Assistant Psychologist in Forensic Psychology

Overview

We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Psychologist to join Forensic Psychological Services, based at Robin Pinto Unit, on a Fixed Term Contract of one year. This post would be suitable for someone who wishes to gain further experience in the fields of clinical or forensic psychology. The post holder will be given regular supervision with a qualified psychologist, and will be supported to develop their understanding of the applications of psychology with a range of mental health needs. Post holders will have the opportunity to observe psychological assessments and interventions being carried out by psychologists, to jointly facilitate treatment groups, and to independently carry out pieces of clinical work, such as psychometric and neuropsychological assessments, risk assessments and appropriate clinical interventions under supervision. Training will be given in relevant areas to support the post holder both in this role and in their on-going career progression. Candidates need to be an enthusiastic and committed graduate who wishes to develop their clinical skills working in a progressive team providing a high quality psychology service for adults with severe and enduring mental health problems.

Responsibilities

• To contribute to Forensic Psychological Services by supporting qualified psychologists in the undertaking and delivery of a range of clinical and research based tasks. There will be opportunities to co-facilitate a range of group therapy programmes, as well as providing support to qualified staff in the planning and development of clinical treatment. There will be a key role in completing service level audit projects as part of quality and developmental initiatives. Responsibilities will also include liaison with allied professionals, contributing to the sharing of psychological knowledge, and case discussion. Remaining time will comprise attending clinical meetings, participating in departmental forums and opportunities to shadow other team members. All work will take place under the direction and management of an experienced Psychologist. There will be a requirement to complete clinically related administration.

Qualifications and requirements

It is crucial that candidates have a Degree from a BPS accredited course in psychology (2:1 and above).

Application and selection notes

Please see the attached job description document for further details. Important note: please ensure that as part of your application, you include professional references with business contact information covering your last three years of employment history. We are unable to accept personal or character references. As a newly appointed employee, you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post; the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability two tick symbol and have made the pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities; we encourage people with a disability to apply. If you require this application form in another format (e.g., Braille or audio), please contact the Recruitment Department on 01375 364513 or email [email] and we can arrange for this to be dispatched to you.

The Trust has the right to expire vacancies prior to the closing date if they so wish. The Trust makes every attempt to contact all applicants and we strongly advise that you check the email account which is registered with NHS Jobs regularly. We would advise, however, due to the high number of applications we receive that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.

Important Notice: The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021, which amended on 22 July 2021 and come into force on 11 November 2021, requires anyone directly employed to work in a Care Home or who are required as part of their role to be deployed to a CQC registered care home to have had both their COVID vaccinations, unless exempt. This is therefore a requirement of this role and will form part of our pre-employment checks. Please note: staff who are formally at risk within the organisation will be given priority in securing alternative employment.

Should it come to light that a post being advertised by the Trust is considered suitable alternative employment to an individual who is at risk, the recruiting manager will be advised and the post will be withdrawn from NHS Jobs.

Additional information about the Trust context: we care for a large patient base across our community health, mental health and learning disability services in Essex and parts of Bedfordshire and Suffolk. The Trust highlights achievements and recognition such as university partnerships, apprenticeships, and equal opportunity commitments. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Contact

If you require the application form in another format, contact the Recruitment Department on 01375 364513 or email the Trust’s recruitment inbox.