Forensic or Clinical Registered Psychologist

 Forensic or Clinical Registered Psychologist – HM Prison & Probation Service (Ref: 91517)

Location: Multiple sites in the South West and South Central regions of the UK
Salary: £50,303 with an employer pension contribution of 28.97%
Application Deadline: 11:55 pm, Monday, 4th November 2024
Job Grade: Senior Executive Officer, HMPPS Band 7
Contract Type: Permanent with flexible working options (full-time, part-time, job share)

Role Overview:

This role involves applying forensic or clinical psychology to support offender rehabilitation, reduce risk, and provide mental health support within the prison system. Responsibilities include risk assessment, consultancy, delivering training, and supervising trainee psychologists. Psychologists will work closely with prison staff and healthcare teams to foster a safe environment and will be based in prisons within the South West and South Central Directorate, specifically at HMP Bullingdon, HMP Channings Wood, HMP Huntercombe, and HMP Winchester.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Risk Assessment and Treatment Management
   Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate offenders’ potential for harm to themselves and others. Engage in treatment management as part of the Offending Behaviour Programmes, focusing on rehabilitation and support to reduce re-offending. The role includes assessing mental health needs and creating personalized plans for individuals to address underlying psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior.

2. Consultancy and Complex Case Support
   Provide expert consultancy on complex cases involving offenders with diverse needs, including those convicted of violent or sexual offences. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to address safety concerns, such as through involvement in the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and collaboration with Counter-Terrorism teams where applicable. Offer guidance and recommendations for case management to ensure effective treatment strategies.

3. Supervision and Mentorship for Trainees
   Offer professional supervision and mentorship to trainee psychologists, guiding their development towards chartered and registered status. Conduct regular assessments and provide constructive feedback to ensure that trainees develop the competencies required for independent practice. Promote a learning environment that encourages growth and skill acquisition in offender rehabilitation.

4. Collaboration and Safety Initiatives
   Act as the psychology lead for safety within the prison setting, working with other departments such as Healthcare, Offender Management, and Residential units to develop and implement strategies that prioritize safety. This includes engaging in reflective practice support, coaching operational staff, attending safety-related meetings, and advising on best practices to foster a safe and supportive environment for both staff and prisoners.

5. Rehabilitation and Behavioral Intervention
   Design and deliver psychological interventions tailored to individuals’ needs, focusing on changing thought patterns and behaviors. Utilize evidence-based treatment models to address issues such as anger management, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Conduct individual and group therapy sessions to promote personal growth, reduce recidivism, and support offenders in making positive life changes.

6. Professional Testimony and Reporting
   Serve as a professional witness for parole board hearings, multi-agency meetings, and formal settings requiring psychological insight. Prepare and deliver reports that reflect accurate assessments of offenders’ progress and risk status, and participate in the scrutiny of incidents where required to support continuous improvement.

Requirements:

1. Qualifications and Registration

Candidates must hold a professional qualification in forensic or clinical psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Psychologists in the process of obtaining HCPC registration may apply, with the condition of securing registration within six months of the provisional offer.

2. Professional Expertise in Psychology

Demonstrated expertise in forensic or clinical psychology, with a focus on risk assessment, offender rehabilitation, and behavior management. Completion of training in effective treatment models and a background in developing intervention programs for offenders is essential.

3. Experience in Supervision and Training

Prior experience in supervising and mentoring junior psychology staff, including the ability to provide training in offender management and risk reduction strategies. Proven capability to foster a professional development environment and help trainees gain critical competencies for independent practice.

4. Technical Skills in Assessment and Intervention

Ability to conduct psychological assessments, develop strategic treatment plans, and deliver interventions that meet the specific needs of offenders. Strong analytical skills are required to interpret data, assess risk factors, and guide interventions based on empirical evidence.

5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Apply here  and learn more about this exciting role.