Clinical Psychologist Role
The IPS Psychology Service is a national, public psychological service providing integrated care to individuals in prison settings. As a Clinical Psychologist, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working together to provide bio-psycho-social, strengths-based, and recovery-focused interventions.
Key Responsibilities
* SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTIES: You will work with clients presenting with various mental health issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, personality and behavior difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, suicidal behavior, eating disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, addiction, and other related concerns.
* OFFENCE-SPECIFIC NEEDS: The role involves addressing offence-related needs through formal risk assessments, parole board reports, group and individual work, complex case consultation, and risk management.
* WORKING WITH A DIVERSE POPULATION: You will work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, including those with developmental disorders, intellectual difficulties, cognitive decline, traumatic brain injuries, and limited literacy.
Role Requirements
* ELIGIBILITY FOR GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP: You must be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the British Psychological Society (BPS).
* POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION: Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in clinical psychology recognized by PSI or a similar equivalent in counselling psychology.
* DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: Experience in addressing emotional, mental health, and/or offence-related difficulties with a forensic or inpatient population; experience in providing consultation, education, guidance, and support to multidisciplinary colleagues.
About the Service
The IPS Psychology Service plays a critical role in supporting the broader IPS organization and Criminal Justice Agency partners through consultation, training, and education. The service provides regular input into training programs, placements for psychologists-in-training, and involvement in research projects with universities.
The service has a Head of Psychological Services, Principal Psychologist, Senior Psychologists, Staff Grade Psychologists, and Assistant Psychologists working together to provide high-quality psychological services across the country.
The IPS Psychology Service operates under the principle of equivalence of care, balancing its integrated model of care with the principles of Risk, Need, and Responsivity (RNR). Services are organized within a layered care model, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals in custody.
The role offers excellent Continuing Professional Development opportunities for all staff members, allowing them to develop their skills and expertise in evidence-based assessment and intervention techniques.