Clinical Psychologist

Job overview

We are currently seeking a Clinical Psychologist for Older People’s Inpatient Services. Whilst this post is suitable for a band 8A, we would happily support the career development of a band 7 via a preceptorship programme.

As a Clinical Psychologist, you will be providing specialist assessment, formulation and intervention for older adults with complex mental health needs, including behaviours that challenge. The role also involves offering consultation, reflective practice, and training to ward staff, alongside contributing to service improvement and psychologically informed care.

You will play a key role in delivering a high‑quality clinical psychology service for older adults admitted to two acute inpatient wards, supporting individuals with complex mental‑health needs, cognitive impairment, and/or dementia‑related difficulties.  It also offers consultation and support to the wider multidisciplinary team to enhance psychologically informed care.

This post is offered on a part-time basis of 18.75 hours week, and you will be required to work flexibly to meet service requirements.

For more information about the role, or to have an informal discussion, please contact Dr Theo Roberts, Principal Clinical Psychologist on 01305 361700.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Main duties of the job

You will undertake specialist psychological assessments, including psychometric testing, neuropsychological evaluation, and behavioural observation.

You will formulate clear, evidence‑based psychological formulations to inform and guide MDT care planning.

You will carry out cognitive assessments to contribute to the diagnostic process for dementia.

You will provide individual, family and group psychological interventions.

You will offer consultation, training, and supervisory support to ward staff to enhance psychologically informed care and enhance understanding and management of challenging behaviours.

You will contribute to risk assessment and risk‑management planning within the ward.

You will actively participate in MDT handovers, ward rounds, and discharge planning processes.

Driving is essential for this role. You will be required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

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

Detailed job description and main 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 candidate’s 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 [email protected]

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.