Assistant Psychologist

We are looking for an Assistant Psychologist to join the Support to Succeed (STS) Team, the community part of the offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in Devon.

The OPD pathway is based in prison and probation, with NHS and HMPPS staff working to increase the wellbeing and reduce the risk of those screened into the pathway, whilst improving the knowledge and attitudes of wider workforce.

STS offers support to probation staff through consultation, formulation and training and psychologically-informed intervention and risk management (IIRMS) for those leaving prison, including a hub service with activities and psycho-education/skills groups. IIRMS is a growing and evolving service, allowing opportunities for the successful applicant to support service development in this post.

The role will include developing/facilitating psycho-educational and/or skills-based groups, as well as providing psychologically-informed & relational support to people on the IIRMS caseload, consultation & training for probation practitioners, and discrete pieces of psychological intervention.

This is a cohesive and enthusiastic team including a Probation Practitioner, Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, Social Worker, a Peer Support Worker, Support Time and Recovery Worker & admin support. Space is protected for supervision, reflective practice and training, including both whole-team training and the opportunity to undertake training in specific areas of interest relevant to the service.

You will possess a 2:1 Bachelors Degree (with Honours) in Psychology or an equivalent qualification and significant post-graduate experience working as an Assistant Psychologist in a mental health, forensic or care setting.

Flexibility in approach is important as is the ability to work as part of a team. You will have some knowledge/experience of group work and individual therapeutic contact & be able to demonstrate your capacity to apply psychological knowledge in a health, mental health or offence context.

You will need to be enthusiastic, forward thinking & emotionally resilient with a passion and commitment to supporting people with personality difficulties.

The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the wider OPD pathway & will be embedded within Devons Secure Services Directorate. There will be opportunities to receive training with the wider assistant & trainee psychologist group.

We offer an excellent supervision/PDR structure, with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities & a supportive & collaborative working environment. Below is some feedback from a recently appointed colleague: Working in this team makes me feel valued and appreciated, with a good sense of team morale. We are supportive of each other and valued for our individual skills, experience & psychological understanding. Working with this client group can have its challenges but it's made easier by being in such a well-connected team, where there is always room to grow"., We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do