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Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Therapist - Surrey Prisons

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust View all jobs

North East England

Permanent

Activity Therapist

GBP 45,953 - 54,254 per year

Posted 17 day(s) ago

Reference: 2362982

Job summary

Make a Difference with CNWL Health & Justice

CNWL is aTop Employer Award Winner, delivering high-quality healthcare to diverse communities across London and beyond. We are looking for a motivated and compassionateOccupational Therapist to join our supportive Health & Justice team across the Surrey Prisons Cluster.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people in secure settings, helping to improve health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Working within our prison healthcare service, you will be part of a forward-thinking multidisciplinary team providing high-quality care across a 7-day service.

Guided by our motto,"Caring, Not Judging,"we work alongside the criminal justice system and partner agencies to deliver responsive, person-centred primary care and mental health services that support recovery,rehabilitationand social inclusion.

Join an award-winning team where your skills, compassion andexpertisecan have a lasting impact.

Find out whatit'slike to work with us:Hear from our Health & Justice staff

Main duties of the job

The Occupational Therapist (OT) will oversee the development and implementation of occupational therapy within the mental health serviceswithin their location(s) of work. They will be supported by a Band 7 OT who will be overseeing the growth of OTservicesin our Surrey prisons.

They will manage a caseload ofpatientsin prison with complex, severe and enduring mental health needs, providing interventions which support and promote improved health. The caseload will be OT specific work, utilising an effective referral process. They will also provide input into the Neurodiverse pathway of care.

The post holder will work in conjunction with the multi-disciplined team to promote the understanding of the OT perspective and its application to working with this client group.

The post holder will workalongsidesenior staff in the MDT to support the development of services. They will also support directorate wide development of OT as part of a supportive and friendly Health and Justice OT network.

The post holder will provide an Occupational Therapy perspective whilst engaging and contributing to professional meetings such as CPA, multi-agency case reviews, risk management meetings, and any other meetings related to the care and treatment of the prisoners in our care.

The post holder will also act as an educator to students on practice placement, as part of the AHP fair share agreement.

About us

Why Join Our Team?

At CNWL, we are committed to supporting your wellbeing,development and career progression. You'llbenefitfromregular supervision,personalised development plans,specialist training opportunities,preceptorshipprogrammesandrevalidation support,helping you achieve your professional goals.

We value and celebrate our staff through initiatives such as ourHidden Gem Awardsand annual staff recognition events.You'llalso have access to a wide range of health and wellbeing services, ensuring you feel supported both at work and beyond.

ThroughMyTrustBenefits, you and your family can access over 1,400 discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment and dining, alongside free online learning resources to support your personal and professional development.

Staff based at our Surrey sites enjoyadditionalbenefits, includingfree onsite parkingandcomplimentary access to leisure facilities, making it easier to stay active, prioritise wellbeing and save money.

Join an award-winning organisation whereyou'llfeel valued, supported and empowered to make a real difference every day.

Details

Date posted

24 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£45,953 to £54,254 a year per annum inc. HCAS (pro rata if P/T)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-2072-A

Job locations

HMP Downview

Surrey

SM2 5PJ

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To providespecialist OT clinical knowledge in theassessment,treatment & evaluation of people within prison. Applying anunderstanding of the effects of multiple,enduring & complex mental health needs onoccupational performance.
To carry out mental health & risk assessment, for a caseload of service users & offer regular monitoring of mental state.
To work autonomously providing clinical professional judgement in clinical cases & referring to team members when necessary.
To contribute in the development of specialist individual & group programmes, supporting service users in achieving valued goals & satisfactory occupational performance outcome. Providing advice & support on lifestyle changes &d adaptations where necessary.
To select & use validated, evidence based standardised assessment tools (Occupational Therapy assessment, screening tools, sensory profiles etc) routinely &, exhibit, advanced clinical reasoning skills.
To monitor & evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions & the agreed mental health interventions against clear aims.
To facilitate smooth transitions for service users between prisons & different service settings (i.e. prison to community). Establishing links & working in collaboration with partner agencies in order to contribute & manage aspects of an individuals care plan.
To support service users & colleagues in ensuring care plans are developed in partnership with service users & that they reflect personal recovery goals. These should be strengths-based & oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles.
To provide carewhich is culturallyappropriate & sensitive,demonstrates trauma awareness & recognises the needs of the individual with regards to accessibility
To proactively undertake & ensure rigorous risk assessment & risk management strategies are applied. To ensure maximum risk tolerance facilitates the individuals recovery, in line with risk policies & local guidelines.
To be aware of & sensitive to safeguarding needs at all times, & knowledgeable both about potential indicators of abuse or neglect & about what to do if they had concerns about apersons welfare.
To facilitate the development of, & to work within, clinical pathways & protocols with particular reference to the CNWL Occupational Therapy care pathways & the Health and Justice OT pathway.
To be aware of medication issues in line with the CNWL OT Medication Management guidelines
To provide specialist OT input into the Neurodiverse pathway, working alongside CNWL colleagues & HMPPS Neurodiverse Service Manager for each site.

