Clinical Registered Psychologist

Ministry of Justice; Bicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a qualified forensic or clinical psychologist to work closely with prisoners and probationers. This role includes conducting risk assessments, delivering training, and supervising trainee psychologists. The ideal candidate will have HCPC registration or be nearing it and experience in clinical supervision. A commitment to professional development is essential, along with strong English communication skills. This is a non-operational position with line management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Qualified forensic or clinical psychologist with HCPC registration or in the process of receiving it.
• Experience in providing clinical supervision is essential.
• Evidence of experience through CV or statement of suitability is required.

Responsibilities

• Offer authoritative professional advice on targets and objectives for offenders.
• Provide consultancy support related to psychology services.
• Conduct relevant research including data gathering and analysis.

Skills

Experience in providing clinical supervision

Communication in spoken and written English

Ability to conduct risk assessments

Education

Qualified forensic or clinical psychologist with HCPC registration

Completed relevant training in effective treatment models

Job description

The job holder will be working with prisoners, people on probation and staff and applying their competence in psychology to reduce the risk of harm and of re‑offending by undertaking a range of work including risk assessment of prisoners, conducting research, providing consultancy and delivering training for staff and assessment and interventions for offenders. This job holder will be able to provide designated support and supervision to trainee psychologists. This is a non‑operational offender‑facing job with line management responsibilities and is non‑rotational.

Responsibilities and duties

• Offer authoritative professional advice on targets and objectives for relevant offenders and advise on the best location for those offenders (within the establishment or relocation to another category establishment).
• Offer professional opinion to teams conducting reports e.g. lifer reports, parole reports.
• Develop strategy and plans of activity for some areas of operation (e.g. manage the organisation of relevant programme assessments or conduct assessments and interviews with those with an indeterminate sentence).
• Provide consultancy support to colleagues such as the SMT or other teams in relation to psychology services and outcomes.
• Conduct relevant research including data gathering and analysis.
• Provide supervision and training to trainee forensic psychology staff and other staff (e.g. interventions staff).
• Deliver and oversee the quality of programmes (treatment management) requiring qualified input.
• Consult on specialist areas such as Working with those convicted of Sexual Offending Strategy or Indeterminate Sentenced Prisoners (ISP) Strategy.
• Act as a negotiation adviser where suitable and competence has been demonstrated.
• Act as a "professional witness" in parole board hearings, multi‑agency meetings, and other formal settings where psychology input is required; may also act as expert witness in court proceedings for the Ministry of Justice.
• Maintain own continued professional development (CPD) and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

Qualifications

• Qualified forensic or clinical psychologist with HCPC registration, or in the process of receiving HCPC registration (confirmation required within 6 months of provisional offer).
• Specific licence requirements: HCPC registration or confirmation within 6 months of offer.
• Specific language requirements: spoken and written English (where required, Welsh may also be necessary in Wales).
• Experience in providing clinical supervision.
• Completed relevant training in effective models of treatment and best practice.
• Evidence of experience via CV or work history and a statement of suitability demonstrating progression towards registration.

Legal and Equality Statements

As a Disability Confident employer, the Ministry of Justice is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talents and abilities by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. This vacancy is open to all suitable qualified staff irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.