Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Applied Psychologist to join MPFT's Forensic Directorate Psychological Service, within our secure inpatient Learning Disability Service at Ellesmere House, Stafford. This post is a fixed-term post, for a period of 12 months, to provide maternity leave cover.



Ellesmere House is a 12-bed inpatient service in Stafford. The service supports the recovery of adult men with cognitive needs and who present with 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. Experience of working in forensic services is not essential as relevant training will be provided, but is desirable. Of primary importance is an interest in working with our client group and a commitment to contributing to improving the quality of life of the service users we support.



We would love to hear from you if you have an interest in person-centered, compassion focused, trauma informed approaches and are keen to offer a psychological perspective and approach within an established and supportive MDT.



You will be well supported and receive supervision from a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. The role is part of a wider psychology team - comprised of over 15 psychological professionals across MPFT's forensic inpatient and community services. This wider psychology team is a source of support, peer learning and professional development.



The successful applicant will lead provision of a specialist psychological service on a forensic learning disability inpatient ward. The service supports service users in their recovery in relation to their mental health and risk related needs.



The Psychological Service strives to provide a high quality, psychological service for men with complex, long term difficulties, who often have experienced trauma. Working in a forensic inpatient setting requires the ability to engage 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.



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.



Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications



Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.



Please see attached and Person Specification for the roles.



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.

To provide highly specialist psychological assessments for service users of the Forensic Directorate based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with service users, family members and others involved in the service user's care.