Forensic Psychologist - HMP Altcourse

Job Introduction

What we are offering:

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday working pattern, 40 hours per week.
• Site based with possibility to work some days from home.
• Please see our attached benefits guide for a full breakdown of everything Sodexo has to offer. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within HMP Altcourse to join our prisons Psychology team as a Forensic Psychologist. 

As a Forensic Psychologist you will join us in leading and developing a range of innovative plans, including the development of a psychologically led unit and the strengthening of multi-disciplinary working to support our prisoners. More typically, you will work closely with the Head of Psychology to develop and promote the psychological services within the Prison and work collaboratively with the Psychology Team and external stakeholders. You will help to support a team of Forensic Psychologists in Training and will support team members with their caseloads, whilst also maintaining direct contact with prisoners with complex needs, including those whose early experiences have contributed to difficulties within their personality functioning and contributed to involvement in serious offending.

We encourage candidates with previous experience within prison establishments to apply, but we will consider those whose experience lies within the Forensic Mental Health field generally. We are able to consider newly qualified candidates, who can demonstrate the required insight into the potential demands of the role and evidence of the ongoing development of relevant skills.

This role presents a significant opportunity for personal growth and continuing professional development. 

Main Responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise Forensic Psychologists in Training and engage directly with prisoners.
• Support and supervise staff handling cases with prisoners having complex needs.
• Complete Parole Reports and conduct assessments (HCR20, PCL-R, IPDE, SARA).
• Conduct forensic assessments, formulate plans, and contribute to psychological treatment for prisoners.
• Collaborate with the Psychology and Interventions team, prisoners, and the wider prison community.
• Attend multi-disciplinary meetings within and outside the prison and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, develop, and contribute to new Offending Behaviour Programmes (OBP) with psychological oversight.
• Provide training on managing behaviours, personality disorders, and share information on complex case formulations with relevant teams for effective prisoner management.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements. 

The Ideal Candidate

• HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist.
• Preferable to have experience working in a secure setting or within the Forensic Mental Health field.
• Knowledge of psychological theory in working with individuals with personality disorder, involvement in violent behaviour, and have knowledge of the potential needs of neurodiverse people.
• Practice in the administration and interpretation of psychological assessments.
• Ability to work towards and achieve Key Performance Targets

Whilst the ideal candidate would fit into the above points, we would implore applicants with the relevant transferrable skills to apply for this role, as you may still be a great fit!

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.

Sodexo’s vision for HMP Altcourse is to develop a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a surrounding culture of rehabilitation. 

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome and can be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications from candidates from under-represented backgrounds.

If you have the ambition to build a successful career and the people skills to build successful relationships, apply now for a career that’s too good to miss.

Post holders will be subjected to an advanced DBS check, a prison security check (level 2) prior to being employed.