At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver impactful group therapy in a supportive environment for male offenders.
- Company: HMP Dovegate, committed to therapeutic community principles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on reducing re-offending and enhancing wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Professional training in psychotherapy or substantial experience in group therapy.
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)
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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
- 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.
Vetting and Checks
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.
Benefits
- 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
Therapeutic Group Facilitator-HMP Dovegate employer: Serco
At HMP Dovegate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our staff and the individuals we serve. As a Therapeutic Group Facilitator, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and effective therapeutic environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career with excellent benefits in a unique setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Group Facilitator-HMP Dovegate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of therapeutic work, especially those connected to HMP Dovegate. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your understanding of Democratic Therapeutic Community principles. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to reducing re-offending.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your emotional resilience! Think of examples from your past work where you maintained professional boundaries in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Group Facilitator-HMP Dovegate
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 looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you've done in similar settings.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Therapeutic Models
Familiarise yourself with the principles of a Democratic Therapeutic Community and psychoanalytic psychotherapeutic practices. Be ready to discuss how these models can be applied in your role as a Therapeutic Group Facilitator, especially in relation to group therapy and community meetings.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to deliver group-based therapeutic interventions. Highlight any experience you have working with complex mental health needs and how you've contributed to reducing recidivism.
✨Emphasise Emotional Resilience
This role requires a strong commitment to maintaining professional boundaries in challenging environments. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've demonstrated emotional resilience and how you handle feedback and supervision.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing clinical assessments and report writing. Consider preparing a brief report example to showcase your writing skills during the interview.