Senior Registered Psychologist - Psychology Services - Oakhill Secure Training Centre - Youth Custody Services

HMPPS Youth Custody Service (YCS) Psychology Services are currently recruiting a Senior Registered Psychologist to be based within Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC: Milton-Keynes) which accommodates both boys and girls remanded or sentenced to custody. With approximately 350 children in custody across England and Wales, YCS Psychology Services work across the whole spectrum of complex needs of this population as part of a trauma-informed approach. Practice is integrated across all partner agencies with an enduring focus on the best interests of the child. Given all services for this specialist population are underpinned by evidence-based practice, Psychology Services are integral to delivery.

In addition to fulfilling a Service Level Agreement with G4S for services into Oakhill, YCS Psychology Services also contribute to numerous national consultancy projects including an Interventions Model, staff training and development including a model for Reflective Practice, and various other developmentally appropriate approaches to support the organisation. YCS Senior Psychologists line manage and supervise the practice of other staff in the team including trainee psychologists. Further, as part of the wider HMPPS Psychology Services Group, successful applicants will also benefit from numerous opportunities for CPD and career progression working across the wider custodial estate. Experience of working with children involved in the youth justice system is desirable but full training and support will be provided. Motivation and resilience to work with this complex yet rewarding young population is essential.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitably qualified staff. The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non-standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period.

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes. There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts. All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint.

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs.

Specific membership requirements

• To be eligible, the post holder should have two years post registration experience at the point of taking up post. However, applications will be welcomed from psychologists who have a minimum of 18 months post registration experience; although they will not be able to formally take up the post until they have been registered for two years.
• Possess a professional background in Psychology.
• Experience in providing clinical supervision.
• Completed relevant training in effective models of treatment and best practice.
• They are likely to also be a Chartered Psychologist and Full member of the appropriate division of the BPS if the post requires it.

Specific language requirements

• Written and Spoken English.

Evidence of Experience

• CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability.

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates: To be confirmed.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing.
• Developing Self and Others.
• Leadership.
• Managing a Quality Service.
• Working Together.

Strengths

Level of security checks required.