Assistant Psychologist HMP Woodhill

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Aug 9

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry, Junior & Mid Level
Milton Keynes

Requirements

Essential criteria
High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues in a way that addresses service user’s particular needs
An understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems or other disabilities
An ability to apply High standard of report writing skills Knowledge and experience of using SPSS for windows. Application Form Interview References Assessment 10 existing psychological knowledge to a mental health context
An understanding of psychology applied to health care
Experience using IT for databases or data-analysis
Achieved or working towards an upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology
Achieved or working towards entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or offending behaviour problems and/or other disabilities
An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines
An ability to establish and sustain engagement with people who have mental health problems and severely challenging behaviours including violence and sexually harmful behaviours
Ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals
Knowledge of our business and how it supports patient care
Ability to accept and use clinical supervision appropriately and effectively
Ability to work in a secure environment, in line with HMPS policy and procedure – to obtain and maintain enhanced security clearance
Application must be clearly tailored to the post and Person Specification

Responsibilities

To support psychologists in the assessment of male patients within HMP Woodhill. This may include using self-report measures, risk assessment, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the client’s care. Assessments will involve making judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options, as well as requiring prolonged concentration
To work in a highly emotive atmosphere with clients with offending histories and / or mental health problems on a regular basis, and be able to communicate sensitive and complex information, whilst maintaining a high degree of professionalism at all times
To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings
To support psychologists in preparing for and conducting psychological interventions, both group and individual. To co-facilitate groups with both psychology and non-psychology colleagues when appropriate
To work closely with senior colleagues to ensure information in relation to risk is collected and communicated sensitively and comprehensively
To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping, including electronic data entry and recording
To attend and contribute to other prison meetings, and to present the view of Mental Health Team for relevant clinical issues. To ensure any actions taken from these meetings are met or that the appropriate individual to carry out the action is informed
To ensure that efficient pathways of care are being created for the clients, including collecting collateral information for new clients and making appropriate referrals into the community when they are approaching discharge.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Assistant Psychologist at HMP Woodhill?

The primary responsibility is to support and enhance the psychological care of men across the Mental Health Service by providing mental health assessments and interventions under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.

What qualifications are required to apply for this position?

Candidates must have achieved or be working towards an upper second class honours degree or higher in psychology and must also be working towards entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.

Is previous experience in a prison environment necessary for this role?

While previous experience working in prisons or secure settings is desirable, it is not a strict requirement. However, some experience working with individuals with mental health problems or offending behavior is essential.

What type of training or professional development opportunities are available for employees?

The organization is committed to supporting staff by providing opportunities for career development, including further training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, and research design and analysis.

How important are communication skills for this role?

High-level communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively communicating sensitive information to patients, carers, and colleagues in a challenging environment.

Will I have the opportunity to participate in audits or research projects?

Yes, the role includes participation in clinical governance, audits, and service development, providing opportunities to engage in research projects.

Does this position involve working independently?

Yes, the Assistant Psychologist will work independently according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist, while adhering to the team’s policies and procedures.

What type of clients will I be working with?

The role involves working with male patients who may have mental health problems and/or offending histories within a prison setting.

Is the work environment challenging?

Yes, the role involves working in a highly emotive atmosphere, where maintaining a high degree of professionalism is essential when dealing with sensitive and complex information.

What are the essential personal qualities required for this role?

Essential qualities include the ability to interact effectively with diverse staff, establish engagement with individuals with challenging behaviors, work independently, and accept clinical supervision appropriately.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

There's a place for you at CNWL.

Science & Healthcare

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has almost 6,550 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes, Surrey and areas beyond. We provide a wide range of services to treat people with a a variety of health needs, including common physical health problems, long-term conditions, mental health, learning disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and sexual health. We are here to provide support for people through every stage of life. Our catchment area covers a range of vibrant and diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken, ranging from areas of deprivation to areas of affluence. We are committed to providing services that need the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference.