Assistant Psychologist

Midlands Partnership University Nhs Foundation Trust; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Leicester invites applications for an Assistant Psychologist to develop clinical experience within a psychologically led environment at Kirk Lodge PIPE. You will collaborate with the Clinical Lead Psychologist and probation colleagues to support PIPE activities and engage residents in groups and assessments.

This role offers valuable experience for those considering further training in Clinical or Forensic Psychology, with opportunities for reflective

Qualifications

• First or Upper Second class honours degree in psychology or a lower Second class degree with a post-graduate qualification, e.g. Master's degree
• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
• Degree included study of psychopathology/Clinical/ Forensic issues
• Has significant experience of face-to-face work with people with complex psychological problems, learning disabilities and/or offending behaviour
• Experience of working alongside staff from other disciplines
• Experience of working in a hospital, prison, or other criminal justice setting
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of research methods, audit or other service evaluation techniques
• Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist
• Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups

Responsibilities

• Support development, delivery, and evaluation of psychologically informed activities and groups for residents
• Assist with service evaluation, audits, and outcome monitoring
• Contribute to psychologically informed approaches across the Approved Premises
• Support reflective practice sessions and psychologically informed discussions with staff teams
• Work directly with residents to support engagement and wellbeing
• Assist psychologists in implementing service developments and research activity

Skills

Face-to-face work

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Research methods

Service evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology

Graduate membership of the British Psychological Society

Study of psychopathology/Clinical/Forensic issues

Job description

Job summary

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

Are you an enthusiastic psychology graduate looking to develop your clinical experience within psychologically led environment? Would you like to gain experience working alongside psychologists and criminal justice professionals, supporting men with complex psychological needs?We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and reflective Assistant Psychologist to join our team at Kirk Lodge Approved Premises (PIPE) in Leicester.Kirk Lodge operates as a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE), where psychological principles shape the culture, relationships, and everyday experiences within the service, as part of the OPD pathway. The OPD Pathway is a psychologically led, joint initiative between Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and NHS England supporting people within the criminal justice system who experience significant personality and relational difficulties, with the aim of improving wellbeing, reducing risk, and supporting meaningful change.You will work closely with the Clinical Lead Psychologist and Probation Service (HMPPS) staff to support the operation and evaluation of the PIPE. You will assist with the development and delivery of activity groups for the men at Kirk Lodge and contribute to training and reflective spaces for staff.

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Psychologist, you will work closely with the Clinical Lead Psychologist and probation colleagues to support the delivery and ongoing development of the PIPE model.Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of psychologically informed activities and groups for residents.


• Assisting with service evaluation, audits, and outcome monitoring.


• Contributing to psychologically informed approaches across the Approved Premises.


• Supporting reflective practice sessions and psychologically informed discussions with staff teams.


• Working directly with residents to support engagement and wellbeing.


• Assisting psychologists in the implementation of service developments and research activity.

This post provides valuable experience for those considering further professional training in Clinical or Forensic Psychology.

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.

Job responsibilities

For further information on the Job Description, main responsibilities and Person Specification to ensure you have the relevant skills for the post, please see the attached documents.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• A First or Upper Second class honours degree in psychology or a lower Second class degree with a post-graduate qualification, e.g. Master's degree.


• Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.


• Degree included study of psychopathology/Clinical/ Forensic issues


• Has significant experience of face-to-face work with people with complex psychological problems (including people diagnosed with personality disorder or other mental health diagnoses), learning disabilities and/or offending behaviour


• Has experience of working alongside staff from other disciplines


• Has worked closely with clinical or applied psychologists and has an awareness of professional standards/issues


• Has experience of working in a hospital, prison, or other criminal justice setting.


• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.


• Experience of research methods, audit or other service evaluation techniques


• Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist.


• Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups

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.