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- Tasks: Support Principal Psychologists in implementing offending behaviour programmes and conducting assessments.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to reducing re-offending and enhancing public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: 16 positions available, with flexible location preferences for successful candidates.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in forensic psychology while contributing to a safer Scotland.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology with Graduate Basis for Registration; relevant experience in applied psychology is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36268 - 42587 £ per year.
Vacancy Type: PermanentLocation: Various locations across ScotlandPay Band: Please refer to full job description on SPS career siteSalary: £36,268 progressing to £42,587 Closing Date: 2025-09-01Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career siteJob Purpose:
You will provide support to the Principal Psychologist and Consultant Psychologists specialist areas of work being undertaken, with an emphasis on the implementation of offending behaviour programmes and, over time, risk assessment and management, all of which contributes to the SPS aims or reducing re-offending and creating a safer Scotland.
There are 16 posts available in total with 10 positions starting in 2025, followed by a further 6 in approximately March 2026. Candidates progressing to the interview stage of the recruitment process will be asked to provide their location preferences and successful candidates will be offered assignments in order of merit, aligned to location preferences.
Responsibilities: To conduct and support the Offending Behaviour Programmes selection process. This will include completion of assessments to identify the needs of individual prisoners, and reporting the findings of those assessments to multi-disciplinary case conferences. To deliver and, where appropriate, supervise, offending behaviour group work interventions. To conduct individual assessment and/or interventions, when requested to do so by the Principal Psychologist or Consultant Psychologist. To represent, and provide psychological input, to relevant multi-disciplinary meetings. To manage referral systems to psychology and to provide input as part of a multi-disciplinary team to local establishments\’ prisoner care needs. To implement and manage systems for collection and collation of information and data for psychology projects, ensuring compliance with Data Protection Legislation and SPS guidelines. Where required, to disseminate such data to relevant parties. Person Specification SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.Qualifications Requirements
Degree in Psychology conferring Graduate Basis for Registration with the British Psychological Society
(essential)
Experience Requirements Knowledge Skills Requirements Reflective Practice: Willing and able to engage in reflective practice as a Forensic Psychologist in Training, to enhance and develop towards becoming a practitioner psychologist. (essential)Psychology Experience: Experience of working within a forensic or other relevant field of applied psychology. (essential)Understanding of the pathway to becoming an independent practitioner psychologist: Understands the work undertaken by Forensic Psychologists in prison, and have given consideration to their plan for training as part of the British Psychological Society Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2). (essential)Selection Methods Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Forensic Psychologists in Training, Permanent employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forensic Psychologists in Training, Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Understanding the nuances of conducting assessments and delivering interventions will help you articulate your relevant experiences during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former forensic psychologists, especially those who have worked within the Scottish Prison Service. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential questions related to the Behavioural Competency Framework. Reflect on your past experiences and how they align with the key behaviours required for this role, as this will be a focus during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and research in forensic psychology. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Forensic Psychologists in Training, Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Forensic Psychologists in Training position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in forensic psychology or related fields. Be specific about your roles and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Reflective Practice: Demonstrate your willingness to engage in reflective practice. Include examples of how you've reflected on your experiences and how this has contributed to your development as a psychologist.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application documents to align with the SPS Behavioural Competency Framework. Identify key behaviours mentioned in the job description and provide examples that showcase these competencies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Forensic Psychologist in Training does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around offending behaviour programmes and risk assessment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience in forensic psychology or similar fields. Highlight specific examples where you've engaged in reflective practice or contributed to multi-disciplinary teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Field
Research the pathway to becoming an independent practitioner psychologist. Be ready to articulate your understanding of the British Psychological Society's requirements and how you plan to meet them during your training.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Competency Questions
Since the selection process is based on behavioural competencies, think about how your past experiences align with the twelve behaviours mentioned. Prepare examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.