Trainee Practitioner Psychologist – Counselling or Health *Internal*

Job summary

INTERNAL ONLY TO NORTH CUMBRIA INTEGRATED CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (NCIC) EMPLOYEES ONLY

The post holder will work within the Physical Health Psychology service, which has more than 90 staff working across the whole of Cumbria. The team and service provide psychological care to patients with physical health problems, including long term conditions (LTCs) including:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Cardiac Issues
• Cancer

To undertake specialised psychological assessments, treatments and other types of clinical intervention with individual clients, carers, families and groups of clients; staff training; research and development activity.

To work independently on a day-to-day basis under supervision and subject to review at regular intervals, in accordance with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Psychological Society (BPS) or other approved accrediting organisation guidelines; supervision will usually be offered by a qualified psychologist or psychological therapist

To work towards professional registration, or be undertaking a period of training or development in a University course leading to accreditation with the HCPC.

The staff member will be expected to pay their own fees in relation to training, but the employer will facilitate reasonable study leave; to be agreed with line manager and supervisor.

Main duties of the job

• Works as part of a multi-disciplinary community team or in specialised clinical settings.
• Facilitation of group work with colleagues.
• Consults with relevant external agencies such as social services, independent and voluntary sector, to facilitate and enable intervention at multiple levels.
• Communicate highly complex information clearly and empathetically to clients, families, and carers.

• Establish a rapport with individuals who have mental health disorders or other difficulties, some of whom may be aggressive or distressed.

• Discuss and negotiate clinical work with colleagues within a multidisciplinary team.

• Discuss clinical work with other agencies and professionals.

• To provide reports and communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner concerning the assessment, formulation, and treatment plans of clients.

  To work in partnership with service users.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Graduate for Registration (BPS).
• 2:1 or above at Bachelors Level Degree in Psychology (or directly relevant discipline).
• Care Certificate or the willingness and ability to undertake (applicable for all non-registered support workers that provide health care).
• On a recognised self-funded University Course leading to Doctorate in Practitioner Counselling or Health Psychologist (to allow HCPC registration).
• For Health Psychology, Master’s Degree.

Desirable

• Further training in research methods.
• Master’s Degree.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Good basic psychological knowledge, compatible with degree level study.
• Previous NHS experience in a Clinical role.
• Relevant experience of work with people with psychological needs.
• Experience of relevant research and/or service evaluation.
• Development of patient materials.
• Delivery of therapeutic groups.

Desirable

• Experience of work with patients with health problems.
• Experience of working with children or young people.
• Previous use of an EPR system.
• Previous audit experience.
• Previous NHS experience.
• Previous publication history.

Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Open, honest, trustworthy.
• Able to work independently but seek help where needed.
• Confident with a wide range of people.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Must be physically capable of the job.
• Driving licence and access to car preferred, or ability to travel without recourse to public transport.

Closing Date: 4 August 2026