Communication

Todemonstrate excellent communication skills with service users, forming positive therapeutic relationships, using warmth & empathy, enabling service user empowerment.
To develop & maintaineffective professional communication structures withother professionals & agencies in order to ensure a comprehensive & consistent approach to client care.
To provide & receive highly complex, sensitive, condition related or distressing/unwelcome information to service users and carersdemonstratingempathy and reassurance.
To ensure careful & efficient forms of communication skills when assessing & managing risk procedures within & beyond the prison service, inlinewith confidentiality agreements.
To demonstrateskills and resourcefulness in communication when barriers to understanding are present.
To promote the role of OT within services;representingan OT clinical perspective in all clinical meetings
To participatein OT, multi-disciplinary, clinical and business meetings
To ensure timely response to emails & requests for information.
To work in close co-operation with OT colleagues within the Trust contributing to relevant OT business/training meetings, both locally & trust-wide.
To provide feedback, to OT & MDT colleagues, from specialist interest groups & committees.

Documentation

To ensure that up to date,accurate,concise & informative records are written & maintained in the service users notes, on Prison & health care systems (CNOMIS and System One).
To attend & actively participatein relevant meetings,conferences & events, relating topatients health & care programmes.
To maintainaccurate supervision records (junior staff & students) as defined in the Trust OT Guidelines, including the maintenance of a supervision record log.

ManagementAndLeadership

To provide input into the recruitment of staff whereappropriate.
To contribute to the writing of local protocols with regard tospecialist OT knowledge.
To participate in OT & department specific training packages to promote awareness & understanding of health wellbeing within a prison population.

Personal and Professional Development

To keep abreast of changing clinical practice, new developments,evidence based practice & research
To contribute to activities, which continue to build on a culture of shared learning & evidence basedpractice
To undertake activities of Continuous Professional Development including identifying own learning needs & recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
To assume personal responsibility for maintaininga working knowledge of new statutory guidelines that influence clinical practice.
To maintain a professional knowledge base & act as a resource to others regardingspecialist areas of expertise i.e. occupational therapy, perinatal mental health conditions, parent infant interaction, child development, parenting skills assessment, health promotion,recovery & social inclusion.

Supervision and Appraisal

To review & reflect on own practice & performance; & that of others, through effective use of supervision, reflective practice, operational management supervision, CPD & appraisal
To participatein the Trusts supervision and appraisal systems in conjunction with service managers/Head Occupational Therapist, ensuring that relevant training needs areidentifiedand met throughtimelyaccess/delivery.
To ensure a robust framework for the provision of regular and qualitative supervision and appraisal for students, junior staff, volunteers & sessional workers as required.
To offer learning and development opportunities to other professionals with regard tooccupation within perinatal mental health, and other OT specialist skills
To be an educator for OT students on practice placement, in line with local guidelines, ensuring that practice placement educators facilitateplacements for the required number of weeks as per the AHP fair share agreement.
To contribute to effective peer supervision if relevant
To ensure timelybooking and attendance of mandatory and statutory training. Failure to do this mayprecludefurther learning and development opportunities.
To contribute to multi-disciplinary training initiatives

Clinical Governance

To be knowledgeable about best practise for safeguarding, with support of supervision and the directorate Safegaurdinglead and support forums
To apply national and Trust wide guidelines/standards of practice in line with Trust and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists standards and guidelines
To work as an autonomous practitioner, assuming accountability for own clinical practice
To maintainand observe confidentiality of all information relating to service users as laid down in the confidentiality and Caldecott principles.
To ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and policies e.g. safety and risk, DOLS, care act, Mental Health Act etc.

