Job Description
Cpl Healthcare in partnership with the Irish Prison Service are currently recruiting an experienced Head of Psychologist to contribute to the provision of prison psychology services.
The IPS Head of Psychology will provide overall strategic direction and leadership to the Psychology Service and broader therapeutic services, whilst retaining a broader IPS organisational focus. The Head of Psychology takes an 'outward' focus in relation to the Psychology Service; developing and maintaining key IPS and external relationships, considering best national and international practice and considering how the Psychology Service reaches its impact potential.
The successful candidate will be expected to provide leadership in devising and implementing change strategy, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders and leading Psychology Service staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Formulating and developing policies, business plans and expenditure budgets.
* Participating in meetings with national and international organisations.
* Responding to Parliamentary Questions and Press Queries.
* Contract Management.
Furthermore, as the Head of Psychology, you may be required to act as a representative for the Irish Prison Psychology Service in the media, at Oireachtas Committees, and may also represent the Irish Prison Service at a European and international level.
Essential Requirements
The post holder must have:
* Eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychology Society of Ireland (PSI).
* A recognised professional post-graduate qualification in Clinical or Counselling Psychology.
Essential Experience
* At least 8 years' satisfactory post graduate experience.
* 3 full years' experience at managerial level in the field of Psychology.
* Excellent leadership, decision-making and people management skills.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
* Excellent professional knowledge/skills.
* A clear understanding of evidence-based best practice in relation to psychological services for prisoners.
* A clear understanding of the supervision process and line management process.
* A clear understanding of professional ethics.
* A clear vision of the contribution of the Psychology Service to the Irish Prison Service, the wider Criminal Justice System and mental healthcare in Ireland.
* The ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and to take a strategic approach in the delivery of key policy objectives, to foster a positive working relationship with colleagues and external stakeholders and to lead and work in multi-disciplinary teams, including cross-stream reporting.
* Strong organisational awareness, including an awareness of the broader operating environment (or an ability to quickly develop same).
* A clean Drivers Licence.