• Job Description

  Req#: C9350-25-0876?language=en&page=31&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  An exciting opportunity has arisen within Mersey Care to work as an Assistant Psychologist for the Mental Health Treatment Requirement across Merseyside. This service provides the assessments and psychological interventions with people who have been given Mental Health Treatment Requirements.

  This post is s pecifically for the applicant to be based at Crewe Probation, but to also work between Knutsford and Winsford where necessary.

  The service covers Merseyside and Cheshire, workingacross the courts and probation services in these regions. The successful applicants will spend their mornings at court assessing individuals for their suitability for an MHTR. They will also work across their local National Probation services, where they will provide short term psychological intervention.As such, travel is apart of this role.

  They will be part of a wider team with regular supervision, joint working, CPD, and reflective practice.

  Main duties of the job

  The role will be to provide short-term psychological interventions for a range of psychological difficulties and experiences, including low mood and anxiety, anger, loss, trauma, interpersonal problems and learning difficulties. There will also be the opportunity to utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development and research within the area served by the team/service.

  The post holder will be expected to work in a range of settings. This post is s pecifically for the applicant to be based at Crewe Probation, but to also work between Knutsford and Winsford where necessary.

  About us

  Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across our region and are also commissioned for services that cover the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.

  We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.

  At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' - care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.

  Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.

  Details

  Date posted

  09 July 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 5

  Salary

  £29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum pro rata

  Contract

  Fixed term

  Duration

  12 months

  Working pattern

  Full-time

  Reference number

  350-SC7276101

  Job locations

  Mersey Forensic Psychology Service

  Rodney Street

  Liverpool

  L1 9AA

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Clinical:

  1. To undertake psychological assessments of clients applying psychological tests, including self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, and others involved in the clients care, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
  2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist.
  3. To collate and report audit data in order to meet the audit requirements of the service.
  4. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.
  5. To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.

  Teaching, Training and Supervision:

  1. In common with all psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
  2. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post holder is employed.
  3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties
  4. To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care.
  5. To provide training as required to managers and other staff as appropriate.

  Management, Recruitment and Service Development:

  (As agreed by professional leads and managers)

  1. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
  2. To assist with the analysis, development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services, through service evaluation and audit.
  3. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

  IT Responsibilities:

  1. To assist in the design of computerised databases and to be responsible for their continual updating and on-going statistical analysis.
  2. To be aware of, and comply with, National Regulations and local Trust Policies concerned with Data Protection and Information Governance.

  Research and Service Evaluation:

  1. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
  2. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
  3. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.

  General:

  1. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the post-holders professional and team/operational manager(s).
  2. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust and HCPC policies and procedures.
  3. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
  4. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
  5. To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, this may be required from time to time by their Manager.

  Professional:

  1. Provide & receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with good practice guidelines and Trust policy.
  2. To train and develop staff and to carry out at least annually an appraisal, objective setting and personal development planning meeting.

  Training and Development:

  1. To participate in the Trusts annual Appraisal process.
  2. To attend all relevant mandatory training as and when required to do so.

  Quality and Patient Safety:

  1. Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  2. Implementation of NICE guidance and other statutory / best practice guidelines. (if appropriate).
  3. Infection Control - To be responsible for the prevention and control of infection.
  4. Incident reporting - To report any incidents of harm or near miss in line with the Trusts incident reporting policy ensuring appropriate actions are taken to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
  5. To contribute to the identification, management and reduction of risk in the area of responsibility.
  6. To ensure day-to-day practice reflects the highest standards of governance, clinical effectiveness, safety and patient experience
  7. To ensure monitoring of quality and compliance with standards is demonstrable within the service on an on-going basis
  8. To be aware of the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients/ clients, visitors and staff.

  Working Conditions:

  1. The post holder will be expected to work in a range of settings. They will be primarily based within Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team in South Sefton Magistrates Court.
  2. Some sessions may involve working in other geographical areas both within and external to the Trust.
  3. The post holder will also be expected to provide domiciliary visits where required.
  4. Post holders must have a capacity to provide services in constrained or adverse conditions and may be required to sit in constrained positions for clinical sessions
  5. Travel is an integral part of the post.