Service Development and Delivery

To contribute, as part of the MDT to new initiatives and service development
To ensure comprehensive knowledge of the services KPIs, quality and performance initiatives; ensuringtimelyresponse and contribution of the OT Service provision.
To ensure comprehensive knowledge of the Trust Recovery agenda e.g. Recovery and Wellbeing College
To contribute to defined projects as directed by the Health and Justice Lead Occupational Therapist
To contribute to and participate, as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, to the operational design and delivery of quality improvement initiatives within the service
To autonomously maintaina working knowledge of new statutory guidelines, particularly those relating to perinatal mental health
To take an active role in seeking user, carerandstakeholdersfeedback to help shape and influence the further development of the services.

Research AndDevelopment

To participate in local & Trust-wide OT service activities that promote & contribute to the building of knowledge & evidence base for the benefit of the professional body of occupational therapy.
To include making use of the support networks available throughout the Trust e.g. Special Interest Groups, forums andsub groups; & MDT team training sessions
To undertake, participate in &disseminate research & audit activities in line with local service priorities.
To participate in & implement service activities related to clinical effectiveness via evaluation, audit, research & evidence basedpractice; ensuring active participation of the OT Team in such activities.
To take a lead, within the MDT, in promoting a culture that focuses on all service users occupational needs, recovery principles & social inclusion

Professional Ethics

To adhere to the HCPC & RCOT Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct, demonstratingprofessional competence and fitness to practice
To maintainknowledge of legislation that affects clinical practice within prison health care such as MHA Act,

Emotional Effort

To provide care for service users whomaybe comedistressed or present with challenging behaviour.
To use available resources & protected spaces to support own wellbeing.

Work Conditions

To have the ability to work within an environment that may expose individuals to verbal & physical abuse.

