Job summary
- Main area
- Psychology
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- Fixed term: 12 months (Fix term)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Happy to discuss flexible working.)
- Job ref
- 437-7104669
- Employer
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Adult Forensic Services, Prestwich Hospital
- Town
- Prestwich
- Salary
- £26,530 - £29,114 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 28/04/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Assistant Psychologist
Band 4
Job overview
We are recruiting to several new Assistant Psychologist posts within the Adult Forensic Mental Health Service (Inpatient and Community Team). We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated psychology graduates, to work with people who have complex needs and behaviour that has brought them into secure services.
You will join a large team of experienced colleagues. You will be involved in activities that include assessment, therapeutic interventions and work to support colleagues in the wider service. You will also be involved in research/audit/QI activity in your role here.
We expect applicants to appreciate the kinds of issues and challenges that are faced in working with people who have mental health difficulties and problems related to offending and/or aggression and violence towards others. Histories of significant adversity and trauma, and problems with self-harm, substance misuse, and managing relationships with others are common. Ideally, you will have prior experience in working in a forensic/secure setting and/or a service where you have supported people with complex needs. You will receive all necessary training, supervision and support to enable you to fulfil the role effectively, and to also maintain your own psychological and emotional well-being.
If you feel that you are ready for the opportunities, challenges and rewards that working in a setting like this provides, then this may well be the next role for you! We look forward to your application.
Main duties of the job
To contribute to the provision of a high-quality, specialist psychology service for men and women with complex clinical and forensic needs, detained in low and medium secure services, and based at Prestwich Hospital Site (including Edenfield Centre and the Lowry Unit). The post holder will join a psychology department that comprises clinical, counselling, and forensic psychologists, and an art therapist. The post entails supporting the provision of assessments and therapeutic interventions to inpatients, on both an individual and group basis, and under supervision and line management provided by a qualified psychologist. The post holder will also be expected to contribute to service evaluations and audits, as required.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see full Job description and Person Specification attached to this vacancy.
Staff benefits
- Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Excellent pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Wellbeing programme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- A first or upper second class honours degree in psychology
Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous experience of working in a role in a mental health or criminal justice setting requiring good interpersonal skills and an ability to self-reflect
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Geraint Lewis
- Job title
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0161 358 2060
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