4880 - Senior Counselling Psychologists Youth Custody Service

Ministry of Justice; Stoke-on-Trent; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice is seeking Band 8 Senior Counselling Psychologists to work in Youth Custody Services across various sites. The role involves managing a caseload of children, establishing university partnerships for trainee placements, and developing a professional service within the wider HMPPS Psychology Service. Candidates should have HCPC registration and BPS Chartered status, with experience in adolescent psychology being desirable.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training opportunities

Civil Service pension schemes

Qualifications

• Must be HCPC registered and Chartered with the BPS.
• Experience in managing Trainee placements is desirable.
• Experience working with adolescents involved in offending is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children in custody.
• Establish agreements with Universities for Trainee placements.
• Develop a professional service across YCS.

Skills

Experience with adolescents

Counselling skills

Supervisory skills

Education

HCPC Registration as a Counselling Psychologist

Chartered with the BPS

Job description

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach

External

Location

Stoke-on-Trent, Wetherby

Region

National

Closing Date

02-Jun-2025

Business Unit

Psychology Services

Post Type

Permanent

SEO

Number of jobs available

3

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

4880

Descriptions & requirements

Youth Custody Service are currently recruiting Band 8 Senior Counselling Psychologists for public sector Under 18 Youth Custody Sites: HMYOIs; Werrington and Wetherby and potentially other sites across YCS depending on post and funding availability.

As such, anyone with the appropriate qualifications and interested in working as a Counselling Psychologist within YCS is encouraged to apply.

In addition to holding a caseload of children in custody, successful applicants will also be responsible for establishing agreements with Universities and managing Trainee Counselling Psychologist placements at their respective site and potentially others.

Applicants must have HCPC Registration as a Counselling Psychologist and be Chartered with the BPS with eligibility as a supervisor.

Experience of working with adolescents involved in offending is desirable.

Once in post, successful applicants will develop a professional service and network across YCS and be integrated into the wider HMPPS Psychology Service.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual flexible working model that combines working from your base location, MoJ sites, and/or from home. Note: this role can only be worked in the UK. Some roles may not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate(s).

Successful candidates will be appointed to an MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Satellite Office. This will be finalized after pre-employment checks.

Terms and conditions of service are subject to change as part of Civil Service reform. New staff will be on the updated terms; existing staff may transfer onto the new or existing terms depending on their current status.

Standard full-time hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible, and job-sharing patterns, which will be considered per the Flexible Working policy.

Current NPS employees may be eligible for a loan basis secondment for up to 2 years, subject to Business Unit approval.

Leave entitlements are calculated on a pro-rata basis, with specifics provided upon appointment.

Holidays and Pension

- 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) of bank, public, and privilege holidays, added to annual leave. Some holidays may require working depending on operational needs.

- Civil Service offers two pension schemes, providing flexibility to choose the most suitable option.

Work Life Balance & Additional Benefits

HMPPS promotes flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, subject to probation and operational requirements. After two months, staff can apply for a season ticket advance for travel expenses.

Training & Development

HMPPS provides various training opportunities, including Equality and Diversity, Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention, and Anti-Bullying programs. Promotion opportunities and individual training are available. All staff undergo security, diversity, and induction training. External candidates are subject to 6 months probation; internal candidates may have similar conditions.

Applicants must pass security and identity checks. The organization is committed to fair recruitment and supports adjustments for disabled candidates and veterans, including guaranteed interviews for eligible veterans.

Eligibility & Application Details

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish, Commonwealth, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and certain others as specified. A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months.

Assessment will be based on CV, Statement of Suitability, and membership/licence requirements: HCPC registration, BPS Chartered status, and relevant experience.

Interview & Selection

Interview dates are to be confirmed. Behaviours assessed include Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, and Working Together. Strengths will be evaluated but are not shared in advance.

Use of AI & Integrity

Applicants must ensure all submitted evidence is truthful. Plagiarism, including AI-generated content presented as own, is prohibited.