Job description Job responsibilities Clinical To providespecialist OT clinical knowledge in theassessment,treatment & evaluation of people within prison. Applying anunderstanding of the effects of multiple,enduring & complex mental health needs onoccupational performance. To carry out mental health & risk assessment, for a caseload of service users & offer regular monitoring of mental state. To work autonomously providing clinical professional judgement in clinical cases & referring to team members when necessary. To contribute in the development of specialist individual & group programmes, supporting service users in achieving valued goals & satisfactory occupational performance outcome. Providing advice & support on lifestyle changes &d adaptations where necessary. To select & use validated, evidence based standardised assessment tools (Occupational Therapy assessment, screening tools, sensory profiles etc) routinely &, exhibit, advanced clinical reasoning skills. To monitor & evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions & the agreed mental health interventions against clear aims. To facilitate smooth transitions for service users between prisons & different service settings (i.e. prison to community). Establishing links & working in collaboration with partner agencies in order to contribute & manage aspects of an individuals care plan. To support service users & colleagues in ensuring care plans are developed in partnership with service users & that they reflect personal recovery goals. These should be strengths-based & oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles. To provide carewhich is culturallyappropriate & sensitive,demonstrates trauma awareness & recognises the needs of the individual with regards to accessibility To proactively undertake & ensure rigorous risk assessment & risk management strategies are applied. To ensure maximum risk tolerance facilitates the individuals recovery, in line with risk policies & local guidelines. To be aware of & sensitive to safeguarding needs at all times, & knowledgeable both about potential indicators of abuse or neglect & about what to do if they had concerns about apersons welfare. To facilitate the development of, & to work within, clinical pathways & protocols with particular reference to the CNWL Occupational Therapy care pathways & the Health and Justice OT pathway. To be aware of medication issues in line with the CNWL OT Medication Management guidelines To provide specialist OT input into the Neurodiverse pathway, working alongside CNWL colleagues & HMPPS Neurodiverse Service Manager for each site. Communication Todemonstrate excellent communication skills with service users, forming positive therapeutic relationships, using warmth & empathy, enabling service user empowerment. To develop & maintaineffective professional communication structures withother professionals & agencies in order to ensure a comprehensive & consistent approach to client care. To provide & receive highly complex, sensitive, condition related or distressing/unwelcome information to service users and carersdemonstratingempathy and reassurance. To ensure careful & efficient forms of communication skills when assessing & managing risk procedures within & beyond the prison service, inlinewith confidentiality agreements. To demonstrateskills and resourcefulness in communication when barriers to understanding are present. To promote the role of OT within services;representingan OT clinical perspective in all clinical meetings To participatein OT, multi-disciplinary, clinical and business meetings To ensure timely response to emails & requests for information. To work in close co-operation with OT colleagues within the Trust contributing to relevant OT business/training meetings, both locally & trust-wide. To provide feedback, to OT & MDT colleagues, from specialist interest groups & committees. Documentation To ensure that up to date,accurate,concise & informative records are written & maintained in the service users notes, on Prison & health care systems (CNOMIS and System One). To attend & actively participatein relevant meetings,conferences & events, relating topatients health & care programmes. To maintainaccurate supervision records (junior staff & students) as defined in the Trust OT Guidelines, including the maintenance of a supervision record log. ManagementAndLeadership To provide input into the recruitment of staff whereappropriate. To contribute to the writing of local protocols with regard tospecialist OT knowledge. To participate in OT & department specific training packages to promote awareness & understanding of health wellbeing within a prison population. Personal and Professional Development To keep abreast of changing clinical practice, new developments,evidence based practice & research To contribute to activities, which continue to build on a culture of shared learning & evidence basedpractice To undertake activities of Continuous Professional Development including identifying own learning needs & recording learning outcomes in a portfolio. To assume personal responsibility for maintaininga working knowledge of new statutory guidelines that influence clinical practice. To maintain a professional knowledge base & act as a resource to others regardingspecialist areas of expertise i.e. occupational therapy, perinatal mental health conditions, parent infant interaction, child development, parenting skills assessment, health promotion,recovery & social inclusion. Supervision and Appraisal To review & reflect on own practice & performance; & that of others, through effective use of supervision, reflective practice, operational management supervision, CPD & appraisal To participatein the Trusts supervision and appraisal systems in conjunction with service managers/Head Occupational Therapist, ensuring that relevant training needs areidentifiedand met throughtimelyaccess/delivery. To ensure a robust framework for the provision of regular and qualitative supervision and appraisal for students, junior staff, volunteers & sessional workers as required. To offer learning and development opportunities to other professionals with regard tooccupation within perinatal mental health, and other OT specialist skills To be an educator for OT students on practice placement, in line with local guidelines, ensuring that practice placement educators facilitateplacements for the required number of weeks as per the AHP fair share agreement. To contribute to effective peer supervision if relevant To ensure timelybooking and attendance of mandatory and statutory training. Failure to do this mayprecludefurther learning and development opportunities. To contribute to multi-disciplinary training initiatives Clinical Governance To be knowledgeable about best practise for safeguarding, with support of supervision and the directorate Safegaurdinglead and support forums To apply national and Trust wide guidelines/standards of practice in line with Trust and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists standards and guidelines To work as an autonomous practitioner, assuming accountability for own clinical practice To maintainand observe confidentiality of all information relating to service users as laid down in the confidentiality and Caldecott principles. To ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and policies e.g. safety and risk, DOLS, care act, Mental Health Act etc. Service Development and Delivery To contribute, as part of the MDT to new initiatives and service development To ensure comprehensive knowledge of the services KPIs, quality and performance initiatives; ensuringtimelyresponse and contribution of the OT Service provision. To ensure comprehensive knowledge of the Trust Recovery agenda e.g. Recovery and Wellbeing College To contribute to defined projects as directed by the Health and Justice Lead Occupational Therapist To contribute to and participate, as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, to the operational design and delivery of quality improvement initiatives within the service To autonomously maintaina working knowledge of new statutory guidelines, particularly those relating to perinatal mental health To take an active role in seeking user, carerandstakeholdersfeedback to help shape and influence the further development of the services. Research AndDevelopment To participate in local & Trust-wide OT service activities that promote & contribute to the building of knowledge & evidence base for the benefit of the professional body of occupational therapy. To include making use of the support networks available throughout the Trust e.g. Special Interest Groups, forums andsub groups; & MDT team training sessions To undertake, participate in &disseminate research & audit activities in line with local service priorities. To participate in & implement service activities related to clinical effectiveness via evaluation, audit, research & evidence basedpractice; ensuring active participation of the OT Team in such activities. To take a lead, within the MDT, in promoting a culture that focuses on all service users occupational needs, recovery principles & social inclusion Professional Ethics To adhere to the HCPC & RCOT Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct, demonstratingprofessional competence and fitness to practice To maintainknowledge of legislation that affects clinical practice within prison health care such as MHA Act, Emotional Effort To provide care for service users whomaybe comedistressed or present with challenging behaviour. To use available resources & protected spaces to support own wellbeing. Work Conditions To have the ability to work within an environment that may expose individuals to verbal & physical abuse.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy
HCPC registered Occupational Therapist

