Clinical Psychologist (Development post band 7 - 8a)

A Vacancy at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

We are seeking a Band 7–8a Clinical Psychologistto join ourwell‑established Intellectual Disabilities CAMHS team in Dorset. This is an exciting opportunity to work in ahighly skilled, compassionate multidisciplinary teamwherestaff wellbeing, psychological safety and reflective practice are genuinely prioritised.

About the Role

You will deliverspecialist assessment, formulation and interventionfor children and young people with intellectual disabilities and co‑occurring mental health needs.

• Working withcomplex and high‑needs presentationswithin a trauma‑informed, neurodiversity‑affirming framework
• Providingclinical leadership, consultation and supervisionwithin the MDT
• Strongmulti‑agency workingwith families, education and social care
• Contributing toservice development and quality improvement

AtBand 8a, the role includes additional leadership responsibilities within a defined pathway or specialist area.

Our ID CAMHS team is stable, experienced and values‑led.

We actively invest in

• Regularreflective spaces and supervision
• A culture ofpsychological safety and kindness
• Workloads that supportsustainable, high‑quality practice
• Ongoinglearning and CPD
• Co production and co deliveryof the Service alongside Experts by Experience

You’ll be a registered Clinical Psychologist withsignificant experience in CAMHS, intellectual disabilities or related services, and a passion for doing thoughtful, ethical work with children and families.

To provide a specialised psychology Service to the Pan Dorset ID CAMHs service. The post holder will provide psychological advice, consultation, training and supervision to non-psychological colleagues in addition to the direct provision of psychological assessments and interventions and where appropriate clinical support for pilot projects and clinical developments across the service. The post holder will liaise closely with other Clinical Psychologists and other key senior staff within the service to support the implementation of agreed system changes and service developments within the directorate.

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.

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 dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

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.

This advert closes on Thursday 28 May 2026