Trainee Psychologist (Forensic)

Job Introduction

Sodexo Justice Services has been operating in the United Kingdom since 1993. We operate five prisons in the UK and have a reputation for operating excellent, ethical, innovative and rehabilitative services. Our vision is to become a strategic partner of our clients by designing, managing and delivering quality of life services which make a meaningful difference to offenders by changing lives for the better.

HMP Northumberland is the newest addition to the SJS estate.  Our aim is to introduce the technology and initiatives that have been so successful in our other prisons whilst providing real work opportunities for prisoners which match those available in the community

This is a non-operational job within an establishment working with the Chartered Psychologist .

As Psychologist, you will work with prisoners and establishment staff to reduce the risk of re-offending and enhancing the provision of safer custody. This is achieved through conducting research, providing consultancy, delivering training for staff and assessments and interventions for prisoners.

Through your development of forensic psychology knowledge and skills, you will contribute towards reducing the risk of re-offending, protecting the public and maintaining the decency agenda.

You'll be responsible for constantly progressing to the level of a registered psychologist. You will be provided with a range of opportunities to progress which you are expected to use to the best advantage of training and development.

This is a non-operational job with no line management or supervisory responsibilities.

Role Responsibility

• Offer advice and assist in target /objective setting for prisoners
• Offer advice on the location of a prisoner (both within the establishment or potential relocation to another category establishment)
• Write prisoner reports e.g. indeterminate sentenced prisoner reports, reports for Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and Parole Board Reviews
• Raise awareness of the range of interventions available with prison officers and others so that they are better able to recognise who would benefit
• Interview and select prisoners to assess their suitability for accredited programmes and other interventions
• Prepare for and co-facilitate (usually more complex) programmes, complete reports and set objectives for prisoners following completion of the programme.
• Provide a clinical oversight (treatment management)of identified programmes to ensure standards are maintained and facilitators are supported in group management and related issues
• Participate in risk assessment of prisoners to determine their risk of harm to self, others and the risk of reoffending. Undertake Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) and self-harm assessments.
• Conduct relevant research including data gathering
• Be involved in the development, delivery and evaluation of training
• Provide consultancy support where required
• Develop and utilise skills in crisis intervention
• Present as a ‘professional witness’ in Parole Board hearings
• Take responsibility for their own Continued Professional Development (CPD) and maintain progression towards registered status

The Ideal Candidate

Good standard of education and degree standard education - Forensic Psychology, Criminology etc

Competencies

• Continuous improvement
• Impact and influence
• Analysis and decision making
• Results orientated
• Team Working

*All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation.

Package Description

£23,804 plus benefits

About the Company

Sodexo UK & Ireland employs around 36,000 people and delivers On-site Service Solutions to clients at over 2,300 locations including offices, hospitals, schools, defence sites, prisons, sporting events and visitor attractions.  Sodexo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau (UK) and/ or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)