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Job summary

Main area
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Grade
Band 4
Contract
12 months (Fixed Term 12 months)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Job ref
152-M601.25
Employer
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
The Children's Centre
Town
Dorchester
Salary
£28,392 - £31,157 p.a.
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
08/04/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust logo

CAMHS Assistant Psychologist

Band 4

 

 

Job overview

Working across both Weymouth & Portland and West C-CAMHS, the post holder, under the direction of qualified CAMHS clinical psychologists will undertake direct and indirect clinically supervised work within the team with young people and their families. They will undertake audits, case management and development activities and will be required to undertake Continuous Professional Development and attend clinical supervision. 

The post holder will be responsible for undertaking meaningful wellbeing calls, offering advice and guidance to families who are waiting for CAMHS support and escalating any concerns relating to risk to the clinical team. 

There will be an opportunity to undertake a variety of clinical work, including supporting with Neurodevelopmental Screening for both Autism and ADHD. 

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only.  Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

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.

 

Main duties of the job

Support families in their journey through the service, co-ordinating relevant programmes of care and liaising with partner services who may be better placed to provide care and support to the family.

Conduct psychometric and other routine psychological assessments with children and young people.

Plan, organise and facilitate psycho-educational interventions or other specific interventions, in group or individual format as supervised by qualified CAMHS clinical psychologists.

Provide advice (within competencies) to children, young people, families/ carers and professionals.

To have a lead role in the organisation and facilitation of participation within both service teams.

Liaise with children young people and families/carers and professionals regarding noncomplex, sensitive clinical/care information.

Use analytical and judgemental skills for assessing children and young people in 1-1 sessions, choosing appropriate psychological interventions and research approaches as supervised by qualified clinical psychologists.

Provide client intervention and psychometric testing that requires prolonged concentration.

Working for our organisation

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. 

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. 

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

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]

Person specification

2:1 Honours Degree in Psychology or higher

Essential criteria
  • Achieved Grade

Experience working with children, young people and families

Essential criteria
  • years experience
Desirable criteria
  • Experience working in CAMHS
  • Additional training

Excellent communication skills

Essential criteria
  • job experience

Knowledge of partnership working and safeguarding

Essential criteria
  • job experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

National Interim Quality MarkNHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardModern Slavery ActApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in PeopleImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Mindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingPrince's Trust - Proud to support the Prince's trust - Youth can do itStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Esther Elliott
Job title
Weymouth & Portland Team Leader
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01303 762810
Additional information

Claire Symes - [email protected] 

Team Leader - West CAMHS 

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