Forensic Psychologist in Training (Maternity Cover)

Who are we?

Kibble is Scotland’s specialist provider of services for at risk children and young people. By providing a range of integrated services, we help build positive futures for children and young people aged 5 plus, with complex social, emotional and educational needs.

Job Purpose:

Kibble Education and Care Centre has an exciting opportunity for a Forensic Psychologist in Training. This is a temporary post for up to 9 months to cover maternity leave.

You will join the Specialist Intervention Services (SIS) Team. This is a busy, enthusiastic, multidisciplinary team comprising a range of professions including forensic psychology, systemic family practitioners and therapists providing DBT, EMDR, integrative, play, art, and counselling. We also have a range of practitioners in training.

You will be involved in undertaking assessments, intervention and consultancy for children and young people in Kibble and will work across a range of settings including secure care, main campus, and community services. For those individuals working towards Chartered status, the chartership process is actively supported (dependant on successful completion of a probationary period and meeting a range of competencies). Due to the temporary nature of the role, this will be supported for those already on the route and not for new applicants.

You will have lots of energy, initiative, recognise the importance of reflective practice and ultimately will have the best interests of children and young people at the forefront of your practice. Due to the fast paced and reactive nature of the role you will ideally have had experience working as an Assistant Psychologist or Forensic Psychologist in Training. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and work well to deadlines. We would encourage you to apply if you are interested and committed to working with children and young people.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Provide psychological assessment, intervention and consultancy for children and young people at risk who have experienced adversity and trauma and are residing in both open and secure provision within Kibble
• To provide a forensic psychology service on a group or individual basis, under the supervision of a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and/or the Principal Psychologist
• To work towards or be willing to work towards Chartered Membership of the Forensic Division of the British Psychological Society.
• To contribute and further develop psychological services within the organisation

Main Duties:

• Support colleagues and co-workers involved in delivering interventions
• To undertake psychological assessments including formulation to inform and contribute to children and young person's care plan
• To be involved in the implementation and evaluation of appropriate psychological interventions
• Develop and deliver staff training in relevant psychological areas
• Contribute to and undertake research projects including service-based research and evaluation
• Work as part of the SIS team but also develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including residential childcare workers and Social Workers
• Provide and present psychological input to multi-disciplinary meetings and to inform care plans
• Provide psychological consultancy to range of stakeholders
• Compile and maintain accurate records, having due regard for their security and issues of client confidentiality
• Participate in continuing professional development as agreed by the Principal Psychologist and/or Chartered Forensic Psychologist that is in keeping with the goals of a forensic psychologist in training
• Participate and contribute to any conferences and seminars that may be arranged by Kibble and to represent the organisation at conferences and other events as appropriate
• To maintain an awareness of health and safety at work and to operate a safe working environment for self and others

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential

• Psychology degree which has GBR with the British Psychological Society (2:1 or above).
• MSc in Forensic Psychology (BPS accredited)
• Working towards/willing to work towards Chartership of the Division of Forensic Psychology of the BPS
• A good understanding of child and adolescent development. Knowledge and understanding of how adversity and traumatic experiences can influence children and young people who are looked after and accommodated. An awareness of the social, educational, and emotional difficulties faced by many of the children and young people referred to Kibble.
• Previous experience of psychological assessment and delivery of appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across a range of media and recognition of importance of building relationships
• Previous experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
• Able to prioritise a demanding workload, work to deadlines and manage reactivity.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working with young people who are looked after and accommodated, including younger children.
• Previous experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist or Forensic Psychologist in Training.

Notes:

1. This job outline reflects the main tasks and responsibilities discharged by the post holder at the present time, however, Kibble reserves the right to alter or amend the content of this job outline to reflect changes to the job or services provided, while maintaining the overall character and level of responsibility for the post.
2. Notwithstanding any information or statement described within this job outline, all duties must be carried out in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for all individuals and which is consistent with Kibble’s stated policy on equal opportunities.
3. The successful candidate will be subject to PVG Scheme Membership. Having previous convictions will not automatically disbar you from working at Kibble (with the exception of offences against children or other vulnerable groups) and every case is taken on an individual basis.
4. The successful candidate will be required to undertake Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training and will require a level of fitness to be able to carry out SCM. The successful candidate must be able to participate fully in this training and be prepared to put this training into practice. The SCM training will consist of two days theory and two days physical training. The successful candidate must complete this training prior to taking up post. Should the candidate for any reason fail any aspect of the SCM training (theory, physical or both parts), an additional input and opportunity would be given to successfully complete the training and achieve the required level of proficiency.
5. Appointments will be subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

Safe Crisis Training (SCM)

Successful candidates will require a level of fitness to be able to carry out SCM. Please see note section below (4) for further information.

Benefits:

Pension, holidays (up to 8 weeks per year, increasing with service), enhanced sick and maternity pay and employee benefits including long service recognition, cash4health, credit union, employee assistance programme, free parking, free meals, gym membership plus access to onsite physio.

Enquiries: Informal enquires welcome – susan.steele@kibble.org