  General

  1. To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to both the specific client group and mental health.
  2. To comply with the Professional Codes of Conduct and to be aware of changes in these. To maintain an up to date knowledge of all relevant legislation and local policies and procedures implementing this.
  3. To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest standard, and in accordance with currently quality initiatives within the work area.
  4. To comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in these.
  5. To comply at all times with the Trusts Information Governance related policies. All Staff are required to respect the confidentiality of information about staff, patients and Trust business and in particular the confidentiality and security of personal identifiable information in line with the Data Protection Act. All staff are responsible for ensuring that any data created by them is timely, comprehensive, accurate, and fit for the purposes for which it is intended.

  Confidentiality

  All staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all Trust business and the business of the Trusts staff, residents, patients and general public which they may learn in the execution of their duties.

  Data Protection

  All staff are expected to adhere to the regulations regarding the Data Protection Act 1984 as laid down by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

  Service User Records

  Data quality of information within service user records remains the responsibility of each NHFT employee. Refer to the Data Quality Policy IGP014

  The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections in service users, staff and visitors is taken seriously by the Trust. All staff employed by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust are required to adhere to the Trust infection control policies and procedures.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Clinical:

  1. To undertake psychological assessments of clients applying psychological tests, including self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, and others involved in the clients care, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
  2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of care plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a clients problems, under the supervision of a qualified professional psychologist.
  3. To collate and report audit data in order to meet the audit requirements of the service.
  4. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings where care takes place.
  5. To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings.

  Teaching, Training and Supervision:

  1. In common with all psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with professional practice guidelines.
  2. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post holder is employed.
  3. To develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties
  4. To contribute to the training and support of other staff in psychological care.
  5. To provide training as required to managers and other staff as appropriate.

  Management, Recruitment and Service Development:

  (As agreed by professional leads and managers)

  1. To assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required.
  2. To assist with the analysis, development, evaluation and monitoring of the teams operational policies and services, through service evaluation and audit.
  3. To attend meetings in which service developments are planned and discussed.

  IT Responsibilities:

  1. To assist in the design of computerised databases and to be responsible for their continual updating and on-going statistical analysis.
  2. To be aware of, and comply with, National Regulations and local Trust Policies concerned with Data Protection and Information Governance.

  Research and Service Evaluation:

  1. To assist in the design and implementation of audit and research projects.
  2. To undertake data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
  3. To undertake searches of evidence-based literature and research to assist qualified clinical psychologists in evidence based practice in individual work and work with other team members.

  General:

  1. To contribute to the development and maintenance of the highest professional standards of practice, through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes, in consultation with the post-holders professional and team/operational manager(s).
  2. To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust and HCPC policies and procedures.
  3. To prepare test materials and visual aids as required.
  4. To undertake specific administrative duties as required.
  5. To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, this may be required from time to time by their Manager.

  Professional:

  1. Provide & receive regular clinical supervision in accordance with good practice guidelines and Trust policy.
  2. To train and develop staff and to carry out at least annually an appraisal, objective setting and personal development planning meeting.

  Training and Development:

  1. To participate in the Trusts annual Appraisal process.
  2. To attend all relevant mandatory training as and when required to do so.

  Quality and Patient Safety:

  1. Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
  2. Implementation of NICE guidance and other statutory / best practice guidelines. (if appropriate).
  3. Infection Control - To be responsible for the prevention and control of infection.
  4. Incident reporting - To report any incidents of harm or near miss in line with the Trusts incident reporting policy ensuring appropriate actions are taken to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
  5. To contribute to the identification, management and reduction of risk in the area of responsibility.
  6. To ensure day-to-day practice reflects the highest standards of governance, clinical effectiveness, safety and patient experience
  7. To ensure monitoring of quality and compliance with standards is demonstrable within the service on an on-going basis
  8. To be aware of the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients/ clients, visitors and staff.

  Working Conditions:

  1. The post holder will be expected to work in a range of settings. They will be primarily based within Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team in South Sefton Magistrates Court.
  2. Some sessions may involve working in other geographical areas both within and external to the Trust.
  3. The post holder will also be expected to provide domiciliary visits where required.
  4. Post holders must have a capacity to provide services in constrained or adverse conditions and may be required to sit in constrained positions for clinical sessions
  5. Travel is an integral part of the post.

  General

  1. To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to both the specific client group and mental health.
  2. To comply with the Professional Codes of Conduct and to be aware of changes in these. To maintain an up to date knowledge of all relevant legislation and local policies and procedures implementing this.
  3. To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest standard, and in accordance with currently quality initiatives within the work area.
  4. To comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in these.
  5. To comply at all times with the Trusts Information Governance related policies. All Staff are required to respect the confidentiality of information about staff, patients and Trust business and in particular the confidentiality and security of personal identifiable information in line with the Data Protection Act. All staff are responsible for ensuring that any data created by them is timely, comprehensive, accurate, and fit for the purposes for which it is intended.

