Clinical Associate in Psychology: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Here at HPFT we have a long history of delivering outstanding care, and we are taking our Acute Psychology Inpatient Services to the next level. We have expanded our psychological provision on all HPFT adult mental health inpatient wards and are establishing Trauma Informed Approaches.

Part of the expansion has been the embedding of Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAP) roles within the service. We currently have two CAP’s who are an established and valued part of the diverse workforce and we wish to expand this provision

We are looking for a caring and compassionate CAP to work alongside the multi-disciplinary team under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist on Swift Ward, an 18 bedded male acute assessment and brief treatment unit.

The successful candidate will hold a MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification OR be nearing qualification.

Main duties of the job

To support in the embedding of trauma informed approaches across the ward including Team Formulations, delivering training and ensuring good data collection at all times. To assist in the formulation and delivery of intervention plans involving the psychological treatment of service users , under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.To assist in the co-ordination and delivery of therapeutic groups, and to lead on the roll of a new group program.

To be an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team and promote psychological thinking to support holistic ways of working across the MDT.

To support and at times lead on robust outcome evaluation, service development and research.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING

Essential

• An honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 or better OR
• Successful completion of a BPS accredited postgraduate Psychology conversion programme with 2.1 equivalent or above OR
• A 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology with appropriate additional experience (or contextual information) demonstrating academic potential.
• MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification OR nearing qualification for same.
• Eligibility for registration on the British Psychological Society Wider Psychological Workforce register.
• Satisfactory Enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service
• Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, therapeutic approaches and/ or research design and analysis.

Desirable

• Experience of undertaking a research project.
• Experience of working within acute adult mental health.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Essential

• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users, carers, and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
• An ability to interact with people with mental health problems.
• An ability to interact effectively with staff from all discipline.
• Experience using computers for databases or data – analysis, especially Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows.
• High standard of report writing.
• Competence using IT and media equipment.

Closing Date: 14 September 2026