Assistant Psychologist (GDAS)

Main Responsibilities

Assistant Psychologist

Gwent (Covering Newport and surrounding areas)

Salary range £26,239.50 - £28,381.50 per annum

Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

G4S in Wales are a key provider of criminal justice services- operating in both the custodial and community sectors.  We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and we consistently seek to work alongside and in partnership with a range of other providers in the voluntary (third), public and private sectors.

We have developed services which are focused on identifying ways to maximise positive impact and make the most effective use of available resources by working with other agencies on common objectives.  In this way we are increasingly able to meet wide ranging and complex needs in the most appropriate way.

We have a commitment to research, evaluation and review of evidence based initiatives.

We value and, where possible, contribute to research into reducing re-offending and therefore we recognise the importance of understanding the wider environment in which individuals operate and this informs us about how best to engage, support and help people with change.

We seek to employ people with drive and energy and a real interest in innovation and teamwork – working beyond traditional organisational boundaries.

As A GDAS Criminal Justice AP, you will conduct brief interventions with people accessing substance use services who are open to criminal justice providers. You will support people accessing the service with lower-level mental health concerns. This could include anxiety, depression, low mood, managing symptoms of trauma, sleep, and self-harm. You will provide an early intervention provision for individuals who would be unlikely to meet the threshold for secondary care. Working alongside the allocated practitioner, your role will enhance the support offer of substance use and well-being services.

You will also focus on exploring neurodiversity that supports the service to improve the identification of neuropsychological conditions at an early stage of our contact with people and support decisions about the optimum way to address criminogenic needs and change-related work.  APs will learn about case formulation and assessing treatment needs, enabling more focussed/targeted work during the treatment episode and also develop resources for support which can be shared with the team.

Some of the key responsibilities are;

• Provide specialist psychology-led solutions as part of a whole service response for people with substance use and well-being needs.
• Conduct (with training) clinical assessment of mental health with adults to help support decision-making and treatment planning.
• Plan, develop and deliver structured interventions around mental health concerns.
• Work in partnership with the allocated practitioner to ensure consistency of offer and manage risk.
• Participate in reflective practice, clinical supervision and ongoing learning and development with our psychology partner FPC.
• Provide reports to assist the court, and attend court as required.
• Operate in a trauma-informed way, recognising everyone has a role in facilitating opportunities and life chances for people affected by trauma and adversity, asking not 'What is wrong with you?' but 'What has happened to you?' 
• Develop psychological formulations to explain current distress and functional difficulties which draw on trauma and psychological theory, taking into account trauma-specific, life-span, neurobiological, developmental, gender-specific and cultural factors as well as the contribution of current physical health difficulties.
• Facilitation of Complex Case Clinics that support colleagues to work through particularly challenging cases.  (5 P’s formulation model)
• Support colleagues by developing resources and interventions for people with well-being and neurodiversity needs.
• Ensure all records are updated on time.
• Contribute to the delivery of key commissioned objectives and performance indicators, ensuring work is completed on time and to a high standard in line with contractual requirements.
• Work in partnership with external agencies -  maximising positive outcomes for individuals.
• Keep updated with developments in services, legislation and practice.
• Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
• Cascade psychology-based training and knowledge and info to peers as required

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate must hold an Undergraduate Psychology Degree together with a Full Driving Licence and access to own transport with business class insurance.

With an ability to build quick positive relationships with people who have mental health support needs you will have good communication and interpersonal skills, report writing and note-keeping skills and be able to work as part of a team.

The following would be desirable but arent essential;

• Understanding of psychological assessments, specifically in the field of mental health.
• Knowledge of working within criminal justice.
• Experience liaising with partner agencies.
• Committed to promoting the Welsh language

Please note that applicants must complete a 200 - 400 word statement outlining their suitability for the role and clearly outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge would apply to this post.

We encourage applications from Welsh speaking candidates.

Equality and Diversity is an important part of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are a fully inclusive employer who aims to support all employees to be their true selves. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for either the role or during the recruitment process.

G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and adults at risk and each employee is expected to support these goals.

Please note that these vacancies are subject to a 5 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by G4S and the Secretary of State for the Home Office.

You must be eligible to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for a minimum period of 3 years. You will also need to provide full details of your employment and education history for the last 5 years as part of the security screening process for this role.