Band 8a/b Psychologist - Prison

Band 8a/b Psychologist - Prison

Full-Time On-site
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Ghulam Qadir

Lancashire, United Kingdom contract Remote

Forensic Psychologist

Employer: Pulse Healthcare

Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom (across two male secure environments)

Reference: 34619

Contact: Psychology North | 01992305604

Job Title: Principal / Senior Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a–8b)

Banding: Band 8b (Band 8a considered with strong experience)

Working Hours: Part-time – 2/3 days per week

Contract: Temporary/Locum

Salary: Highly competitive

Pulse is seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Practitioner Psychologist to provide high-quality clinical support across two adult male secure environments in the North West region. This role offers a rare opportunity to deliver specialist psychological input within well-established mental health teams, supporting both staff and service users who present with complex mental health needs, trauma and challenging behaviour.

Your primary base will be one main site, with periodic visits to a second location (typically once per fortnight). You will contribute to reflective practice groups, trauma-informed approaches and provide clinical leadership within a supportive multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

  • Provide specialist psychological assessments, formulations and interventions for adults with complex presentations
  • Support staff teams in understanding and managing challenging behaviour, trauma and risk
  • Deliver reflective practice groups and staff wellbeing sessions
  • Offer clinical leadership and contribute to evidence-based service development
  • Supervise and guide junior psychology team members
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to ensure psychologically informed care across both sites
  • Prioritise clinical excellence while balancing responsibilities across two secure settings

Benefits

  • Significant autonomy and influence within a psychologically led service
  • Opportunities to deliver reflective practice and staff support
  • A supportive and experienced MDT environment
  • Flexible part-time schedule (minimum 2 days per week)
  • Competitive pay aligned with Band 8a–8b experienceDevelopment opportunities within a specialist forensic setting

Qualifications And Experience

  • HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist (Clinical, Counselling or Forensic)
  • Experience supporting adults with complex mental health or behavioural needs
  • Confidence working with trauma-related presentations or challenging behaviour
  • Experience supervising junior colleagues or contributing to clinical leadership
  • Forensic or secure-setting experience is desirable but not essential
  • Applicants who meet most—but not all—criteria are still encouraged to apply. Band 8a candidates with strong experience will be considered.

Why Work With Pulse

Pulse offers industry-leading support for psychology practitioners, including access to exclusive roles, a dedicated consultant, streamlined compliance, weekly payroll and flexible working opportunities.

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Band 8a/b Psychologist - Prison employer: PsyDin

At Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of our staff. As a Senior Specialist Clinical Psychologist, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, enabling you to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in Rochdale. Our commitment to integrated services and teamwork ensures that you will be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise is valued and your contributions can lead to innovative service developments.

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Contact Details:

PsyDin Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Band 8a/b Psychologist - Prison

✨Join Medical Networks

Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.

✨Attend Healthcare Conferences

Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.

✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources

Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.

✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites

When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like PsyDin often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!

Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.

Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!

Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.

How to prepare for a job interview at PsyDin

✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp

Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at PsyDin. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.

✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols

Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at PsyDin.

✨Show You're a Team Player

In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at PsyDin.

✨Stay Current with Medical Trends

Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at PsyDin.