Job overview
We are looking for two enthusiastic Specialist Psychologists to join our Specialist Autism Team and Autism Assessment Service, on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis. This is an exciting opportunity to develop specialist skills in autism assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation within a supportive, multi-disciplinary service.
You will work with autistic people, people seeking assessment, families, carers and professional networks, contributing to high quality, person-centred and neuro-affirming care. The role is well suited to someone at the start of their qualified career who is keen to build confidence and competence in autism-specific practice.
We offer regular clinical and professional supervision, opportunities for CPD, peer support and involvement in service development. You will be part of a psychology structure that values reflective practice, formulation-led work and compassionate, inclusive services.
There may be an opportunity for the role to be extended or to become permanent, depending on service need and funding.
Main duties of the job
Within the Autism Assessment Service, the post holder will contribute to specialist autism assessments, including gathering developmental history, using structured clinical interviews and assessment tools, integrating information from multiple sources and supporting clear, accessible feedback and reports.
Within the Specialist Autism Team, you will provide psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for autistic people at high risk of admission to a mental health unit or placement breakdown, and their families or carers, adapting approaches to individual communication, sensory and cognitive needs. You will work closely with colleagues within DHCFT, and wider health and social care services. The role includes consultation, advice and formulation to colleagues, contribution to multi-disciplinary decision making, liaison with partner agencies and involvement in training, audit, evaluation and service development.
The post is line managed through a robust Psychology structure and offers excellent support to develop a specialist area of psychological expertise in autism.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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The post holder will need to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), eligible for BPS Chartership and able to meet the travel requirements of the post.
The full job description and person specification for this role can be found on the job application page.
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
Essential
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with a range of mental health / psychological problems and across the lifespan and a variety of settings
Desirable
- Expertise and interest in a specialist area relevant to the Specialist Autism Team and Autism Assessment Service
Knowledge & skills
Essential
- Very high level of interpersonal and communication skills enabling written and oral presentation and receipt of complex and sensitive information, to facilitate acceptance and relate effectively in an emotive and hostile environment
Training and qualifications
Essential
- Good Honours degree in Psychology (2:1 or above) giving eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS
- Postgraduate doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996 or those in lateral transfer) as accredited by the BPS and giving eligibility for membership of the Health Care Professions Council HCPC
- Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC
- Eligibility for Chartered status with the BPS
Desirable
- Chartered with the BPS
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Clinical Psychologist - SAT & ASD with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Chesterfield, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £49387.00 to £56515.00. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (There may be an opportunity for the role to be extended or to become permanent, depending on service need and funding.). The application deadline is 18 Aug 2026.
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