Overview
Working as a psychologist in HMPPS is challenging. People in our care have almost always hurt and harmed people, but often and usually not in clear ways, they have also been hurt and harmed. The role requires a great deal of compassion and perspective taking to work with this reality, as well as a high level of analytical skill, competency in delivering interventions, and an ability to influence others. Some stakeholders depend on you to provide professional assessments to help them judge risk, understand behaviour, and make decisions that balance the interests of individuals with that of protecting the public. Others rely on your research and consultancy skills to inform strategic decisions, improve prison conditions, and support rehabilitative efforts. The demands placed on psychologists in HMPPS can be a heavy responsibility to carry, but it makes for an extremely rewarding role, with an ability to make a genuine difference at an individual, local and national level.
Trainee Forensic Psychologists (trainees) work with offenders and various stakeholders, and their work is undertaken under the supervision of a senior or principal psychologist. In HMPPS, psychologists in training undertake a variety of supervised work to gain experience and develop competency in working towards becoming a registered forensic psychologist across custody and community. This includes undertaking risk assessments and clinical assessments, writing professional reports, and providing evidence as a professional witness at Parole Board hearings. It also includes delivering and supervising accredited programmes and designing bespoke formulation-driven interventions, undertaking research and consultancy projects to provide psychologically informed solutions to support progressive environments and regimes, and providing training to improve workforce capability. Psychologists in training employed by HMPPS will undertake training to become a registered forensic psychologist via one of several accredited routes. This training will be funded by HMPPS, and trainees will be provided with a range of opportunities to progress through this route. They are expected to use this opportunity to their advantage to support their training and development. They are responsible for ensuring they are constantly progressing to the level of a registered forensic psychologist.
This is a non-operational job with no line management or supervisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities, Activities and Duties
* All work will be conducted under the supervision of a registered psychologist.
* Offer advice and assist in target/objective setting for offenders.
* Offer advice on the location of a prisoner (both within the establishment or potential relocation to another category establishment).
* Write reports e.g. indeterminate sentenced prisoner reports, reports for Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and Parole Board Reviews.
* Raise awareness of the range of interventions available with those involved in sentence management so that they are better able to recognise who would benefit.
* Interview and select prisoners to assess their suitability for accredited programmes and other interventions.
* Prepare for and co-facilitate programmes, complete reports and set objectives for offenders following completion of the programme.
* Participate in risk assessment to determine an individual's risk of harm to self, others and the risk of reoffending. Undertake Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) and self-harm assessments.
* Conduct relevant research including data gathering.
* Be involved in the development, delivery and evaluation of training.
* Provide consultancy support where required.
* Develop and utilise skills in crisis intervention.
* Present as 'professional witness' in Parole Board hearings.
* Take responsibility for their own Continued Professional Development (CPD) and maintain progression towards registered status.
Additional Information
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.
Beam of Selection Criteria
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Developing Self and Others
* Making Effective Decisions
* Working Together
* Delivering at Pace
Qualifications
* A Degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
* Proof of successful completion of the academic component of training towards registered status; namely a BPS accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology. This must be completed prior to application.
* Degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with British Psychological Society (BPS).
* Proof of successful completion of the academic component of training towards registered status: BPS Accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology (Stage 1). Evidence must be uploaded as a PDF.
* Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
* People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Benefits
* Alongside your salary of £36,151, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £10,472 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
* Access to learning and development
* A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
* A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
* Annual Leave
* Public Holidays
* Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
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