Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to join our Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) team within a HMP Low Newton in Durham. This is a unique and rewarding role supporting the development of a safe, relational, and trauma-informed living environment for women with complex emotional needs and experiences of trauma.
You will work closely with the PIPE psychology team, prison staff, and partner agencies to help deliver psychologically informed approaches that strengthen relationships, support emotional regulation, and enhance residents' progression through the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway.
This role is ideal for someone interested in therapeutic environments, applied psychology in forensic settings, and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Sponsorship may be available for this role in specific circumstances in line with Home Office regulations, where applicants were granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the immigration rules in place before 22 July 2025, and have had continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations - Guidance - GOV.UK
Main duties of the job
Support the delivery of psychologically informed group work, community meetings, and structured sessions within the PIPE.
Assist with the development and maintenance of a relational, enabling environment in line with PIPE quality standards.
Contribute to the assessment of residents' needs through structured tools, behavioural observations, and psychological formulation under supervision.
Provide 1:1 structured support sessions, focusing on emotional regulation, problem-solving, and engagement.
Collect, record, and analyse data for service evaluation, outcome measures, and quality monitoring (e.g. PROMs, CROM, HONOS).
Support staff reflective practice sessions and contribute to staff training activities as directed by qualified psychology staff.
Participate actively in multidisciplinary meetings, case discussions, and risk management processes.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with NHS and prison policies.
Work in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner, promoting dignity, empowerment, and safety for residents.
About us
You will be part of a supportive psychology team committed to improving outcomes for women with complex needs, trauma histories, and personality difficulties. We work collaboratively with HMPPS colleagues to create environments that promote growth, stability, and relational security.
Our service places high value on staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development. You will receive regular clinical supervision, training opportunities, and access to a wider network of psychological services within the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Psychologists & Psychological Therapists provide key leadership roles within the Trust. To support this we have developed leadership profiles for each psychology band and the profile card associated with this post is attached on NHS Jobs. You can find more information about the NHS Leadership Academys Healthcare Leadership Model and the profiles at their website. We encourage you to look at these resources as they will play a part in the interview process.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must pass Police Vetting before commencing employment. This includes a thorough review of personal information, including a criminal record check (both spent and unspent), a review of financial standing, and social media checks. Please note that vetting checks may also extend to family members and associates. You must also have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Psychologists & Psychological Therapists provide key leadership roles within the Trust. To support this we have developed leadership profiles for each psychology band and the profile card associated with this post is attached on NHS Jobs. You can find more information about the NHS Leadership Academys Healthcare Leadership Model and the profiles at their website. We encourage you to look at these resources as they will play a part in the interview process.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must pass Police Vetting before commencing employment. This includes a thorough review of personal information, including a criminal record check (both spent and unspent), a review of financial standing, and social media checks. Please note that vetting checks may also extend to family members and associates. You must also have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in psychology.
- Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
Essential
- Some experience of people using services in psychological, mental health and/or social care settings. This may include, for example, personal experience or supporting a family member to access services.
- Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (e.g. those for whom English is not their first language)
Knowledge/ Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating sensitive information
- Experience of work interacting with the public
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
- An awareness of the application of psychology to health care
- Demonstrate an awareness of confidentiality within healthcare
- Awareness of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct
- Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritised communities
Desirable
- Experience as a psychology assistant (paid or voluntary)
- Experience working with people with mental health distress, learning disabilities or neurodiversity (paid or voluntary)
- Experience of clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
- Experience using statistical software packages e.g. R Studio
- Experience of using psychometric assessments
- Awareness of increasing access to psychological services/healthcare for minoritised communities
- An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in psychology.
- Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
- Post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
Essential
- Some experience of people using services in psychological, mental health and/or social care settings. This may include, for example, personal experience or supporting a family member to access services.
- Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (e.g. those for whom English is not their first language)
Knowledge/ Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating sensitive information
- Experience of work interacting with the public
- An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
- An awareness of the application of psychology to health care
- Demonstrate an awareness of confidentiality within healthcare
- Awareness of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct
- Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritised communities
Desirable
- Experience as a psychology assistant (paid or voluntary)
- Experience working with people with mental health distress, learning disabilities or neurodiversity (paid or voluntary)
- Experience of clinical audit, research or service evaluation.
- Experience using statistical software packages e.g. R Studio
- Experience of using psychometric assessments
- Awareness of increasing access to psychological services/healthcare for minoritised communities
- An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
