Clinical or Counselling Psychologist - Irish Prison Service
A Locum Clinical or Counselling Psychologist is required for the National Violence Reduction Unit (NVRU), Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The NVRU has been in operation since 2018 and operates separately as a National Unit.
The unit is co-led by an Assistant Governor (Operational Lead) and Senior Psychologist (Clinical Lead). The NVRU provides an enhanced, psychologically informed service to those in custody experiencing high levels of psychological distress and who display high levels of violence. The men accommodated on the NVRU present with complex forensic and clinical needs, requiring intensive psychological assessment, support, and intervention.
A key feature of the NVRU is the enhanced role of the Psychology Service in the day-to-day management of the Unit. The NVRU is psychologically informed on multiple levels, including the physical environment, staff selection and training, provision of reflective space for the team (supervision), relational security, and provision of psychological assessment and intervention to clients residing on the unit.
The appointed Grade II Psychologist will support the ongoing development and running of the NVRU. All suitable referrals undergo a comprehensive four-month assessment by the Senior Psychologist and the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Those selected will have a Care and Management Plan (CMP) developed based on this assessment phase. The Grade II Psychologist will deliver bespoke, multi-modal evidence-based psychological interventions as recommended in each individual's CMP. They will contribute to the multi-disciplinary CMP for each person, ensuring recommendations are linked to the person’s psychological formulation. The Psychologist will also supervise and support operational staff and foster a culture within the NVRU that promotes a joint operational/psychological approach to working with complex individuals in the Irish prison estate.
The Grade II Psychologist will receive supervision, support, and line management from the Senior Psychologist for the NVRU. An administrative office, consulting rooms, and fully networked computer facilities, including the Psychology Service’s online case tracking system, email, and access to specialist computer programs, are available in the NVRU.
The Psychologist working on the NVRU will have significant opportunities to engage in CPD. Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) approaches are a key feature of the Unit, both in terms of psychological intervention and systemically. The Psychologist will also have opportunities for assessment and intervention in separate areas of the prison estate to ensure a balanced experience of psychological assessment, formulation, and treatment.
Essential Qualifications and Competencies
Candidates must:
1. Be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the British Psychological Society (BPS).
2. (i) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Clinical Psychology recognized by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Health);
3. (ii) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Counselling Psychology recognized by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Counselling Psychology from the Department of Health);
Potential applicants considering relocating to the Republic of Ireland and who may have queries or concerns about the current Irish validation process should feel free to contact the IPS Psychology Service through CPL Healthcare for support.
In addition to the above, the following are desirable but not essential requirements:
* Experience in addressing emotional, mental health, and/or offence-related difficulties with a forensic or inpatient population.
* Experience working with people who have experienced trauma and those with personality difficulties.
* Experience providing consultation, education, guidance, and support to multidisciplinary colleagues.
* Further therapeutic or research qualifications.
For further information, please contact CPL Recruitment; Brian Murray on +353 1 482 5421 / +353 872226752 or email brian.murray@cplhealthcare.com.
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