Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist

Job overview

Cornwall CYPEDS is recruiting a Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) to join our countywide team. This is an exciting development role designed to support the growth of a skilled psychological workforce within children and young people’s mental health services.

This development role offers a structured training pathway in partnership with Plymouth University, combining academic study with supervised clinical practice, and progression to Band 6 on successful completion. 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.

This is a trainee position offered on a permanent contract, subject to successful completion of the required training programme. Failure to complete the programme may result in termination of employment.

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 children, young people and families experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.

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.

This post is ideally suited to individuals with a strong interest in clinical psychology and child and adolescent mental health, who are motivated to develop their skills in a supportive and reflective learning environment. Cornwall CYPEDS is committed to supporting children and young people to access timely, evidence-based interventions, ensuring care is responsive, effective and aligned with individual need.

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’.

This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:

• Cornwall Foundation Trust
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board

If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time.