Applied Practitioner Psychologist

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Shrewsbury is seeking a Principal Applied Psychologist for their forensic inpatient rehabilitation service. The role focuses on providing high-quality psychological care to support recovery for individuals with complex mental health needs. Experience in forensic services is desirable but not essential. The position offers great career development and a supportive work environment emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

5% of annual salary paid upon appointment

5% of annual salary awarded on the 12-month work anniversary

Relocation support available

Qualifications

• Motivated to improve quality of life for complex mental health cases.
• Interest in working with individuals with risk-related needs.
• Ability to use complex psychological assessment methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead psychological services for inpatient rehabilitation.
• Engage with service users in various mental health settings.
• Support staff with reflective practice and training.

Skills

Interest in trauma-informed approaches

Experience with complex mental health issues

Compassion-focused therapy

Education

Doctorate in Clinical, Counselling or Forensic Psychology

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Incentive Package – Join MPFT Forensic Services

• 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.

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.