Assistant Psychologist

Job summary

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

The Forensic Psychological Service are seeking two enthusiastic and committed Assistant Psychologists to work in inpatient services at the Hatherton Centre.

The forensic inpatient services provide assessment and treatment for men with mental health difficulties and with a history of behaviour that presents a risk of harm to others.

We are seeking Psychology Graduates with a first or upper second degree in Psychology or a 2.2 plus a post-graduate degree. Undergraduates who have not formally graduated with their first degree should not apply.

Applicants must demonstrate significant prior experience of face-to-face work with people who have: severe and enduring mental illness, convictions for harmful behaviour, a history of substance use, been in inpatient services. Desirable experience includes: work in a secure setting, co-facilitating group interventions and previous experience as an Assistant Psychologist,

Applicants must also have: high level communication skills, the confidence and skills to work independently, and the ability to both recognise the limits of their competence and to use supervision appropriately. They will have a mature and balanced attitude to people with mental health difficulties or learning in addition to a commitment to service user involvement and the recovery approach.

Main duties of the job

The Forensic Psychological Service has a vacancy for two Assistant Psychologist (8 month fixed term posts) who will work with inpatients and staff of the Forensic Directorate.

The post-holders will assist in the provision and delivery of a high quality and well-regarded psychology service for one of the seven wards that make up the forensic inpatient services. The roles support and enhance the professionally-led psychological care of service users, providing psychological assessment and interventions under the close supervision of an HCPC registered qualified Psychologist, working independently according to an agreed plan and within the overall framework of the service's policies and procedures.

The post holders will support the qualified ward psychologist with psychological assessments and interventions by reviewing casefiles, administering and scoring psychometric tests, co-facilitating group interventions, undertaking protocol-based interventions and attending clinical meetings. The post holders will also undertake administrative tasks, literature reviews, report writing, clinically related administration, audit, teaching, project work and service evaluation projects.

The post-holders will be based at the Hatherton Centre, Stafford, but may be deployed to work into a range of forensic psychological services or may be required to travel to venues across the West Midlands.

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.