Desirable

Post graduate training specific to mental health
Qualifications/training in specialist skills eg. therapeutic/sensory interventions
Practice placement educators course

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

Post qualification experience working in mental health services
Experience in participating in audit / research projects
Experience in developing service activities
Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments
Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users.
Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools

Desirable

Experience in prison and/or secure settings
Experience of supervising students/junior staff

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, fax, telephone etc.
Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery
Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice
Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames
Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD
Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user's functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations

Desirable

Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions

ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential

Demonstrates a commitment to personal development
Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the post
Ability to work independently and is self motivated

OTHER

Essential

Ability to promote anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practices

Person Specification EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy HCPC registered Occupational Therapist Desirable Post graduate training specific to mental health Qualifications/training in specialist skills eg. therapeutic/sensory interventions Practice placement educators course PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Essential Post qualification experience working in mental health services Experience in participating in audit / research projects Experience in developing service activities Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users. Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools Desirable Experience in prison and/or secure settings Experience of supervising students/junior staff SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES Essential Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, fax, telephone etc. Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user's functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations Desirable Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Essential Demonstrates a commitment to personal development Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the post Ability to work independently and is self motivated OTHER Essential Ability to promote anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practices

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Downview

Surrey

SM2 5PJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Downview

Surrey

SM2 5PJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Neurodiversity Lead Clinician

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust View all jobs

North East England

Permanent

Clinical Nurse Consultant/CNC

GBP 49,387 - 56,515 per year

Posted 17 day(s) ago

Reference: 2362978

Job summary

Promote the health and well-being of patients and maintain a safe, caring, and therapeutic environment based on an individualised approach. Working with the Service Manager to provide an environment that promotes training and development among the workforce.

Main duties of the job

The Post Holder will lead in the identification, assessment, and support of people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including Autism, Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within your designated prison establishment.

To directly provide, and support others to offer adapted psychosocial interventions for people whose communication, thinking style and coping strategies are impacted upon by the presence of a Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

To hold a complex caseload of people who are identified to have needs associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and require reasonable adjustments to be made to their healthcare.

To advocate for people with neurodevelopmental disorders within the prison system and promote best practice and the safety and wellbeing of patients with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

To keep up to date with research, policy, and legislation relevant to Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

To work alongside other neurodevelopmental disorder practitioners, in similar roles, working in other prisons.

To offer expert consultancy to the Mental Health Team and contribute to person centred pathways and interventions within the MDT.

About us

We're passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in Prison. Patients are at the heart of everything we do.Providingtop quality caredepends on our ability to employ the best people.We're always looking torecruit outstanding peoplewho will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we're hoping to find our future leaders and we'll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.With adiverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more - whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.

Details

Date posted

24 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum (pro rata if P/T)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-2031-C

Job locations

HMP Woodhill

Milton Keynes

MK4 4DA

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To deliver a range of adapted psychosocial, and psychoeducation sessions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and helps other adapt similar programmes.
To develop networks and contacts to provide additional advice and research as resources for colleagues to support professional and service development.
To demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant Mental Health legislation.
To take responsibility for a caseload of clients, maintaining clinical skills.
To demonstrate a positive attitude to mental health and neurodiversity, attending to patients with respect and dignity and have the ability to challenge staff where the standard falls below expectations.
To ensure that professional boundaries are always adhered to.
To keep up to date with issues and developments in nursing, the prison service and the wider NHS.
To keep abreast of new Policies, Guidance and Best Practice guidelines.
To provide advice and guidance to junior staff and those with no ND experience. Ensuring on going assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care, is in line with current best practice
To actively participate in the Healthcare Care Quality Meetings and other appropriate meetings as agreed.
To maintain up to date accurate clinical records both written and electronic.
Maintain accurate, timely paper and electronic records. Ensure they are kept safely in accordance with CNWL policies, including the Data Protection Act (1998) and the CNWL Confidentiality Policy.
To ensure that key local and national policies are implemented at a local level giving support to team members where necessary.
To lead on specific care quality initiatives, within the team and service wide.
To become involved in forums other than health to promote closer working practices in order to meet patient and carer needs.
To participate in the planning and implementation of clinical audits in the area and ensure that standards of good practice are met by all staff.

