Job Summary
We are looking to recruit a suitably qualified HCPC Registered Clinical or Forensic Psychologist to work within Ashford, our low secure inpatient unit for people with learning disabilities. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 8a Psychologist to clinically lead the psychological service as well as having an active involvement in wider service improvement and delivery projects.
We have a track record of innovation and service development and are committed to delivering a psychologically informed ethos supporting models such as formulation, Positive Behaviour Support, and our adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy service to encourage a trauma-informed approach. The Trust supports continuing professional development and research activity, with links to other Psychological Therapy Services within Forensic Services.
About Us: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a newly established organisation bringing together expertise from across mental health, learning disabilities, community, and physical health services. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Details
Date posted: 29 September 2025 | Pay scheme: Agenda for change | Band: Band 8a | Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year | Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Part-time
Job Location: Ashford Unit, Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 2RZ
Job Description
Job responsibilities include clinical leadership for the Ashford low secure service and opportunities to undertake discrete complex pieces of work within the multidisciplinary Forensic Community Learning Disability Team (FCLDT), as well as leading the main CBT-informed group psychological programmes across the two teams. The post holder will administer a variety of neuropsychological and psychological assessments, practice direct therapy approaches, and conduct comprehensive risk assessments. The role involves facilitating formulation meetings, reflective practice sessions, and staff training, with supervision provided by the service Consultant Psychologist.
The post holder should have excellent communication skills adaptable to individual patient needs and be able to work both autonomously and within established multidisciplinary teams.
Qualifications
Essential
* Doctoral level training in clinical or forensic psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996), including models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology as accredited by the BPS.
* Post-holder must be HCPC registered as a Psychologist
Desirable
* Post-doctoral training in one or more additional specialised areas of psychological practice.
* Training in clinical supervision.
* Post-qualification experience in inpatient/forensic or other relevant clinical settings.
* Experience of teaching, training and/or supervision.
* Experience of the application of clinical psychology in different cultural contexts.
* Experience of working in a specialised adult learning disability or forensic setting.
* Experience of delivering group programmes.
Experience
* Skills in complex psychological assessment, intervention and management with sustained and intensive concentration.
* Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with patients, families, carers and colleagues.
* Ability to provide consultation to professional and non-professional groups.
* Doctoral level knowledge of research methodology, design and multivariate data analysis in clinical psychology.
* Ability to teach and train others using complex materials for public, professional and academic settings.
* Ability to identify and employ clinical governance mechanisms to maintain high-quality practice.
* Calm, approachable, enthusiastic, resilient, and energetic.
* Willingness to develop audit and research and to work effectively in a team.
Additional Criteria
* Flexible and adaptable working style with the ability to adjust to individual learning styles and changes in work demands.
* Excellent communication skills and a non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality, good listening skills, and calm under pressure.
* Problem solving skills and understanding of the psychological needs of people in care to improve well-being and reduce risks.
* Awareness of evidence-based practice and a range of psychological approaches.
* Attention to detail and a full driving licence with access to a car.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a DBS check will be submitted as part of the recruitment process.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Ashford Unit, Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 2RZ
Employer's website: https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/
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