Assistant Psychologist job at Preston Full Time NEW

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and compassionate Assistant Psychologist to work within our MHTR Teams in Lancashire.

If you are seeking a new challenge, and have a keen interest in the criminal justice services, we encourage you to apply and join our supportive and welcoming team!

The post holder will work within the Enhanced Reconnect Service for Lancashire and Cumbria, covering 6 prisons and the wider community of Lancashire and Cumbria. Enhanced Reconnect is a psychologically informed NHS service supporting individuals leaving prison who have complex health needs and are considered at high risk of harm. The service provides assessment, formulation, structured interventions, advocacy, and referral/signposting to community-based health and support services. The aim is to reduce social exclusion and address behaviours linked to poor mental and physical health, which may also relate to offending behaviour. The service works with individuals up to six months prior to their anticipated release and for up to 12 months post-release.

Under the supervision of Clinical lead and Lead Practitioner:

• Contribute to the planning, delivery, and review of the Enhanced RECONNECT service, with a focus on supporting service users’ transition between prison settings and community services.
• Contribute to assessments including the use of appropriate psychometric assessments and screening tools, and support the implementation of health-related care plans, under the supervision of qualified professionals.
• Assist the wider team with developing a formulation and planning Enhanced Reconnect interventions for service users.
• Develop, promote, and maintain strong, effective working relationships with partner agencies / other organisations to facilitate multi-disciplinary, multi-agency service delivery.
• To liaise with lead practitioners, clinicians, partner agencies, relevant healthcare professionals, and any other relevant information to address identified needs and manage / maintain risk.
• To participate in meetings as required by the team and the wider service.

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.

For further information on the Job Description, main responsibilities and Person Specification to ensure you have the relevant skills for the post, please see the attached documents.

An understanding of the needs of people with a diagnosis of personality disorder, mental illness, and/or learning disabilities is needed in this role, with the ability to communicate sensitive information to the patient, carer and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.

We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions regarding the role, do not hesitate to contact us in advance of submitting your application.