Psychologist - Port Laois Prison

Locum Staff Grade Clinical or Counselling Psychologist

Location: Portlaoise Prison

A closed high security prison for adult males, serving as the committal prison for those sent to custody from the Special Criminal Court, including prisoners linked with subversive crime.

Application: Apply now for immediate interview with flexible start dates available.

The Psychology Service in Portlaoise Prison provides evidence-based psychological approaches to working with men who have complex and challenging clinical and criminogenic needs. Clients require psychological assessment and intervention based on the layered model of care provided by the Service.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, Psychologists have regular contact with Prison Governors, Prison Officers, and other specialists (e.g., Probation Officers, Doctors, Nurses, Psychiatrists, Teachers, Employment and Resettlement Officers). This involves one-to-one contact, as well as regular attendance at meetings and case conferences. Psychologists also liaise with staff at IPS HQ in Longford and community agencies involved in the support and resettlement of offenders (e.g., after prison support services, addiction and other counselling services, the Health Service Executive) as well as with the families of those in custody.

Staff Grade Psychologists receive supervision, support, and line management from Senior Psychologists and provide supervision to Assistant Psychologists. Excellent CPD opportunities are available.

Duties of the position include:

1. Carrying a clinical caseload and contributing to the delivery of a professional Psychology Service appropriate to client and IPS needs.
2. Conducting appropriate psychological assessments with the client group and formulating and implementing psychological therapeutic interventions or management as appropriate.
3. Providing professional reports as required, e.g., to support the Parole Board process.
4. Working effectively with other team members and participating in inter-agency work practice and service delivery as required.

Essential qualifications and competencies:

1. Be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the British Psychological Society (BPS).
2. (i) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Clinical Psychology recognized by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Health);
3. or (ii) Hold a postgraduate professional qualification in Counselling Psychology recognized by PSI. (Applicants with qualifications obtained outside of Ireland must obtain a statement of equivalence in Counselling Psychology from the Department of Health).

Desirable but not essential requirements:

1. Experience in addressing emotional, mental health, and offence-related difficulties with a forensic population in a group setting.
2. Experience of providing consultation, education, guidance, and support to multidisciplinary colleagues.
3. Further therapeutic or research qualifications.

For a full job description and further information, please contact Brian Murray at 01 482 5421 / 087 222 6752 or email brian.murray@cplhealthcare.com.

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