Psychologist - Prison Service, Nvru Co

CPL

LAOIS

Psychologist required for locum position for an initial 6 month period with Irish Prison Service, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. This position will be based in the specialist National Violence Reduction Unit (NVRU) which is co-managed by a Senior Psychologist and an Assistant Prison Governor. This service is a therapeutic initiative which aims to reduce violent offending, improve prisoners psychological functioning and support staff competence and confidence in working with complex prisoners. The NVRU was set up to provide an intensive, progressive approach to the management of individuals in custody with complex needs whom present a high risk of violence. The Psychology Service has an enhanced role in the operation of this unit and is central in supporting a psychologically informed environment. Staff on the unit are trained to understand the prisoners’ risks, triggers and warning signs for violence and to intervene effectively to manage risk and promote change. The psychologist will work collaboratively with prison staff to help the prisoners to understand the functions of their violent behaviour and to develop alternative self-management strategies. The psychologist will provide assessment and intervention with prisoners, supervision to prison staff and consultation to the NVRU team. The IPS Psychology Service provides a range of primary, secondary and tertiary care psychological services in adherence with the principle of equivalence of care. As a Psychologist, you will have an opportunity to work with clients who are experiencing a wide range of emotional, mental health and other offence related difficulties. The Psychology service within the IPS forms part of the Care and Rehabilitation Directorate. The role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team encompassing professionals from Healthcare, Psychiatry, Addiction Services, Education, Work and Training, Employment, Chaplaincy and Resettlement Services. The role will involve consultation, education and training across the broader organisation. The psychologist will have opportunities to provide an evidence informed psychological perspective to policy development and implementation, working groups and staff training. Staff Grade Psychologists receive regular supervision and line management support from the Senior Psychologist. There will be various opportunities for Continuing Professional Development and an individual budget will be allocated for same. Duties of the position include: Contribute to the professional delivery of the IPS Psychology Service. Carry a clinical caseload. Carry out appropriate psychological assessments with the client group. Formulate and implement psychological therapeutic intervention or management as appropriate. Provide supervision to prison officers. Provide professional reports as required. Work effectively with other team members, and participate in inter-agency work practice and service delivery as required. Provide consultation and training to the NVRU team. Provide an evidence informed psychological perspective to policy development and implementation, working groups and staff training within the broader organisation. Essential qualifications and competencies. Candidates must. (a) Be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the British Psychological Society (BPS. and. (b) (i) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Clinical Psychology recognised by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Health); or. (ii) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Counselling Psychology recognised by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Counselling Psychology from the Department of Health); In addition to the above, the following are desirable but not essential requirement: Experience in addressing emotional, mental health and offence-related difficulties with a forensic population and a group setting. Experience of providing consultation, education, guidance and support to multidisciplinary colleagues. Further therapeutic or research qualifications. For further information, please contact Brian Murray on 01 482 5352 or email brian.murray@cplhealthcare.com.

1446 days ago