Assistant Psychologist

Greater Manchester Police; Prestwich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

We are recruiting to several new Assistant Psychologist posts within the Adult Forensic Mental Health Service (Inpatient and Community Team). We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated psychology graduates, to work with people who have complex needs and behaviour that has brought them into secure services.

You will join a large team of experienced colleagues. You will be involved in activities that include assessment, therapeutic interventions and work to support colleagues in the wider service. You will also be involved in research/audit/QI activity in your role here.

We expect applicants to appreciate the kinds of issues and challenges that are faced in working with people who have mental health difficulties and problems related to offending and/or aggression and violence towards others. Histories of significant adversity and trauma, and problems with self-harm, substance misuse, and managing relationships with others are common. Ideally, you will have prior experience in working in a forensic/secure setting and/or a service where you have supported people with complex needs. You will receive all necessary training, supervision and support to enable you to fulfil the role effectively, and to also maintain your own psychological and emotional well-being.

If you feel that you are ready for the opportunities, challenges and rewards that working in a setting like this provides, then this may well be the next role for you! We look forward to your application.

Main duties of the job

To contribute to the provision of a high-quality, specialist psychology service for men and women with complex clinical and forensic needs, detained in low and medium secure services, and based at Prestwich Hospital Site (including Edenfield Centre and the Lowry Unit). The post holder will join a psychology department that comprises clinical, counselling, and forensic psychologists, and an art therapist. The post entails supporting the provision of assessments and therapeutic interventions to inpatients, on both an individual and group basis, and under supervision and line management provided by a qualified psychologist. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to service evaluations and audits, as required.

About Us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Date posted
14 April 2025

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 4

Salary
£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum pro rata

Contract
Fixed term

Duration
12 months

Working pattern
Full-time

Reference number
437-7104669

Job locations
Adult Forensic Services, Prestwich Hospital
Bury New Road
Prestwich
M25 3BL

Job Description

Job responsibilities
Please see full Job description and Person Specification attached to this vacancy.

Staff Benefits

• Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications Essential

• A first or upper second class honours degree in psychology

Experience Essential

• Previous experience of working in a role in a mental health or criminal justice setting requiring good interpersonal skills and an ability to self-reflect

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address
Adult Forensic Services, Prestwich Hospital
Bury New Road
Prestwich
M25 3BL

Employer's website
https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/