Job description Job responsibilities To deliver a range of adapted psychosocial, and psychoeducation sessions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and helps other adapt similar programmes. To develop networks and contacts to provide additional advice and research as resources for colleagues to support professional and service development. To demonstrate a working knowledge of the key elements of relevant Mental Health legislation. To take responsibility for a caseload of clients, maintaining clinical skills. To demonstrate a positive attitude to mental health and neurodiversity, attending to patients with respect and dignity and have the ability to challenge staff where the standard falls below expectations. To ensure that professional boundaries are always adhered to. To keep up to date with issues and developments in nursing, the prison service and the wider NHS. To keep abreast of new Policies, Guidance and Best Practice guidelines. To provide advice and guidance to junior staff and those with no ND experience. Ensuring on going assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care, is in line with current best practice To actively participate in the Healthcare Care Quality Meetings and other appropriate meetings as agreed. To maintain up to date accurate clinical records both written and electronic. Maintain accurate, timely paper and electronic records. Ensure they are kept safely in accordance with CNWL policies, including the Data Protection Act (1998) and the CNWL Confidentiality Policy. To ensure that key local and national policies are implemented at a local level giving support to team members where necessary. To lead on specific care quality initiatives, within the team and service wide. To become involved in forums other than health to promote closer working practices in order to meet patient and carer needs. To participate in the planning and implementation of clinical audits in the area and ensure that standards of good practice are met by all staff.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

oRegistered Nurse (Mental Health / Learning Disability) or Registered Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist or Registered Social Worker
oFurther specialist knowledge, post registration qualification/significant post registration experience or other formal training
oEvidence of professional development since registration

Desirable

oPost registration qualification that enhances clinical work: Diagnostic assessments such as ADOS, DIVA, WAIS
oPost registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT / DBT
oExperience of running intervention groups

Previous Experience

Essential

oClinical experience of the assessment, treatment or support of people who have Autism, ADHD and or Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in health or social care settings
oExperience of working with, and supporting, acutely mentally unwell people
oExcellent organisational skills and an ability to work with deadlines and to manage time effectively
oExperience of working and contributing to organisations as part of a wider Multiagency Team (e.g.CPA)
oRisk assessment and management skills

Desirable

oExperience of working in a Prison or secure/forensic environment
oExperience of using sensory approaches to address distress or to modulate arousal
oExperience in the delivery of CBT/DBT informed interventions and how to adapt or adjust to suit the needs of people with neurodevelopmental disorder
oExperience of Trauma Informed Care

Skills and knowledge

Essential

oKnowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health
oAwareness of current and wider NHS issues, in particular NICE guidelines and current practice around the support of people with personality disorders
oAwareness of screening tools and assessments for Autism, ADHD and IDD

Person Specification Education and Qualifications Essential oRegistered Nurse (Mental Health / Learning Disability) or Registered Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist or Registered Social Worker oFurther specialist knowledge, post registration qualification/significant post registration experience or other formal training oEvidence of professional development since registration Desirable oPost registration qualification that enhances clinical work: Diagnostic assessments such as ADOS, DIVA, WAIS oPost registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT / DBT oExperience of running intervention groups Previous Experience Essential oClinical experience of the assessment, treatment or support of people who have Autism, ADHD and or Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in health or social care settings oExperience of working with, and supporting, acutely mentally unwell people oExcellent organisational skills and an ability to work with deadlines and to manage time effectively oExperience of working and contributing to organisations as part of a wider Multiagency Team (e.g.CPA) oRisk assessment and management skills Desirable oExperience of working in a Prison or secure/forensic environment oExperience of using sensory approaches to address distress or to modulate arousal oExperience in the delivery of CBT/DBT informed interventions and how to adapt or adjust to suit the needs of people with neurodevelopmental disorder oExperience of Trauma Informed Care Skills and knowledge Essential oKnowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health oAwareness of current and wider NHS issues, in particular NICE guidelines and current practice around the support of people with personality disorders oAwareness of screening tools and assessments for Autism, ADHD and IDD

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Woodhill

Milton Keynes

MK4 4DA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

HMP Woodhill

Milton Keynes

MK4 4DA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Band 7to 8a Preceptorship)

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust View all jobs

North East England

Permanent

Psychologist

GBP 57,528 - 64,750 per year

Posted 17 day(s) ago

Reference: 2362974

Job summary

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner and works in partnership to provide responsive and dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability and substance misuse services to the diverse and culturally rich communities we serve.

