At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead psychological services for residents reintegrating into the community post-prison.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit organisation transforming lives through empowering change.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Doctoral-level training in psychology and experience in forensic settings required.
Location: Elephant and Castle based within a residential setting, with regular travel to other services as required and our central office. Some work from home may be possible (to be discussed at interview). Please note that unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.
Salary: £60,000
NHS Equivalent Band: 8B
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 09:00 - 17:00
About the Role
A stimulating and rewarding opportunity has arisen for an IAP Psychological Lead with a forensic background. You will work alongside the Group Psychological Lead and other members of the team within our Independent Approved Premises (IAP) to deliver psychological services to residents and staff. In this role, you will apply your skills and knowledge in building new teams and expand our operational delivery within our IAP. You will play a strategic role in our organisational growth with new services, focusing on shaping service delivery; offering specialist advice, supervising assistant psychologists and postgraduate research.
Our IAPs support people who have left prison and are based within a residential setting to reintegrate into the community. They are given support and guidance to aid their reablement, resettlement and rehabilitation post prison. You will contribute towards them achieving goals necessary for their personal development and move on within the community.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Providing high quality psychological services, contributing to the delivery of Approved Premises aims as specified by the Ministry of Justice.
- Ensuring all services are delivered in accordance with HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
- Demonstrating clinical leadership by setting direction for the psychological service and driving high standards for quality, safety and ongoing improvement.
- Exercising clinical responsibility for residents’ psychological care, showing skill and judgement in selecting appropriate assessments and interventions.
- Consulting with other parties contributing to a resident’s diagnosis, formulation, treatment and risk management in the community.
- Create opportunities to collaborate with peers including AP-based psychologists nationally and OPD pathway psychologists delivering services to APs.
- Model and facilitate a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
About You
We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Registered Psychologist with a strong clinical and forensic background to join our team. The successful candidate will be HCPC-registered with doctoral-level training and experience working with complex client groups. We’re looking for a proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You’ll be an excellent communicator, able to convey complex and sensitive information with clarity and empathy. A team player at heart, you’ll build meaningful relationships, champion diversity and inclusion, and embody our values of compassion, empowerment, and innovation in everything you do.
We’re looking for:
- Doctoral level training accredited by the HCPC in forensic, clinical or counselling psychology.
- Experience working as a registered psychologist in the criminal justice system or forensic mental health setting.
- Experience of the psychological assessment and treatment of clients presenting with a range of enduring mental health conditions, complex psychological difficulties and risks to self and others.
- Experience working in a psychologically informed environment and providing informed consultation to others.
- Ability to teach, train, consult, and deliver clinical supervision.
- Understanding of criminology, psychology, and behavioural patterns, and how they link with different behaviours and engagement.
- Ability to understand and apply safeguarding protocols as they arise.
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service.
- Employer Pension Contribution.
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more.
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work.
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling.
- Life Assurance Scheme.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Annual Staff Awards.
- EDI Ambassador programme.
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Additional Information
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
IAP Psychological Lead employer: Social Interest Group
At Social Interest Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our IAP Psychological Lead role not only provides competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, training opportunities, and mental health support, but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals reintegrating into the community. Join us in our mission to empower change and create healthier, safer communities in the vibrant Elephant and Castle area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IAP Psychological Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of psychology and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around compassion and empowerment. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your clinical leadership and teamwork experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace IAP Psychological Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start filling out the application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an IAP Psychological Lead and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Be Authentic and Personal:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your experiences and motivations that led you to apply for this role, especially your passion for supporting individuals in their reintegration journey.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your relevant experience, especially in forensic psychology or working with complex client groups. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've applied your skills in similar settings. This will show us that you're not just a great fit on paper, but also in practice!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Interest Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your forensic psychology knowledge and the specific responsibilities of the IAP Psychological Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the Ministry of Justice's aims for Approved Premises and how your expertise can contribute to those goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work in the criminal justice system or forensic mental health settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled complex psychological assessments and interventions, as well as any leadership roles you've taken on.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate complex information clearly and empathetically. Think of examples where you've successfully worked within a team or consulted with others.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they resonate with your personal philosophy as a psychologist.
