Psychologist — Prevention Programme for Adults Contemplating Sexually Abusing Minors (PPACSAM)

The Role

The selected individual will be responsible for delivery of a specialised preventive intervention programme for adults contemplating or are at risk of engaging in sexually abusive or exploitative behaviour of minors in line with Malta’s obligations under Directive 2011/93/EU. The Programme is aimed for the purpose of ensuring early intervention, prevention, risk management and rehabilitation with the aim to complement the already existing services offered by the Directorate of Child Protection Services in safeguarding minors. The role involves operating an online prevention service aimed at ensuring anonymity and accessibility to all those contemplating of sexually abusing minors or all those who are aware of the possibility of such abuse through honest and transparent conversations. Backed up by evidence-based practice and in collaboration with established international partners in this area, this role involves preventive interventions through self-help resources, online chat and programmes aimed at direct interventions. The goal is to prevent offending, reduce re-offending, promote accountability and ensure public safety through structured therapeutic engagement and risk-management conversations. The selected professional will work closely with multidisciplinary partners to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to service provision. Selected candidates will receive specialised training and supervision in evidence-based practices of intervening with potential sex offenders. The programme is designed to facilitate access to potential sex offenders, targeting behaviour and intervening promptly in an attempt to prevent sexual abuse and expand the Directorate’s services to further protect minor victims of abuse.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivery of a specialised preventive intervention programme for adults contemplating or are at risk of engaging in sexually abusive or exploitative behaviour of minors in line with Malta’s obligations under Directive 2011/93/EU
• Implementing the design of the programme framework, including assessment tools, intervention modules, risk-management components, and post-programme monitoring structures.
• Conducting research on international best practices and adapting suitable models for the Maltese context.
• Provide trauma-informed, evidence-based psychological support through secure online platforms and in-person if deemed necessary.
• Conduct ongoing risk assessment using validated forensic tools.
• Maintain detailed clinical records in accordance with legal and ethical standards and monitor service-users’ behaviour for indicators of escalating risk and follow established de-escalation protocols with the ultimate aim to prevent the abuse from occurring .
• Providing technical and clinical expertise to CPS management to ensure compliance with commitments communicated to the European Commission.
• Preparing timely progress reports for the Ministry and contributing to reporting obligations to the European Commission.
• Developing operational guidelines, safeguarding protocols, and referral pathways to enable seamless integration within CPS operations.
• Supporting programme implementation, offering case consultation, and ensuring quality assurance and evaluation processes are in place while also contributing to continuous improvement of accessibility such as better digital intervention methods and safeguarding practices.

The role requires expertise in child protection, sexual offending behaviours and risk assessment, intervention design, and an understanding of the operational realities of CPS and FSWS. Experience in sexual behaviour treatment models, trauma-informed practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential. Furthermore, experience in delivering therapy and assessments online and prior work in correctional, forensic or community-based rehabilitation settings will also be considered.

The Persons

The individuals applying for this post shall possess a MQF Level 7 Qualification in Clinical, Counselling, or Forensic Psychology and hold a relevant warrant shall be considered for the position of Psychologist I. Those who are in the process of obtaining a warrant issued by the Malta Psychology Profession Board shall be considered for the position of Senior Practitioner.

Preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in both Maltese and English. Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or testimonials. Applicants in possession of a foreign qualification/s are to produce with their application, a recognition statement on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). In addition, candidates are requested to submit an updated CV together with a recent police conduct, two (2) referees and a copy of their certificates by not later than Friday 30th January, 2026 by the end of the working day (by 16.00).