Job summary
We are looking for a compassionate psychologist to join us in the mental health teams in North East Prisons, in either HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle or in HMP Frankland in Durham.
The post would suit an enthusiastic Psychologist, valuing the opportunity to work collaboratively with members of well-established multi-disciplinary teams. A key part of this role will be using clinical leadership skills to influence teams to embed formulations, psychological understanding and psychosocial interventions in everyday practice.
As a service, we are keen to support and invest in the ongoing development of our Psychologists through CPD opportunities, so an interest in developing clinical skills across a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches is essential. The Psychologist would have the opportunity to gain experience working with a diverse population that includes mental health, learning disability, autism and older adults, including those who may have experienced trauma and/ or neurological difficulties.
Main duties of the job
These posts are advertised as 8a posts, we are willing to consider applications from Psychologists who do not yet meet the essential criteria for a Band 8a, but who would be interested in undertaking the post at a Band 7 initially, with a supportive plan for development and progression in due course.
We welcome applications from those who are currently coming to the end of their training in psychology that on successful completion will achieve the required qualification and registration with HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist.
Trainee counselling psychologists are eligible to apply for and to be shortlisted for interview and to be offered qualified posts when they are in their 3rd year of the doctoral training and have the following confirmed as completed by the university. This information may be requested prior to interview: a. All clinical competencies. b. 80% of the 450 supervised clinical practice hours (360 hours)
Trainee clinical psychologists are eligible to apply for and to be shortlisted for interview and to be offered qualified posts when they are in their third year of training, as they will have completed their core clinical competencies by this stage of the course.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Details
Date posted
22 April 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £64,750 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-FMH-034-26-A
Job locations
HMP Deerbolt
Bowes Road
Barnard Castle
DL12 9BG
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be expected to have the necessary skills, training and experience to undertake direct clinical work, offer clinical supervision to others, including a higher assistant psychologist, and consultation to the wider MDT. Candidates should have excellent interdisciplinary working skills and interested in contributing to the development of an innovative service.
We will support training in a governed psychological therapy.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specifications 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.
Please note the work base will be based on which prison you work in, either Barnard Castle or Durham. Please state in your application if you have a preference.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Post-graduate training (doctoral level equivalent) in clinical / counselling / forensic psychology (or its equivalent prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS.
2. HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
3. Trained in clinical supervision (within agreed timescale)
4. Trained in care co-ordination (within agreed timescale)
5. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
6. Post-graduate qualification showing evidence of supervised practice in an evidence-based psychological therapeutic model
7. Registration with BPS
Experience
Essential
8. Must have experience/interest in: Working with mental health/learning disability clients (depending on designated service area)
9. Multi-disciplinary team working
Desirable
10. Experience of CBT, DBT, Psychodynamics, systematic therapy
11. Experience of research and audit
Knowledge/Skills
Essential
12. Doctoral level knowledge of: Evidence- based practice relevant to the role
13. Risk assessment and risk management
14. Clinical governance
15. Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health
16. Audit and research methodology
17. Social Inclusion agenda
18. Awareness of: The Trust's Quality Improvement System
19. Must be able to: Communicate complex and highly sensitive information effectively, to a wide range of people
20. Adapt creatively the evidence base for interventions in mental health for clients with communication difficulties / learning disabilities
21. Provide (within agreed timescale) effective teaching, training and clinical supervision
22. Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and undertake care co-ordination/lead practitioner responsibilities
23. Undertake complex multiagency working and liaise with multiple systems
24. Utilise psychometric tests competently
25. Identify, provide and promote appropriate interventions / means of support for carers and staff exposed to highly distressing situations and challenging behaviours
26. Utilise appropriate clinical governance mechanisms within own work
27. Use approved breakaway techniques
28. Demonstrate effective keyboard skills
Desirable
29. Skills in using multimedia materials in presentations