In our quest to deliver patient-focused quality care we are looking to recruit a highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic Senior Psychologist to join our forward thinking, friendly and expanding Mental Health Team at HMP Woodhill. By joining our Prison Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of the prisoners, but will also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health and well-being. We are keen to recruit someone with a passion for working with people in custody, and those who have experienced trauma, adversity and offending.

Working in partnership with the criminal justice system and other agencies, we provide responsive, dependable and high-quality primary care and mental health services to those in prison, to improve their health status and to encourage social inclusion.

We strive to deliver a culturally competent and responsive service that can meet the needs of our population. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.

Main duties of the job

To provide a key role in integrating clinical psychology within the wider mental health team.

To provide a comprehensive specialist clinical psychology service to service users.

To provide specialist psychological assessment and therapy as well as offering advice and consultation on service users' psychological care to other members of the clinical team.

To work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the service's policies and procedures.

To utilise research skills for audit, policy and service development and research within the Health & Justice Services Directorate.

To provide clinical supervision to other members of the team when appropriate.

To contribute to the reflective practice and critical thinking of the team on a case-by-case basis (e.g. complex case reviews) and in service improvement.

About us

CNWL's Health and Justice Services are led by a highly motivated team with vast experience in healthcare within secure environments. We employ a range of psychologists and psychological therapists with clinical, counselling and forensic trainings. Psychologists work within the mental health services in numerous sites, across prisons, YOIs and secure hospitals, with children and adults, men and women and across the range of security categories. Psychologists also lead four specialist Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) commissioned services and Sexual Behaviour Services in the youth estate.

Joining a large, forward-thinking Trust will bring successful candidates excellent development opportunities, an exciting career structure, and job satisfaction. Psychologists from across Health and Justice come together for professional and clinical development. High quality supervision and continuing professional development are integral to our approach and to our intent to support and retain an excellent team. Focused training which contributes to your own development and to our service development will be supported.

Details

Date posted

24 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-2026-C

Job locations

HMP Woodhill

Milton Keynes

MK4 4DA

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To carry out specialist psychological assessments of clients referred to the service, based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex psychological data from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients, family members and others involved in the clients care, in order to reach a psychological formulation of the clients difficulties.

To formulate and implement plans for the formal psychological treatment and/or management of a clients mental health problems, based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the clients problems, and employing methods based upon evidence of efficacy, across the full range of care settings.

To be responsible for implementing a range of psychological interventions for individuals, carers, families and groups, within and across teams employed individually and in synthesis, adjusting and refining psychological formulations drawing upon different explanatory models and maintaining a number of provisional hypotheses.

To provide specialist assessments of clients presenting with cognitive impairment due to a variety of causes or organic conditions, including pre-assessment counselling and neuropsychological and functional assessments, and to be able to adjust psychological interventions to work effectively with people presenting with complex needs due to cognitive impairment and organic disorders.

To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account both theoretical and therapeutic models and complex factors concerning historical and developmental processes that have shaped the individual, family or group.

To provide specialist psychological advice, guidance and consultation to other professionals contributing directly to clients formulations, diagnoses and treatment plans.

To contribute directly and indirectly to a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all clients of the service, across all settings and agencies serving the client group.

To undertake risk assessment, formulation and management for individual clients with complex presentations and to provide advice to other professions on psychological aspects of risk assessment, formulation and management.

To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner, information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of clients under their care and to monitor progress during the course of both uni- and multi-disciplinary care.

To promote and participate in multi-disciplinary team working, development and liaison.

To promote actively, user and carer involvement in care planning and service development.

To be up to date with both de-escalation, physical breakaway and PMVA techniques appropriate to the service environment