MHTR worker​/Assistant Psychologist

We are offering the opportunity to join the Mental Health Treatment Requirement Service which has been provided by the trust since April of last year. It forms part of the 7 year Integrated Non custodial Services (INCS) contract which encompasses Liaison and Diversion, Reconnect and MHTRs.

We are looking for 2 substantive MHTR workers or Assistant psychologists plus a 6 month fixed term contract until April 2027.

The service covers both Devon & Cornwall so some travel is expected within the role although we do offer online sessions to clients where appropriate.

You will work as part of the small team which comprises MHTR workers, Assistant Psychologists, team manager, psychologist, clinical lead and an operational manager.

Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity as we may close the vacancy with no notice if we receive high volumes of applications. No applications will be accepted once the vacancy has been closed.

As part of the team you will assess clients who have been referred to the team by probation. Once accepted by the service and sentenced by the courts you will deliver the MHTR which takes the form of 12 structured CBT focused sessions.

You will be responsible for a caseload who you will work with to complete the orders providing regular updates to probation and escalating any concerns to our clinical lead and probation. The role is varied and busy with no two days being the same.

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile;

making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role

• A basic understanding of Mental Health Act (2007), Mental Capacity Act (2005), The Care Act (2014)
• A basic understanding of Care Program Approach
• An awareness of other relevant legislation, e.g. Childrens Act, Criminal Justice, Housing, Benefits, Social care
• An awareness of Health and Criminal Justice Organisations working with Adults & young people e.g. Probation, Youth Offending Services (YOS), Mental Health & Learning Disability Services, Drug & Alcohol services, Child & Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS)

• Working within a community setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector
• Prior experience of working with people with complex co-morbidities and vulnerabilities e.g. mental health, learning disability, ADHD, autism, offending behaviours, substance misuse, homelessness, debt etc
• Ability to assess and manage risk
• Lone working with people who use services
• Experience of using psychological assessments, formulations, risk assessments and care planning.
• Prior experience of working with people who are hard to engage through their vulnerability, who are challenging in presentation OR employ risk behaviours including self-harm
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment
• Experience of working within the criminal justice system
• Some experience of using /manipulating Psychological test equipment for use in formal testing situations

• Knowledge of mental health and/or social care practice acquired through NVQ Level 3, PLUS training to diploma level or BA or BSc in Psychology eligible recognised by the British Psychological Society. Or equivalent knowledge obtained through short courses OR relevant work based experience
• Must already hold or be willing to obtain the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment
• Additional formal and experiential training in working with children & adults who have complex needs
• Foundation Degree in…