Forensic CAMHS - Research Assistant Psychologist
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic and highly specialist Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (FCAMHS), a regional team that sits alongside Somerset CAMHS and supports young people across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The service works with children and young people presenting with forensic risks and complex mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs. This role is offered on a part-time basis, working 4 days per week (30 hours).
As a Research Assistant Psychologist, you'll play a key role in supporting the team's delivery of a Randomised Controlled Trial of Mentalization-Based Therapy with young people under FCAMHS. You'll be part of a compassionate, multi-disciplinary team that includes nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychiatry and psychology. This is an ideal role for a psychology graduates looking to gain valuable experience in forensic and child mental health services, and to develop further skills in research and service development.
This post may close early as the number of applicants is capped: So don't hesitate to apply if you can see yourself playing a part in this influential and energised FCAMHS.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential for this role.
Main duties of the job
- Support the delivery of MBT therapies as part of a national RCT, under supervision of a clinical/forensic psychologist.
- Monitor, document and report adherence to the research protocol in line with Good Clinical Practice.
- Assist in recruitment of participants for the RCT.
- Administer psychometric instruments and conduct specialised clinical assessments.
- Provide consultation and advice to professionals working with the FCAMHS cohort.
- Engage in regular supervision and contribute to service development and evaluation.
- Liaise with partner agencies, including youth justice services and other mental health professionals.
- Analyse and present data using appropriate formats (e.g. reports, presentations).
- Attend internal and external meetings, consultations and supervisions.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
Date posted
10 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year 20 month contract
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
20 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
184-OL-GR-3331
Job locations
The Horizon Centre
Bathpool
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8BY
Trustwide
The Crescent
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be based at Foundation House and work across the South West region. The role involves:
- Delivering evidence-based assessments and interventions for young people with complex forensic and mental health needs.
- Supporting transitions for young people moving out of secure settings.
- Working within a psychologically informed, multi-disciplinary team.
- Engaging in service development projects, including data management and analysis.
- Participating in audit and research activities, including service evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Supporting the wider FCAMHS team in training and consultation roles.
- Maintaining accurate records and adhering to confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
- Promoting equality, diversity, and sustainability in all aspects of your work.
Job responsibilities
You will be based at Foundation House and work across the South West region. The role involves:
- Delivering evidence-based assessments and interventions for young people with complex forensic and mental health needs.
- Supporting transitions for young people moving out of secure settings.
- Working within a psychologically informed, multi-disciplinary team.
- Engaging in service development projects, including data management and analysis.
- Participating in audit and research activities, including service evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Supporting the wider FCAMHS team in training and consultation roles.
- Maintaining accurate records and adhering to confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
- Promoting equality, diversity, and sustainability in all aspects of your work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First degree in psychology (first or upper second).
Desirable
- Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT).
- Teaching Qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within NHS mental health services.
- Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting.
- Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers.
Desirable
- Post-graduate experience of research, audit and service evaluation.
- Experience of work with people with severe mental health problems.
- Experience of service development.
- Experience of delivering training.
- Experience of working in a forensic setting.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential for this role.
Qualifications
Essential
- First degree in psychology (first or upper second).
Desirable
- Training in psychosocial interventions (e.g. CBT).
- Teaching Qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within NHS mental health services.
- Experience of working therapeutically in a clinical setting.
- Experience in producing written reports/projects/papers.
Desirable
- Post-graduate experience of research, audit and service evaluation.
- Experience of work with people with severe mental health problems.
- Experience of service development.
- Experience of delivering training.
- Experience of working in a forensic setting.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential for this role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The Horizon Centre
Bathpool
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8BY
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The Horizon Centre
Bathpool
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8BY
Employer's website
Salary range
- £20 - £37,796 per year