At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide psychological support and interventions in a prison setting for vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Join Pulse, a leader in mental health services with a focus on rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive locum pay, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with ongoing learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing complex mental health challenges.
- Qualifications: HCPC registration and experience in psychological assessments and interventions required.
The predicted salary is between 56276 - 63585 £ per year.
- Banding
- Band 8a/ b
- Location
- Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Working Hours
- 3 Days Per Week
- Salary
- Competitive Locum Rate
- Make a Difference in Prison Mental Health Services
Are you a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist or Forensic Psychologist looking for a rewarding locum opportunity within a prison setting?
Pulse is recruiting for an experienced HCPC-registered Psychologist to join a specialist mental health team working within a secure environment in Leeds.
This is a unique opportunity to work with individuals presenting with complex mental health, trauma, personality, behavioural and forensic needs, while developing highly sought-after skills within prison healthcare.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in delivering psychological assessment, formulation and intervention services to support some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.
This position offers excellent professional development opportunities, varied and rewarding clinical work, and the chance to make a genuine impact on rehabilitation, recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Responsibilities
As a Psychologist, you will use your specialist knowledge and clinical expertise to support individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological and mental health difficulties within a secure environment.
Your responsibilities may include
- Completing comprehensive psychological assessments and formulations for individuals with complex presentations.
- Delivering evidence-based psychological interventions on an individual and group basis.
- Working with service users who may present with trauma, personality difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, self-harm behaviours and co-existing mental health conditions.
- Providing trauma-informed care that promotes recovery, resilience and positive outcomes.
- Contributing specialist psychological advice to multidisciplinary team discussions, care planning and risk management processes.
- Supporting the development of psychologically informed approaches across the wider service.
- Providing consultation, guidance and training to colleagues where appropriate.
- Preparing clinical reports, treatment plans and professional documentation to a high standard.
- Contributing to service development, quality improvement initiatives and best practice within prison healthcare.
- Building therapeutic relationships that support engagement, rehabilitation and meaningful behavioural change.
Benefits
- Competitive locum pay rates.
- Flexible 3-day-per-week working pattern.
- Opportunity to develop specialist experience within prison and forensic mental health services.
- Access to a supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Exposure to diverse and complex clinical presentations.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an often underserved population.
- Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
- Dedicated Pulse consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
- Streamlined onboarding and compliance support.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Current HCPC registration.
- Experience conducting psychological assessments, formulation and therapeutic intervention.
- Strong understanding of evidence-based psychological approaches.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Previous experience within prison, forensic, secure, criminal justice or mental health settings.
- Experience working with complex trauma and high-risk populations.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
- Experience delivering consultation, supervision or training.
- Understanding of risk assessment and risk management processes.
We recognise that not every applicant will meet every desirable criterion.
If you have transferable experience and are passionate about working within prison mental health services, we would encourage you to apply.
Reasonable Adjustments
Pulse is committed to building an inclusive workforce and ensuring every candidate has a positive recruitment experience.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application, interview or onboarding process, please let us know and a member of our team will be happy to support you.
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Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist – Prison Services – Le[...] in Leeds employer: Pulse
Pulse is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff, offering flexible working hours that cater to a work-life balance. With a strong commitment to high-impact care in a supportive environment, employees have access to continuous training and growth opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in healthcare while making a meaningful difference in patient lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist – Prison Services – Le[...] in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
We all know that networking in the therapy and counselling field can lead to great opportunities. Look out for local mental health awareness events, workshops, or support groups. These are perfect spots to meet potential employers and other professionals who might help open doors for you.
✨Leverage Online Therapy Platforms
Many temporary counselling roles pop up on platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace. Make sure your profile is top-notch so when clients or employers are browsing, you'll stand out. Plus, showing engagement in this space can really elevate your visibility!
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying or recently graduated, don’t ignore your university's career services. They often have great connections to temporary roles in therapy that aren't advertised widely. Plus, they can help you prepare for those all-important interviews!
✨Check Out Local Agencies and Consultancies
Temporary roles in therapy often get filled through agencies that specialise in healthcare staffing. Make a list of local counselling agencies and reach out – a simple email expressing your interest can go a long way. Remember, most agencies appreciate candidates who proactively seek out opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Psychologist / Counselling Psychologist / Forensic Psychologist – Prison Services – Le[...] in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Experience:When applying for a temporary role in therapy or counselling, we need to see your practical experience front and centre. Include details of any placement experiences, internships, or voluntary work in your CV. Make sure to mention specific techniques or therapies you’re familiar with—this shows your readiness to jump in and make an impact!
Showcase Your Approach:In your cover letter, take a moment to explain your therapeutic approach and what methodologies you’re passionate about. This is your chance to connect your personal style with the values of Pulse. Temporary roles often require a quick adjustment; helping them understand your philosophy will assure them you're a good fit!
Be Flexible and Open-Ended:Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your flexibility in your application. Highlight that you're eager to take on varying responsibilities or adapt your style to different clients’ needs. It's a huge plus for potential employers who want someone who can slide effortlessly into their team.
Certifications Matter!:Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or trainings in your application documents. Specific qualifications like a Diploma in Counselling or any accredited workshops/additional training can set you apart. Ensure these are listed clearly in your CV, as they illustrate your commitment to your professional development and the field itself.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pulse
✨Show Your Empathy Skills
In the therapy and counselling field, showcasing your empathy and interpersonal skills is crucial. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this, whether in volunteer work, internships, or even personal scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some real-world scenario questions where you might need to outline how you'd handle specific client situations. Practise articulating your thought process and the interventions you would consider using, reflecting your understanding of various therapeutic approaches.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since you're aiming for a temporary role, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Temporary positions often require quickly building rapport and adjusting to different client needs, so think of examples where you've successfully navigated changes or challenges in a work environment.
✨Prepare Your Personal Philosophy
Having a clear understanding of your therapeutic philosophy can set you apart. Be ready to share how your values and approach align with those of Pulse and why you're passionate about making a difference in clients' lives, even in a temporary position.