At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to children in a custodial setting and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, annual leave, pension schemes, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Challenging yet rewarding environment with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience as a trainee psychologist.
- Qualifications: Must have a BPS-recognised Psychology degree and be a trainee Counselling Psychologist.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Trainee employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for Trainee Counselling Psychologists to work in a challenging yet supportive custodial environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the MoJ fosters a collaborative culture where trainees can develop their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children. The comprehensive benefits package, including training opportunities and a choice of pension schemes, further enhances the appeal of this role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of counselling psychology, especially those who work in custodial settings. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to meet people and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to trauma-informed care and multi-disciplinary teamwork. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children in challenging environments. Share any relevant experiences during your interview that highlight your resilience and adaptability in tough situations.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for counselling psychology! Share why you’re drawn to this field and how you can make a difference in a custodial setting. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. We want to see how your background fits with our multi-disciplinary team and the specific challenges of working with children in custody.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Therapeutic Approaches
Familiarise yourself with the therapeutic methods mentioned in the job description, like CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these techniques in a custodial setting, especially when working with children who have experienced trauma.
✨Understand the Environment
Research the challenges of working in a custodial environment. Show that you understand the complexities of engaging with children who may have emotional regulation issues and how your approach can help them feel safe and supported.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration Skills
Emphasise your ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, particularly in challenging situations, to demonstrate your teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Clinical Supervision Questions
Since you'll be working under clinical supervision, think about what you expect from this relationship. Be ready to discuss how you plan to seek feedback and grow as a professional during your placement.
