Applied Practitioner Psychologist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Applied Psychologist to join MPFT's Forensic Directorate Psychological Service, within the medium secure inpatient service at The Hatherton Centre, Stafford. The service supports the recovery of adult men with histories of mental health difficulties and risk behaviours, via high quality multi-disciplinary care.

Applications are invited from Clinical, Counselling and Forensic Psychologists at Band 7 or 8a, depending on experience (we have an established 7-8a preceptorship process for newly qualified psychologists). Experience of working in forensic services is not essential as relevant training will be provided, but it is desirable. Of primary importance is an interest and commitment to working with individuals with complex mental health and risk-related needs.

The successful applicant will be committed to making contributing to improving the quality of life of people with complex mental health problems who present a risk of harm to others. They will have an interest in compassion focused, trauma informed approaches and will be keen to contribute to the development of psychological services within the Forensic Directorate.

This role is part of a wider psychology team - the Forensic Psychological Service comprises of over 15 psychological professionals across MPFT's forensic inpatient and community services within Staffordshire and Shropshire. This wider psychology team is a source of support, peer learning and professional development

Main duties of the job

The Senior Psychologist will lead provision of a specialist psychological service on a forensic inpatient ward, within medium secure care. The service supports service users in their recovery in relation to both their mental health and risk related needs.

The Psychological Service strives to provide a high quality, psychological service for men with complex, long term mental health problems, often rooted in traumatic life experiences. Working in a forensic inpatient setting requires familiarity and confidence in engaging with service users responsible for offences that have caused violent or sexual harm. Strong emphasis is placed on supporting the wider workforce, enhancing their understanding of and support for psychologically-informed ways of working, for example through use of formulation-based meetings, while also supporting them in their roles through provision of reflective practice, critical incident support and training.

Supervision and support will be offered by and to other members of the wider psychology team.

The Psychological Service offer is multi-modal, using a wide and flexible range of therapeutic models and types of psychological interventions, both individually and in groups where appropriate. The post-holder will be expected to have established skills in the use of highly complex methods of psychological assessment and intervention. Experience of risk assessment, engaging hard to reach service users, inpatient working and coproduction are desirable.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.