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- Tasks: Conduct psychological assessments and deliver interventions to support prisoners' rehabilitation.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in providing psychological services in prisons.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, study time, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of prisoners while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have completed Stage 1 of BPS Qualification with an MSc in Forensic Psychology.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous training and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Forensic Psychologist in Training (FPiT) at HMP Thameside, a Category B establishment for adult males. The role is part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering Psychological Services, with supervision by a Registered (HCPC) and Chartered (BPS) Forensic Psychologist. Some duties may involve travel to other Serco sites.
Responsibilities
- To complete psychological assessments of prisoners including HCR-20, SARA and WAIS-IV after training and under supervision.
- To deliver, under supervision, relevant psychological interventions with prisoners on a one-to-one basis or in groups, as deemed necessary by the Head of Psychological Services.
- To contribute psychological knowledge and provide support to prison Safer Custody procedures.
- To complete risk assessments and psychological reports as directed by panels of the Parole Board to specified deadlines.
- To be involved in research within the prison as required by the Head of Psychological Services and Senior prison managers.
- To provide a consultancy role to staff in psychological matters.
- To develop and deliver training to prison staff and colleagues.
- To make progress towards qualification enabling Registration with the HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist or Chartered status as a Forensic Psychologist.
What You Will Need To Do The Role
- Essential – To have completed Stage 1 of the BPS Qualification with an MSc in Forensic Psychology (BPS approved).
Experience
- Essential – Awareness of applied cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) specific to offending.
- Essential – Experience of working in forensic settings, preferably prison.
Skills And Abilities
- Be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and under supervision.
- Be able to work independently and to self-direct.
- Have excellent written, verbal and IT communication skills.
- Have excellent organisational skills and ability to manage a large workload.
- Be able to reflect on own performance, seek and reflect on feedback and to strive towards continuous improvement.
- Have excellent problem solving and self-management skills.
- Be able to maintain professional and ethical boundaries and to demonstrate resilience.
Why Serco
- Meaningful and vital work – We look after around 5,000 prisoners in our prisons and employ 2,000 colleagues across six custodial contracts.
- A world of opportunity – Diverse UK-wide operations with opportunities to learn and develop.
- Great people – A motivated team in a diverse and supportive environment.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Time in work for study.
- A positive and rehabilitative culture and supportive team; volunteering leave; continuous training and development opportunities.
- A range of benefits to support health and well-being, such as Employee Assistance Programme, Thrive App, Simply Health Plans and more.
- Access to discounts and exclusive deals.
- The chance to make a positive difference in a company committed to diversity and inclusion.
Forensic Psychologist in Training - HMP Thameside employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forensic Psychologist in Training - HMP Thameside
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the forensic psychology field, especially those who work at HMP Thameside or similar institutions. LinkedIn is a great place to start – connect, engage, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of applied cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) and how they relate to offending behaviour. Be ready to discuss your experience in forensic settings and how you can contribute to the multi-disciplinary team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During the interview, highlight how you manage your workload and meet deadlines, especially when it comes to completing psychological assessments and reports for the Parole Board.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of those we work with.
We think you need these skills to ace Forensic Psychologist in Training - HMP Thameside
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for forensic psychology! Share why you’re drawn to this field and how your experiences have shaped your interest. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role. Highlight any relevant work in forensic settings and your understanding of cognitive behavioural therapies. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain how your background and training prepare you for this role. Be specific about what you can bring to HMP Thameside and how you plan to contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Assessments
Familiarise yourself with the psychological assessments mentioned in the job description, like HCR-20 and WAIS-IV. Being able to discuss these tools confidently will show your understanding of the role and your readiness to engage with them under supervision.
✨Showcase Your CBT Knowledge
Since awareness of applied cognitive behavioural therapies is essential, prepare to discuss how you've used CBT in previous roles or studies. Bring examples of how you’ve seen it impact offenders positively, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and commitment to rehabilitation.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This role requires working within a multi-disciplinary team, so be ready to share experiences where you collaborated effectively with others. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team goals and supported colleagues, which will illustrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Given the nature of the work, ethical considerations are crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain professional boundaries and handle challenging situations ethically. This will show that you’re not only qualified but also principled in your approach to forensic psychology.