At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide trauma-focused therapy and support to police staff and officers.
- Company: Join Avon and Somerset Police's Occupational Health Department, dedicated to supporting mental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym membership, and exclusive discounts through the Blue Light card.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while achieving work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Must hold BACP/BABCP/UKCP accreditation and experience in CBT and trauma therapy.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, perfect for students seeking meaningful work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a qualified Psychological Therapist to join our team. The Psychological Therapist role is a highly valued and integral part of Avon and Somerset Police's Occupational Health Department, working together to deliver a first-class service to our police colleagues. This is a part-time position working 14.8 hours per week on a fixed 12-month contract.
You will need an interest in and experience of delivering trauma support together with experience of working effectively with other complex mental health presentations. You will hold BACP, BABCP or UKCP accreditation with the relevant qualifications and experience in CBT and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This role can offer hybrid working, therefore if you are looking for a better work/life balance, working weekdays only, this could be the ideal career move for you.
The role: Specialising in providing evidence-based trauma interventions, you will be considered an expert in your field. You will develop recovery-focused treatment plans to support our dedicated police officers and staff. We are looking for a Psychological Therapist to work on a part-time basis covering two days per week until August 2026. This post will work on site in Portishead, near Bristol.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide proactive and comprehensive therapeutic and trauma-focused clinical interventions for complex presentations.
- Practicing CBT, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and other treatment modalities judged to be best practice.
- Providing psychological support for police staff and police officers working in emotionally demanding and (at times) distressing roles, making clinical assessments as to whether therapy is required.
- You will act as a champion for TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) within the organisation, liaising with the TRiM Coordinator and providing post-incident support.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- Advanced course, degree or post-graduate diploma in CBT or Counselling.
- Full BABCP/BACP/UKCP or equivalent accreditation.
- Experience in delivering CBT.
- Proven experience and/or an interest in trauma therapy.
- Experience of working in a large organisation.
- Excellent communication skills and able to demonstrate good therapeutic relationships with people.
- Able to organise a high-volume workload to ensure effective prioritisation and delivery of objectives.
Additional information: This role may require travel across our force area therefore, a full current UK driving licence or the willingness to travel using alternative transport will be necessary. To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3-year checkable history in the UK ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible. This role has been identified as a blended role. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.
Psychological Therapist - NHS Band 6/7 employer: Avon and Somerset Police
Contact Detail:
Avon and Somerset Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychological Therapist - NHS Band 6/7
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to attend the Q&A session on Monday 23rd June. This is a great opportunity to ask questions directly to the Occupational Health representatives and get insights that could help you tailor your approach for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) framework, as this will be a key part of your role. Understanding its principles and how it applies within the police context can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of trauma therapy, especially those who have experience working with police or emergency services. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially useful contacts.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common therapeutic scenarios you might encounter in this role. Being able to demonstrate your thought process and approach to complex mental health presentations will impress the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychological Therapist - NHS Band 6/7
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the Psychological Therapist role. Emphasise your BACP, BABCP, or UKCP accreditation and any specific training in CBT and EMDR.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for trauma therapy and your experience working with complex mental health presentations. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of your previous work in trauma support and how you have effectively collaborated with other professionals in a large organisation. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the role.
Prepare for the Q&A Session: Before applying, consider attending the Q&A session on 23rd June. Prepare questions about the role and the team, as this will help you tailor your application and show your genuine interest in the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police
✨Showcase Your Trauma Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in delivering trauma support during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you successfully implemented trauma-focused interventions, as this will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with TRiM
Since the role involves acting as a champion for Trauma Risk Management (TRiM), it’s essential to understand its principles and practices. Research how TRiM is applied within organisations and be ready to discuss how you would implement it effectively in your work.
✨Prepare for Clinical Assessments
The job requires making clinical assessments regarding therapy needs. Brush up on your assessment techniques and be ready to explain your approach to evaluating complex mental health presentations. This will show that you are not only qualified but also confident in your clinical judgement.
✨Demonstrate Excellent Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when working with police staff and officers. Prepare examples of how you've built therapeutic relationships in the past and how you handle emotionally demanding situations. This will help convey your ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike.