At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver impactful group therapy to support individuals with complex mental health needs.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at HMP Dovegate, dedicated to rehabilitation and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, pension contributions, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping safer futures in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Accredited therapist with experience in mental health or therapeutic settings.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: HMP Dovegate, Staffordshire, ST14 8XR
Salary: £52,000 per annum plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
As a Group Therapist in our Therapeutic Community team, you’ll deliver high-quality group psychotherapy to individuals with complex mental health needs, helping to create meaningful, lasting change. Your work will directly support rehabilitation, reduce re-offending, and improve psychological wellbeing. This role has real purpose and is part of a dynamic, supportive environment where therapeutic relationships drive positive outcomes. By contributing to a psychologically informed community, you’ll play a vital role in shaping safer futures and strengthening communities through care, trust, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver group psychotherapy within a therapeutic community model
- Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans for individuals with complex needs
- Contribute to multidisciplinary teamwork and community-based interventions
- Provide supervision and support to colleagues across the service
- Maintain accurate clinical records and produce high-quality reports
- Support service development, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications
- Accreditation with UKCP, BACP, BPC or equivalent professional body
- Experience in forensic, mental health, or therapeutic environments
- Strong clinical assessment and formulation skills
- Confidence working within a multidisciplinary team and therapeutic community model
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
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
- Holiday entitlement: starts at 23 days plus bank holidays (increasing to 25 days with tenure)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization that supports the needs of all. We will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We are, proudly, a Disability Confident Leader employer and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. We support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge.
Group Therapist in Uttoxeter employer: Serco
At HMP Dovegate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Group Therapists dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. With a strong focus on employee growth through extensive training opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement and health support, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to safer communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Therapist in Uttoxeter
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Serco. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Serco.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Therapist in Uttoxeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Serco:Take some time to research Serco and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Serco's values and approach.