<div><h3>Assistant Psychologist</h3><p><b>The closing date is 26 June 2026</b></p><p><b>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 If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn.</b></p><p>An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to work within our Enhanced Reconnect Team in Cumbria! If you are seeking a new challenge, and have a keen interest in the criminal justice services, we encourage you to apply and join our supportive and welcoming team!</p><p>The post holder will work within the Enhanced Reconnect Service for Lancashire and Cumbria, covering 6 prisons and the wider community of Lancashire and Cumbria. Enhanced Reconnect is a psychologically informed NHS service supporting individuals leaving prison who have complex health needs and are considered at high risk of harm. The service provides assessment, formulation, structured interventions, advocacy, and referral/signposting to community-based health and support services. The aim is to reduce social exclusion and address behaviours linked to poor mental and physical health, which may also relate to offending behaviour. The service works with individuals up to six months prior to their anticipated release and for up to 12 months post-release.</p><h3>Main duties of the job</h3><p>Under the supervision of Clinical lead and Lead Practitioner:</p><ul><li>Contribute to the planning, delivery, and review of the Enhanced RECONNECT service, with a focus on supporting service users transition between prison settings and community services.</li><li>Contribute to assessments including the use of appropriate psychometric assessments and screening tools, and support the implementation of health-related care plans, under the supervision of qualified professionals.</li><li>Assist the wider team with developing a formulation and planning Enhanced Reconnect interventions for service users.</li><li>Develop, promote, and maintain strong, effective working relationships with partner agencies/other organisations to facilitate multi‑disciplinary, multi‑agency service delivery.</li><li>To liaise with lead practitioners, clinicians, partner agencies, relevant healthcare professionals, and any other relevant information to address identified needs and manage / maintain risk.</li><li>To participate in meetings as required by the team and the wider service.</li></ul><p>An understanding of the needs of people with a diagnosis of personality disorder, mental illness, and/or learning disabilities is needed in this role, with the ability to communicate sensitive information to the patient, carer and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.</p><h3>Person Specification</h3><h3>Qualifications & Training</h3><ul><li>A First or Upper Second class honours degree in psychology or a lower Second class degree with a post‑graduated qualification, e.g. Masters degree.</li><li>Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.</li><li>Foundation degree within a relevant field e.g. health, psychology, criminology etc (or equivalent qualification/ reflected experience).</li></ul><h3>Experience</h3><ul><li>Has significant experience of face‑to‑face work with people with mental health problems (including mental illness and personality disorder), learning disabilities and/or offending behaviour.</li><li>Experience of using psychological assessments, formulations, risk assessments and care planning.</li><li>Experience of working with people who have the potential to become aggressive and being able to respond appropriately.</li><li>Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist.</li></ul><h3>Skills, Knowledge & Abilities</h3><ul><li>A current clean driving licence and/or the means to transport self to visit clients and/or attend relevant service meetings.</li><li>An understanding of local services and Partnerships.</li><li>An understanding of the Criminal Justice System.</li></ul><h3>Disclosure and Barring Service Check</h3><p>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.</p><h3>Employer name</h3><p>Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust</p></div>