At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health services for men in prison through therapy and assessments.
- Company: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, a leading provider of health services in the North West.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and transformative organisation.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and help improve lives in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in psychology or mental health support is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
To support the Integrated Mental Health Team (IMHT) in providing a talking therapies service within HMP Liverpool. The focus of the service is to provide a high-quality therapy service to meet the psychological needs and well-being of men in prison and to support staff in their support of the men.
The Assistant Psychologist role will involve:
- Direct clinical work, both in 1:1 and group format
- Assessment and screening for a range of mental health difficulties
- Consultation and training opportunities
To support and enhance the professional psychological care of service users within the service, across all relevant sectors; providing psychological assessment and psychological interventions under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist, working independently according to a plan agreed with the supervising qualified psychologist and within the overall framework of the team’s policies and procedures.
The post holder will work within the Integrated Mental Health Team (IMHT) based within the Healthcare unit at HMP Liverpool. This is a local Home Office Category B prison. The successful candidate will provide some brief psychotherapy services within a mental health service under close supervision from qualified members of staff. Clients are remanded or sentenced male prisoners in HMP Liverpool.
The post holder will utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development and research within the local area/speciality. Members of the IMHT attend meetings and conduct both individual and group therapies within healthcare, the inpatient unit and on the prison wings.
Given the nature of Secure Services, there is potential exposure to face-to-face verbal and physical aggression. The post holder is expected to maintain professionalism and awareness of the potential risks for patients, themselves and other colleagues, at all times. The post holder may encounter professional, legal, and personal challenges including considerable media interest. Due to the security status of HMP Liverpool, the post holder works under the direction of the Security arrangements of Her Majesty’s Prison.
Assistant Psychologist | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Psychologist | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mental health field, especially those connected to Mersey Care. LinkedIn is a great place to start; drop them a message and express your interest in the Assistant Psychologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of psychological assessments and interventions. Think about how you can apply your skills in a prison setting and be ready to discuss real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for mental health! During interviews, share your experiences and why you’re drawn to working with vulnerable populations. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Psychologist | Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Psychologist role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in mental health settings, and any specific skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of providing high-quality therapy services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in mental health, particularly within a prison setting. Share any personal experiences or insights that make you a great fit for the Integrated Mental Health Team at HMP Liverpool.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your research skills and any experience with psychological assessments or interventions. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how your background prepares you for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key psychological theories and practices relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with talking therapies, assessment techniques, and the specific needs of the prison population. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the unique challenges it presents.
✨Show Your Empathy
In a role like this, empathy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach working with vulnerable individuals in a challenging environment. Share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Integrated Mental Health Team and their approach to therapy within HMP Liverpool. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team’s values align with yours. Think about asking about their current projects or how they measure the success of their interventions.
✨Stay Professional Under Pressure
Given the nature of the work, it's important to convey your ability to maintain professionalism in potentially aggressive situations. Be ready to discuss how you would handle conflicts or challenging behaviours while ensuring the safety of yourself and others. Highlight any relevant training or experiences that have prepared you for this.