  Confidentiality

  All staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all Trust business and the business of the Trusts staff, residents, patients and general public which they may learn in the execution of their duties.

  Data Protection

  All staff are expected to adhere to the regulations regarding the Data Protection Act 1984 as laid down by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

  Service User Records

  Data quality of information within service user records remains the responsibility of each NHFT employee. Refer to the Data Quality Policy IGP014

  The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections in service users, staff and visitors is taken seriously by the Trust. All staff employed by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust are required to adhere to the Trust infection control policies and procedures.

  Person Specification

  Knowledge/Experience

  Essential

  • Experience of conducting psychological assessments and generating psychological formulation
  • Experience of delivering a psychological intervention
  • Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities as an assistant psychologist or PWP worker.
  • Experience of working with people who have to potential to become aggressive and being able to respond appropriately
  • An ability to use psychological knowledge when self-reflecting
  • An understanding of childhood adversity and trauma
  • An understanding of the Criminal Justice System

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with offenders

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • A Degree in psychology.
  • Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society

  Desirable

  • Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.

  Skills

  Essential

  • High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
  • Experience of working with people with complex presentations
  • An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare
  • Has training and experience of audit, evaluation and research
  • Advanced keyboard skills
  • An ability to interact with a diverse range of people with complex presentations
  • Ability to work with individuals with a history of violence and/or sexual offending
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team as well as independently reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
  • An ability to work as part of a team and maintain good relationships with colleagues
  • Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
  • Ability to cope with and maintain professional boundaries
  • Align to Trust policies and Procedures
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements for the post.
  • Manage own personal safety being mindful of the potential risk of others including and managing the situation appropriately
  • Ability to work within a sometimes demanding environment with patients with complex needs and being non-judgemental while being able to manage your personal wellbeing through supervision etc
  • Able to adapt to a situation as it arises and respond in an appropriate manner

  Desirable

  • Experience using computers for databases or dataanalysis, especially SPSS for Windows
  • An interest in working with offenders
  • A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology

  Values

  Essential

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Accountability
  • Respectfulness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Support
  • Responsive to service users
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Strong customer service belief
  • Transparency and honesty
  • Discreet

  Person Specification

  Knowledge/Experience

  Essential

  • Experience of conducting psychological assessments and generating psychological formulation
  • Experience of delivering a psychological intervention
  • Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or other disabilities as an assistant psychologist or PWP worker.
  • Experience of working with people who have to potential to become aggressive and being able to respond appropriately
  • An ability to use psychological knowledge when self-reflecting
  • An understanding of childhood adversity and trauma
  • An understanding of the Criminal Justice System

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with offenders

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • A Degree in psychology.
  • Entitlement to graduate membership of the British Psychological Society

  Desirable

  • Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design and analysis.

  Skills

  Essential

  • High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
  • Experience of working with people with complex presentations
  • An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare
  • Has training and experience of audit, evaluation and research
  • Advanced keyboard skills
  • An ability to interact with a diverse range of people with complex presentations
  • Ability to work with individuals with a history of violence and/or sexual offending
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team as well as independently reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
  • An ability to work as part of a team and maintain good relationships with colleagues
  • Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
  • Ability to cope with and maintain professional boundaries
  • Align to Trust policies and Procedures
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements for the post.
  • Manage own personal safety being mindful of the potential risk of others including and managing the situation appropriately
  • Ability to work within a sometimes demanding environment with patients with complex needs and being non-judgemental while being able to manage your personal wellbeing through supervision etc
  • Able to adapt to a situation as it arises and respond in an appropriate manner

  Desirable

  • Experience using computers for databases or dataanalysis, especially SPSS for Windows
  • An interest in working with offenders
  • A desire to explore a career in Professional Psychology

  Values

  Essential

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Accountability
  • Respectfulness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Support
  • Responsive to service users
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Strong customer service belief
  • Transparency and honesty
  • Discreet

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Additional information

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Mersey Forensic Psychology Service

  Rodney Street

  Liverpool

  L1 9AA

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Mersey Forensic Psychology Service

  Rodney Street

  Liverpool

  L1 9AA

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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