Assistant Psychologist

NHS; Leyland; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Leyland is seeking a full-time Assistant Psychologist to support the mental health team in a high-security prison environment. The role involves running psychological assessments, facilitating therapeutic groups, and delivering interventions under supervision. Ideal candidates will have a degree in psychology and relevant experience in psychological support. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits including extensive leave and professional development support, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits

Professional development support

24/7 employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Experience in a paid Assistant Psychologist role.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups.
• Experience in psychological assessment within an evidence-based model.

Responsibilities

• Support the psychological care of patients.
• Run clinics, assessments, and 1-1 sessions.
• Prepare and deliver psychological intervention group sessions.

Skills

Psychological assessment

Therapeutic group facilitation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Complex needs management

Communication

Education

Degree in Psychology

Masters in Psychology

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Psychologist to join the team at HMP Garth, a high‑security Category B male prison located in Leyland. With a capacity of around 800, the prison houses men serving long‑term and indeterminate sentences. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in an ever‑changing, challenging environment and is keen to support the mental health team in managing conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and trauma.

Job Summary

Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00.
Salary: £29,264 – £33,510 per annum, depending on experience.
Support: Bespoke induction, Introducing Health in Justice training, competency framework, regional and national career development, bespoke Learning Management System and full support from the wider team.

Main Duties

• Support the psychological care of patients throughout their journey with us.
• Run clinics, assessments and 1‑1 sessions.
• Triage assessments and identify patient needs.
• Prepare and deliver psychological intervention group sessions.
• Provide psychological assessment and interventions under the supervision of the qualified psychologist.
• Work with people with complex needs, which can present or lead to challenging situations or behaviours.
• Work within the Assessment Care in Custody Team (ACCT) process and contribute to the Challenge, Support and Intervention Plan (CSIP).
• Monitor and provide feedback on patients’ function and general mental health condition throughout the course of intervention, reporting changes to the mental health team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Psychology (Masters preferred).
• Experience in a paid Assistant Psychologist role, whether in prison, community setting or psychiatric environment.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups and delivering psychological assessment, formulation and intervention within an evidence‑based model such as CBT, CFT or DBT.
• Experience working within a secure environment is a bonus, although not essential.
• Legal right to work in the UK; offer subject to additional vetting and security checks.

Benefits

• Company pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service up to 28 days per year, plus public bank holidays.
• Extensive range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.
• Discounts on shopping and leisure activities.
• Support for professional development and career progression.
• 24/7 employee assistance helpline and financial assistance.

About Us

The Health in Justice team at Practice Plus Group makes a real difference across over 53 prisons, young offenders and immigration removal centres. We are the UK’s leading independent provider of NHS services to over 40,000 patients in secure environments, always putting their needs first, regardless of their background. Our purpose is to Unlock your best work life and we stand by our core values: treat patients and each other with respect, act with integrity, embrace diversity and strive to do things better together.

Employer Details

Employer name: Practice Plus Group
Address: Garth Prison, Ulnes Walton Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, PR268NE
Website: https://practiceplusgroup.com/our-jobs/join-our-team/