Clinical Associate in Psychology Apprentice

Job overview

Post:                           18 month Fixed Term Contract Apprenticeship Post

Grade/Salary:            A4C Band 5

Location:                    South East Essex (Rayleigh)

Hours:                        37.5 hours per week (training and placement post)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated psychology graduates for a new type of Psychology role and training. The apprenticeship posts, known as a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) roles fill an identified skills gap between assistant psychologists and qualified clinical psychologists. CAPS are able to practice semi-autonomously with appropriate support, working within their scope of practice, under the supervision of a registered psychologist. The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality, evidence-based psychological interventions, often working with people who have long-standing or complex difficulties. CAPs work with specific populations and therefore provide a more prescribed range of activities than Clinical Psychologists.

Applications are invited for the Band 5 Clinical Associate in Psychology apprenticeship post.  The expected start for the apprenticeship is in May 2025, with an earlier start supporting orientation to the service if needed. The CAP Apprenticeship is an eighteen-month full-time training divided between work-based experience (up to 4 days per week) and academic teaching and study, which leads to a Masters level qualification.

Main duties of the job

CAPs are trained to work with a particular service user group and in this case with adults with mental health problems.  Training will be delivered from a defined location in Essex and the placements for the advertised posts based in our locality adult community psychological services across South East Essex (in Rayleigh). CAPS work alongside qualified Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Assistant Psychologists as part of a psychological services contribution to the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Teams across EPUT greatly value psychological services and are committed to embracing a MDT and whole system approach. If successful in their training, on qualification, CAPs can apply for a Band 6 CAP role where this is being advertised.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with a Psychology degree who have a commitment to working in the local region, from those with diverse backgrounds and from people who bring lived experience relevant to mental health work. The Clinical Associate in Psychology role is a new psychology career path in its own right, therefore the selection process will aim to recruit those suitable for and committed to training for this role. Teams across EPUT greatly value psychological services and are committed to embracing a multi-disciplinary and whole system approach.

The post-holder should have a passion for developing their clinical and research skills, and be keen to work flexibly. Your placement will wrap around training and include co-facilitation of group therapy programmes and the delivery of clinical treatments under close supervision. You would be joining a friendly, dynamic service that thrives on innovation and prioritises staff wellbeing. We have been a trailblazer for the launch of the CAPS role across EPUT and look forward to receiving applications from graduates passionate about progressing their careers.

Applications for these posts are via an expression of interest. If you would like to be considered for an interview please email Kerry Mayers, Head of Adult Community Psychology (South East Essex) via [email protected], If you would like to have an informal discussion please call Kerry on 07800 807156.