Applied Practitioner Psychologist

Job Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Applied Psychologist to join MPFT’s Forensic Directorate Psychological Service, within the medium secure inpatient service at The Hatherton Centre, Stafford. The service supports the recovery of adult men with histories of mental health difficulties and risk behaviours, via high quality multi-disciplinary care.
Applications are invited from Clinical, Counselling and Forensic Psychologists at Band 7 or 8a, depending on experience (we have an established 7-8a preceptorship process for newly qualified psychologists). Experience of working in forensic services is not essential as relevant training will be provided, but it is desirable. Of primary importance is an interest and commitment to working with individuals with complex mental health and risk-related needs.
The successful applicant will be committed to improving the quality of life of people with complex mental health problems who present a risk of harm to others. They will have an interest in compassion focused, trauma informed approaches and will be keen to contribute to the development of psychological services within the Forensic Directorate.
This role is part of a wider psychology team - the Forensic Psychological Service comprises over 15 psychological professionals across MPFT’s forensic inpatient and community services within Staffordshire and Shropshire. This wider psychology team is a source of support, peer learning and professional development.
Main Duties of the Job
The Senior Psychologist will lead provision of a specialist psychological service on a forensic inpatient ward, within medium secure care. The service supports service users in their recovery in relation to both their mental health and risk related needs.
The Psychological Service strives to provide a high quality, psychological service for men with complex, long term mental health problems, often rooted in traumatic life experiences. Working in a forensic inpatient setting requires familiarity and confidence in engaging with service users responsible for offences that have caused violent or sexual harm. Strong emphasis is placed on supporting the wider workforce, enhancing their understanding of and support for psychologically-informed ways of working, for example through use of formulation-based meetings, while also supporting them in their roles through provision of reflective practice, critical incident support and training.
Supervision and support will be offered by and to other members of the wider psychology team.
The Psychological Service offer is multi-modal, using a wide and flexible range of therapeutic models and types of psychological interventions, both individually and in groups where appropriate. The post-holder will be expected to have established skills in the use of highly complex methods of psychological assessment and intervention. Experience of risk assessment, engaging hard to reach service users, inpatient working and coproduction are desirable.
Working for Our Organisation
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are ‘United in our Uniqueness’ and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Incentive Package – Join MPFT Forensic Services
We are pleased to offer a Welcome Incentive to candidates joining our Forensic Psychology team at MPFT. This includes:

• 5% of annual salary paid upon appointment.
• A further 5% of annual salary awarded on the 12-month work anniversary.
• Relocation support is also available and can be negotiated based on individual circumstances.
  We are committed to attracting high-calibre professionals who share our dedication to delivering outstanding Forensic Services.
  Clinical Responsibilities
• To work with service users and staff on the Forensic Directorate inpatient wards and in outpatient settings if appropriate.
• To work with service users and other professionals in community settings, including local hospitals, mental health resource centres, Social Services and Probation Offices as required.
• To work with service users and staff in prisons, special hospitals and other secure facilities as required.
• To routinely work with service users who have been perpetrators and/or victims of offences that cause serious harm and/or who show behaviour that is severely challenging services. This includes behaviour that may be violent and or cause sexual harm.
  Person Specification
  Qualifications & Training
  Essential Criteria
• Post-graduate doctoral level training in applied psychology (or its equivalent), as accredited by the BPS
• Post qualification training for role of clinical supervisor.
• Registered with HCPC.
  Desirable Criteria
• Post-doctoral training in one or more additional specialised areas of psychological practice.
  Experience
  Essential Criteria
• Prior experience of face-to-face work with people with severe and enduring mental illness or learning disability and a history of behaviour that presents a risk of harm to others
  Desirable Criteria
• Prior experience of work in a secure setting or co-facilitating therapeutic group interventions
  Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
  Desirable Criteria
• High level communication skills (written and verbal)