Psychologist (Offender Personality Disorder Pathway)
Are you a compassionate Psychologist with an interest in Forensic Mental Health? We are seeking a highly motivated Band 7 Psychologist to join our Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway within Somerset's Forensic Services. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a psychologically‑led, multi‑agency service supporting individuals who present with high risk of harm and complex personality needs.
The OPD pathway is a joint initiative between His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and NHS England, providing specialist psychological formulation, consultation and intervention to support offender management and reduce risk of reoffending. The role also supports the Intensive Integrated Risk Management Service (IIRMS), delivering tailored, psychologically informed interventions within the community.
You will join a well‑established and supportive team, with opportunities to contribute to service development, leadership, and innovation. The wider Forensic Service offers valuable collaborative working across community forensic teams, custody and court services, and low secure inpatient settings.
This role is ideal for a newly qualified Psychologist seeking their first post, with excellent progression opportunities towards a Band 8a role. Applications are also welcomed from self‑funded forensic psychology trainees with relevant experience.
Main duties of the job
* Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for individuals with complex mental health and forensic presentations
* Deliver psychologically informed risk assessment and management, using structured professional judgement approaches
* Offer consultation, advice and training to multi‑agency partners including probation, police, courts and health services
* Develop collaborative care plans that balance therapeutic engagement with public protection
* Contribute to service evaluation, audit and outcome monitoring to inform ongoing improvement
* Work closely with the OPD/IIRMS team and wider Forensic Services to support integrated care pathways
* Provide clinical supervision and support to assistant psychologists and trainees
* Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders across health, social care and criminal justice systems
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Qualifications
* Doctorate degree in Clinical or Forensic Psychology or Qualification as a Forensic Psychologist
* Further training/MSc in relevant area
Experience
* Experience of providing recognised psychological interventions to clients presenting with complex mental health problems and risk
* Work experience with Forensic Mental Health
* Experience of working with electronic patient record systems e.g., RiO
* Experience of recognised interventions applicable to this client group (e.g., DBT, CBT, EMDR)
Additional Criteria
* Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the trust to meet the needs of the service
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr