Job summary
We are searching for a committed and enthusiastic Higher Assistant Psychologist to join the Mental Health team at HMP Deerbolt.
The mental health team iscommitted to delivering high quality care to prisoners. The model of service delivery aims to provide timely, evidence-based and accessible mental health assessment and treatment to meet the needs of prisoners. The team includes a Mental Health Team Manager, Registered Mental Health Nurses, Registered Learning Disability Nurses, Psychological Wellbeing Therapists, a Counsellor, Speech and Language Therapist, a Highly Specialist Psychologist, a Higher Assistant Psychologist (HAP)as well as regular sessional input from a Psychiatrist.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit
Main duties of the job
The post within the mental health team provides a fantastic opportunity to develop clinically. Training is provided as well as weekly clinical supervision which may help with career progression. It will involve working alongside a full-time psychologist and contributing to psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.
The post holder will join a multi-disciplinary team working alongside members of prison operational staff. Experience of delivering therapies, either individually or within a group setting is preferable. The successful post holder will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and preferably have some experience and or understanding of risk management in prison/forensic/hospital settings.
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
28 April 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-FMH-041-26-A
Job locations
HMP Deerbolt Prison
Bowes Road
Barnard Castle
DL12 9BG
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification which outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role.
You must be motivated, possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work individually as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team by undertaking work with service users, carers, family members and other agencies.
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Degree in psychology
2. Eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Desirable
3. Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, youth work, work with offenders and/or research design and analysis
Experience
Essential
4. Experience working as an assistant psychologist (or equivalent)
5. Previous involvement in clinical audit, research or service evaluation
6. Experience using statistical software packages. SPSS
7. Experience of using psychometric assessments
8. Experience working with 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
9. Experience of communicating sensitive information
10. Experience of work interacting with the public
11. Experience in discussing and responding to issues related to cultural diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity, including working with vulnerable groups (. those for whom English is not their first language)
Desirable
12. Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
13. Experience of increasing access to psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities
Skills
Essential
14. Ability to relate therapeutically to the needs of clients and in a way that addresses psychological resistance
15. Ability to work collaboratively with members of the MDT to provide an effective service
16. Utilise psychometric tests competently
17. Statistical analysis
18. Record keeping
19. Plan and organise effectively to meet required timescales
20. Use approved breakaway techniques
Desirable
21. Ability to provide group interventions
Knowledge
Essential
22. An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities
23. An understanding of the application of psychology to health care
24. Understanding of confidentiality
25. Knowledge of the British Psychological Society Code of Conduct
26. An ability to apply psychological knowledge to the population described in the job advert
27. Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
28. Awareness of systemic barriers to accessing psychological services/healthcare for minoritized communities