At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead group therapy sessions and support mental health treatment in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join Serco, a top global employer dedicated to public service excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping individuals transform their lives and reduce re-offending.
- Qualifications: Professional training in psychotherapy or substantial experience in group therapy required.
The predicted salary is between 34475 - 34475 £ per year.
Location: HMP Dovegate, ST14 8XR
Salary: £34,475 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Hours: Monday- Friday 8am- 4:30pm (40 hours per week)
Ready to impact a better future? As a Therapeutic Group Facilitator, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a high‑quality therapeutic service within a Democratic Therapeutic Community of Male offenders at HMP Dovegate. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will help embed and maintain the principles of a high‑performing Therapeutic Community through the delivery of group‑based clinical work.
This is a highly responsible and influential role, requiring professional integrity, emotional resilience and a strong commitment to therapeutic values. Your work will directly contribute to reducing re‑offending, supporting psychological wellbeing and maintaining a safe, effective therapeutic environment on a 24/7 basis.
What you’ll do as a Therapeutic Group Facilitator
- Deliver structured group therapy as part of the Therapeutic Community clinical programme.
- Contribute to the assessment and treatment of residents with complex mental health needs, including those presenting with multiple and enduring disorders.
- Facilitate group work, community meetings and reviews in line with the accredited therapeutic model.
- Complete clinical assessments, contribute to formulations and write high‑quality reports.
- Support accreditation, quality assurance and clinical performance in line with Community of Communities, HMPPS and CSAP requirements.
- Contribute to reducing violent and general recidivism through effective psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Ensure the Therapeutic Community meets all external requirements expected of residential custodial environments, including HMIP, ACCT, IEP and violence reduction standards.
- Support the maintenance of living accommodation and communal spaces through therapeutic processes.
- Participate in service development and training activities, including promoting the Therapeutic Community model across the wider prison estate.
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Professional training as a psychotherapist, counsellor or group analyst (or are in training leading to BACP or UKCP registration). Alternatively, substantial experience delivering group‑based therapeutic interventions.
- Experience working autonomously as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team.
- A strong understanding of Democratic Therapeutic Community principles and psychoanalytic psychotherapeutic practice.
- The ability to engage in supervision, reflect on practice and respond positively to feedback.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for report writing and multi‑agency liaison.
- Emotional resilience and the ability to maintain professional boundaries in challenging environments.
Desirable experience includes:
- Experience working within a Therapeutic Community.
- Experience contributing to complex clinical decision‑making and risk management.
- Experience working with high‑risk individuals in multi‑professional settings.
Additional requirements:
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to Home Office security clearance and approval.
- An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and safeguarding requirements.
- You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to allow us to provide any support needed for you to succeed in the role.
What we offer
- Holidays: 23 days plus bank holidays
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Mandatory clinical training, supervision and ongoing professional development
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Discounts: Discounts across a wide range of retailers and services
- Employee networks: Inclusive networks supporting collaboration, belonging and psychological safety
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Therapeutic Group Facilitator employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that values professional excellence and personal growth. As a Therapeutic Group Facilitator at HMP Dovegate, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises continuous development, with access to training, supervision, and employee wellbeing initiatives. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Group Facilitator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the therapeutic community or related fields. Attend workshops or events where you can meet potential colleagues and employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to therapeutic roles. Think about how you would handle challenging situations or discuss your experience with group therapy. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for therapeutic values during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to reducing re-offending and supporting psychological wellbeing. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Group Facilitator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Therapeutic Group Facilitator. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at HMP Dovegate!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience in delivering group-based therapeutic interventions. We’re keen to know about your professional training and any work you've done in a multidisciplinary team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your qualifications and how you can fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Therapeutic Community Principles
Make sure you brush up on the principles of a Democratic Therapeutic Community. Be ready to discuss how these principles guide your practice and how you can apply them in a custodial environment. This shows that you understand the core values of the role.
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
Think about potential clinical scenarios you might face in this role, especially those involving complex mental health needs. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar situations, as this will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain your approach to report writing or multi-agency liaison, so have specific examples ready to illustrate your skills in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
This role requires emotional resilience, so be prepared to discuss how you maintain professional boundaries and manage stress in challenging environments. Share personal strategies or experiences that highlight your ability to stay composed and effective under pressure.