At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's mental health through assessments and therapeutic sessions in a secure environment.
- Company: DrPA Secure, dedicated to compassionate and trauma-informed care for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development opportunities, and support for further education.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for research and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your psychology skills.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate Psychology degree and experience with vulnerable groups required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About Us
DrPA has been operating in secure environments since 2014 providing General Practitioner services and we are now growing to provide a complete healthcare service at Campsfield IRC by NHS England. This will be delivered directly or through a range of specialist partners who are experts in their field. We deliver our services based on our ethos of CARE:
- Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive
- Assurance that care is evidence‑based & demonstrates high quality outcomes for our patients
- Respectful of people’s cultural and religious beliefs
- Empowerment We centre each resident by co‑creating holistic care plans that treat their needs and equip them to self‑manage their wellbeing.
Overview
Oakhill Secure Training Centre is a custodial environment for children both females and males between the ages of 12 years old and 18 years old. Children may present with complex wellbeing and mental health needs, undiagnosed neurodivergent needs and complex trauma. This role sits within the healthcare team, consisting of Assistant & Trainee Psychologists, Qualified Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychiatrist, Registered Mental Health Nurses and Registered General Nurses.
Job Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing new service aimed at improving the well‑being and psychological functioning of children at Oakhill STC. The service provides weekly individual and group therapy sessions to children aged 12 to 18 years of age with an offending history. As part of the SECURE STAIRS model as an Assistant psychologist you would be able to work with children with low level mental health needs, complex trauma, and neurodivergence. You will be involved in supporting psychological assessment, formulations, and interventions under the regular clinical supervision of a qualified psychologist. You will also work closely with the wider healthcare team and operational colleagues in delivering trauma informed services.
Key Tasks And Responsibilities
- To complete wellbeing checks on all children across the centre and promote a psychologically safe environment by modelling trauma informed approaches in all interactions with children and staff.
- To embed the Assistant Psychologist role within the house units, engaging daily with children in activities and their regime.
- To complete My Story formulations including updating them regularly, reviewing and collating sensitive information to inform My Stories, and engaging children to complete the My story collaboratively.
- To attend weekly meetings with professionals from the wider service to ensure consistent and appropriate support is provided for all children.
- To support the delivery of training to officers to support their understanding of mental health diagnosis, complex presentation, and neurodivergence, as well as how to support children’s wellbeing.
- To maintain accurate and up to date records for children, and recognise and report concerns in line with local and national safeguarding procedures.
- To attend weekly clinical MDT meetings with professionals from across the healthcare team and contribute to discussions.
- To undertake psychological assessments of children applying psychological theory, including observation, self‑report measures and semi‑structured interviews.
- To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a problem, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
- Manage a caseload of children and deliver trauma informed, child centred wellbeing sessions in line with assessed needs.
- To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups or clinical projects.
- To work with other staff to assess or support children within the secure training centre and contribute to multidisciplinary discussions or care guidelines as agreed with the psychologist/psychological therapist providing supervision.
- To assist in the development of a psychological based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all children of the service, across all settings where care takes place.
- Assist in gathering information relevant to risk assessments, including self harm, violence, vulnerability, and exploitation.
Additional Opportunities
- Opportunities to attend and present at professional conferences
- Opportunities to complete additional research and service audits
- Support with further Doctorate applications (Clinical and Forensic)
- Opportunities to shadow assessments with the Trainee and Qualified Psychologist
- Engage in supervision and ongoing training to maintain high standards of professional competence.
- To attend and facilitate peer reflective practice alongside other assistant psychologists.
- To assist in the development of the service including psychologically informed intervention packs.
Essential Requirements
- Undergraduate Psychology degree (BSc)
- Experience of working within a mental health or secure setting with vulnerable or at risks groups (paid or voluntary considered)
- Trained or experience of delivering at least one model of therapy (for example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- A demonstrable passion for working with children
- Prior experience of Assistant Psychologist position (including voluntary position).
Ideal Requirements
- Experience of working with children in custody setting
- Experience of working with complex and challenging presentations
- Understanding and experience of SECURE STAIRS
Working Hours
- 8am-16:30pm
- 8am-18:30pm
- 11am-19:30pm
General Information
The post holder may be required to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as reasonably needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Assistant Psychologist | DrPA Secure employer: DrPA Secure
DrPA Secure is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care in a secure environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development, including support for further Doctorate applications and participation in conferences. Our collaborative work culture fosters respect and empowerment, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of children in our care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Psychologist | DrPA Secure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, especially those who work with children or in secure settings. Attend relevant events or workshops to meet people and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed care and working with children. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences and enthusiasm for working with children and mental health. Let them know why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Psychologist | DrPA Secure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and mental health shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Psychologist role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with our ethos of compassionate and trauma-informed care.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at DrPA Secure
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology theories and therapeutic models, especially those relevant to children and trauma. Familiarise yourself with the SECURE STAIRS model and be ready to discuss how you can apply it in practice.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for working with children and vulnerable groups. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to compassionate care and empowerment, as these align with DrPA's ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think about past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours or supported mental health needs.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be working closely with a multidisciplinary team, show that you're a team player. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with other professionals and contribute to creating a psychologically safe environment for the children.
