Job overview
CFT Inpatients and crisis Services are recruiting Trainee Associates in clinical Psychology/Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) to join our countywide services. This is an exciting development role designed to support the growth of a skilled psychological workforce within adult inpatient and crisis mental health services.
This role offers a structured training pathway in partnership with Plymouth University, combining academic study with supervised clinical practice. Trainee CAPs will undertake structured academic learning alongside supervised clinical practice, working towards developing the core competencies required for the role within a supportive and integrated training programme. Failure to complete the programme may result in termination of employment.
This post is ideally suited to individuals with a strong interest in clinical psychology and adult mental health, who are motivated to develop their skills in a supportive and reflective learning environment. CFT Inpatient and Crisis services are is committed to supporting people to access timely, evidence-based interventions, ensuring care is responsive, effective and aligned with individual need.
Main duties of the job
The Trainee CAP role provides an opportunity to develop key clinical competencies while working under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologists and other senior clinicians. Postholders will support the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions to adults and families experiencing a range of mental health difficulties in inpatient and crisis settings.
The role is focused on developing capabilities in assessment, formulation and intervention, with an emphasis on collaborative, multidisciplinary working. Trainees will contribute to psychologically informed care by supporting formulation-driven interventions, undertaking guided clinical work, and assisting with outcome monitoring and service development activities.
As part of their development, Trainee CAPs will build confidence, autonomy and professional judgement, with progression supported through supervision, training and competency frameworks. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to audits, quality improvement initiatives and the broader development of psychologically informed practice across services.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see ‘supporting documents’.
Person specification
Skills and Aptitude
Essential
- Experience of working in mental health settings
Desirable
- Experience of working in crisis, urgent care or inpatient settings
- Experience of working under the supervision of a practitioner psychologist
Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Essential
- Degree in Psychology at 2:1 or above (exceptionally at 2:2)
Desirable
- Graduate member BPS eligible
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Trainee Associate in Clinical Psychology with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Bodmin, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 Per Annum. The contract type is Fixed term: 18 months (Training programme with no guarantee of employment once completion of the programme and qualification, including registration if relevant to the post. If the training provider removes you from the programme or you are not successful in completing all requirements of the programme and therefore deemed as failing, the Trust will look at appropriate redeployment if applicable, otherwise the Trust reserves the right to terminate the employment contract.). The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
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