Applied Practitioner Psychologist

NHS; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Shrewsbury seeks an Experienced Applied Practitioner Psychologist to lead psychological services for inpatient recovery. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in complex cases and a commitment to compassionate care methodologies. Joining this NHS trust offers a collaborative environment with ongoing training and development in transformative mental health practices.

Benefits

Welcome Incentive of 10% annual salary over two years

Relocation support available

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experiences with severe and enduring mental illness or learning disability.
• Substantial experience with clinical interventions.
• Experience working in secure settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead provision of a specialist psychological service for inpatient users.
• Support recovery and prepare users for secure care step down.
• Engage with service users responsible for violent crimes.

Skills

High level communication skills (written and verbal)

Education

Post-graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology

Post graduate level training in Forensic Psychology

Post-doctoral training in specialized psychological practice

Additional training in therapeutic treatment approaches

Job description

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Applied Practitioner Psychologist

The closing date is 22 December 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Applied Psychologist to join MPFT's Forensic Directorate Psychological Service. We have a vacancy for a Principal Applied Psychologist in the low secure inpatient rehabilitation service at Willow ward, The Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury. Willow ward supports the recovery of adult men with histories of mental health difficulties and risk behaviours, via high quality multi-disciplinary care.

Applications are invited from Clinical, Counselling and Forensic Psychologists. Experience of working in forensic services is not essential as relevant training will be provided, but it is desirable. Of primary importance is an interest and commitment to working with individuals with complex mental health and risk‑related needs.

The successful applicant will be motivated and committed to making a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for people with complex mental health problems who present a risk of harm to others. They will have an interest in compassion focused, trauma informed approaches and will be keen to contribute to the development of psychological services within the Forensic Directorate.

This role is part of a wider psychology team, with the Forensic Psychological service comprising of over 15 psychological professionals across MPFT's forensic inpatient and community services within Shropshire and Staffordshire. This wider psychology team is a source of support, peer learning and professional development.

Main duties of the job

The Principal Psychologist post at Willow ward will lead provision of a specialist psychological service to support inpatient service users in their further recovery and prepare them to step down from secure care.

The Psychological Service strives to provide a high quality, psychological service for men with complex, long term mental health problems, often rooted in traumatic life experiences. Working in a forensic inpatient setting requires familiarity and confidence in engaging with service users responsible for offences that have caused violent or sexual harm. In addition, strong emphasis is placed on supporting the wider workforce, enhancing their understanding of and support for psychologically‑informed ways of working, for example through use of formulation‑based meetings, while also supporting them in their roles through provision of reflective practice, critical incident support and training. Supervision and support will be offered by and to other members of the wider psychology team.

The Psychological Service offer is multi‑modal, using a wide and flexible range of therapeutic models and types of psychological interventions, both individually and in groups where appropriate. The post-holder will be expected to have established skills in the use of highly complex methods of psychological assessment and intervention. Experience of risk assessment, engaging hard to reach service users, inpatient working and coproduction are desirable.

About us

Come and work with us at our award‑winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke‑on‑Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non‑clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Incentive Package Join MPFT Forensic Services

We are pleased to offer a Welcome Incentive to candidates joining our Forensic Psychology team at MPFT. This includes:

• 5% of annual salary paid upon appointment.
• A further 5% of annual salary awarded on the 12-month work anniversary.
• Relocation support is also available and can be negotiated based on individual circumstances.
• We are committed to attracting high‑calibre professionals who share our dedication to delivering outstanding Forensic Services.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for the roles.

Clinical Responsibilities, Service user contact

• To work with service users and staff on the Forensic Directorate inpatient wards and in outpatient settings if appropriate.
• To work with service users and other professionals in community settings, including local hospitals, mental health resource centres, Social Services and Probation Offices as required.
• To work with service users and staff in prisons, special hospitals and other secure facilities as required.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Post‑graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology (or its equivalent), as accredited by the BPS.
• Post graduate level training in Forensic or Counselling Psychology (Doctoral level) as accredited by the BPS.
• Post‑doctoral training in one or more additional areas of specialised psychological practice.
• Additional post graduate level training in one or more therapeutic treatment approaches e.g. cognitive therapy, systemic/family therapy, EMDR.

EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience of face‑to‑face work with people with severe and enduring mental illness or learning disability and a history of behaviour that presents a risk of harm to others.
• Substantial experience of working as a qualified psychologist with people with severe and enduring mental health problems; including assessment and clinical interventions for a wide range of presenting problems. To include experience of working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and who have committed violent and sexual offences.
• Experience of working with people who have attracted the label of personality disorder who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and/or have committed violent and sexual offences.
• Prior experience of work in a secure setting or co‑facilitating therapeutic group interventions.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• High level communication skills (written and verbal).

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.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust