Principal Psychologist

Permanent
Various locations across Scotland
G
£57,360 - £63,104
Closing Date
04/11/2024, 10:00
All Hours required
Full-Time
37

The post holder will contribute to the range of functions performed by psychological services, including risk assessment and management, treatment interventions (psychological therapies and offending behaviour interventions), supervision, case-management and training delivery, all of which contribute to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) vision of helping to build a safer Scotland.

Post holders will provide management and leadership to Psychology Departments within establishments and deliver training to other staff. 

You will be able to work across more than one establishment, providing variety to your daily role and supporting continued professional development through breadth of experience.

With effect from 1 December 2024, the SPS is reducing its full-time contractual hours from 37 to 35 hours per week without a reduction in pay.

Responsibilities
To provide specialist psychological assessments (including risk, cognitive functioning and personality assessments) and provide specialist psychological advice and information at Risk Management Team meetings to guide decision making on progression and discussion cases.
Prepare and present complex psychological reports for the senior management team, and staff from other disciplines within SPS and the wider criminal justice setting, both internal and external to the SPS.

To supervise Forensic Psychologists in Training (FPiT) in the capacity of designated supervisor, or coordinating supervisor, as required by a Lead Psychologist and to provide supervision and support to those staff responsible for direct delivery of the programmes, programmes training and any other relevant interventions. 

To manage a caseload of highly complex referrals, whilst exercising autonomous professional responsibility for their assessment, management, and treatment. Treatment includes the delivery of highly specialised psychological therapies for complex, high-risk prisoners.
To contribute to the development, implementation, audit, and evaluation of offending behaviour interventions for all prisoners and ensure the delivery of a high-quality, best practice and evidence-based service.
Line management responsibility for trainee and assistant forensic psychologists and lead local Psychology teams in establishments, and deputise for Consultant Psychologist at meetings as delegated in their absence.
Person Specification
SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Competencies for Success Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are eight, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on those identified as key to role.
Qualification Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree in Psychology with Graduate basis for registration; a BPS accredited MSC in Forensic Psychology and hold current HCPC registered practitioner status.

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements

Forensic Psychology Experience

Extensive experience of working as a Psychologist within a forensic setting and at least two years’ experience post registration with HCPC as a practitioner. This includes experience of implementing and supervising high intensity offending behaviour programmes. 

Essential

Providing Supervision to ensure Professional Standards

Ability to act as designated and/or coordinating supervisor to Forensic Psychologists in Training, to ensure that standards of professional supervision meet the required standard for Chartered Psychologist status.

Essential

Understanding of Risk 

Extensive experience of psychological risk and risk assessment tools, including writing psychological risk reports and presenting to external agencies such as Parole Board. 

Essential

Managing Others

Ability to manage staff and assist their development to achieve desired outcomes.

Essential

Behaviour Requirements
Listen & Communicate
Accountability & Initiative
Change & Improve
Solve Problems & Make Decisions
Presentation
Final Stage Interview
Vacancy Information Booklets:

This opportunity is closed to applications.