Assistant Psychologist

Job overview

We are recruiting to several new Assistant Psychologist posts within the Adult Forensic Mental Health Service (Inpatient and Community Team). We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated psychology graduates, to work with people who have complex needs and behaviour that has brought them into secure services.

You will join a large team of experienced colleagues. You will be involved in activities that include assessment, therapeutic interventions and work to support colleagues in the wider service. You will also be involved in research/audit/QI activity in your role here.

We expect applicants to appreciate the kinds of issues and challenges that are faced in working with people who have mental health difficulties and problems related to offending and/or aggression and violence towards others. Histories of significant adversity and trauma, and problems with self-harm, substance misuse, and managing relationships with others are common. Ideally, you will have prior experience in working in a forensic/secure setting and/or a service where you have supported people with complex needs. You will receive all necessary training, supervision and support to enable you to fulfil the role effectively, and to also maintain your own psychological and emotional well-being.

If you feel that you are ready for the opportunities, challenges and rewards that working in a setting like this provides, then this may well be the next role for you! We look forward to your application.

Main duties of the job

To contribute to the provision of a high-quality, specialist psychology service for men and women with complex clinical and forensic needs, detained in low and medium secure services, and based at Prestwich Hospital Site (including Edenfield Centre and the Lowry Unit). The post holder will join a psychology department that comprises clinical, counselling, and forensic psychologists, and an art therapist. The post entails supporting the provision of assessments and therapeutic interventions to inpatients, on both an individual and group basis, and under supervision and line management provided by a qualified psychologist. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to service evaluations and audits, as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see full Job description and Person Specification attached to this vacancy.

Staff benefits

• Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts