Trainee in Stoke-on-Trent

Overview: The placement is a rich opportunity for a Trainee Counselling Psychologist to work within a large organisation and demonstrate the benefits of a Counselling Psychology approach. It is a rewarding placement where a trainee will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, providing therapeutic input to children who may not have previously engaged with talk therapy.

Environment & Population: The placement is within a custodial setting. Trainees will be required to carry keys and keep all gates locked at all times. Children will often have experienced extremely adverse conditions, including abuse, and may have emotional regulation issues, trauma and engagement difficulties. The role requires working with the social and cultural contexts of the child and applying trauma‑informed principles. The environment can be challenging, but it provides an opportunity to build resilience and collaborate with custodial officers, a multi‑disciplinary CAMHS team and a specialist staff team.

Responsibilities:

• Provide therapeutic input to children in a custodial setting.
• Carry out assessment, formulation, treatment planning and therapy using approaches such as CBT, DBT skills, ACT and psychodynamic/attachment‑based work, depending on client need.
• Work under clinical supervision from a registered psychologist.
• Attend placement once a week (days negotiable); may see up to four clients depending on experience.
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary case discussions and collaborate with unit staff and family therapists.

Qualifications & Eligibility:

• BPS‑recognised Psychology bachelor’s degree.
• Currently engaged in a qualification to register as a Counselling Psychologist.
• Applicants must be trainees – the placement is for trainee counselling psychologists only.

Working Arrangements: The MoJ offers flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work where business need allows. The role is based in the UK; overseas work is not possible.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave – Holiday year runs from 1 March; entitlement is pro‑rated for non‑standard patterns and will be confirmed at appointment.
• Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays – 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) added to annual leave; employees may be required to work some public and bank holidays.
• Pension – Civil Service offers two pension schemes; staff can choose the scheme that best suits them.
• Work‑Life Balance – Flexible working available post‑probation, and NVQ season ticket advance available after two months’ service.
• Childcare vouchers and training opportunities are provided.
• Security, diversity and induction training are included.

Equal Opportunities: The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment. As a disability‑confident employer, the MoJ commits to providing reasonable adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process.