Job overview
Do you have a strong interest in Autism, and differential diagnosis? Are you interested in working with children, young people and families? Do you want to be part of a supportive, reflective and developing multi-disciplinary service in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire Community Trust (HCT) has exciting opportunities for dynamic and passionate individuals to provide support for Children and Young People (CYP) across the age range who may be autistic. HCT is working closely with system partners to implement a transformed diagnostic pathway for neurodivergent CYP. The vision in Hertfordshire is to ensure CYP, and their families can access early support, advice, and information including timely provision of diagnostic assessments where clinically needed. We are an innovative and flexible team working to develop neuroaffirmitive practices.
Due to service development, we are looking to recruit 0.6 WTE Band 8a Clinical Psychologist on a 12-month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave who can bring strong skills and experience in Autism to the multidisciplinary Autism Assessment Team across Hertfordshire. A preceptorship would be considered for the permanent contract role.
Main duties of the job
The post holders will work closely with the MDT and other agencies to undertake diagnostic assessments for autism and contribute to the psychology provision within the autism assessment service.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be experienced in undertaking autism assessments including having skills in developmental and autism-specific history taking, as well as being ADOS-2 trained.
- Able to provide supervision to an assistant psychologist and other members of the MDT.
- Maintain a high degree of professionalism when working in settings with a highly emotive atmosphere.
- Be flexible in their approach and have resilience under pressure.
- Work both in a team environment and autonomously
We can offer you:
- Regular clinical and professional supervision from a clinical psychologist
- Personal development planning and opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Support and guidance in transitioning into your new post.
- Opportunities to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team, which includes other psychologists.
- Involvement in service development including undertaking clinical audits, project work and service forums.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post is based across Hertfordshire and working location will be agreed to meet service needs and demand. There might also be an opportunity for a proportion of your time to be home working (to be discussed with your manager).
In addition to the basic salary, the post attracts a High-Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary subject to a minimum and a maximum payment per annum, pro rata where applicable, depending on base.
For this role you will need to have a full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for more specific information about this role.
Are you interested in developing your skills further? If so, apply now to be part of this friendly and forward-thinking trust.
Advertised hours /part time working patterns/secondments will be considered.
Interviews to be held on 8th September 2026
For further details / informal visits contact:
Suzie Gratton, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, suzannah.gratton@nhs.net,
Mob: 07920 751966.
Sarah Cole Clinical Psychologist, sarah.cole46@nhs.net
Mayuri Dave, Operational Lead for Neurodivergent Children Pathway & Sensory Processing Service, mayuridave@nhs.net, Mob: 07721667614.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Other requirements
Essential
- A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Well developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and /or clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Experience and skills in psychological assessment and interventions with children & young people with learning disabilities and/or social communication difficulties
- Experience of supervision of trainee and / or assistant clinical psychologists.
- Using the ADOS-2 for the assessment and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders or willingness to train.
- Experience of the use of the ADI- R or 3DI for the assessment and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders or willingness to train.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registered with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist
- Doctoral level training in clinical psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996), including specifically models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology.
- Formal training in supervision of trainee clinical psychologist
- Formal training in the assessment of Autism or willingness to train.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Clinical Psychologist with Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust in Howard Court. It is listed as a Band 8 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Cover). The application deadline is 26 Aug 2026.
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