological and trauma‑informed training to different audiences.
What We Offer
Investment in your professional development, including training and robust clinical supervision; membership within our growing psychology team to support professional identity and CPD; the chance to extend the scope of practice working in partnership with key stakeholders to drive meaningful system change.
