At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Senior Psychologists in assessments and deliver psychological interventions to service users.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in a supportive team, and contribute to meaningful community care.
- Other info: 12-month fixed term contract; applications close once sufficient candidates are found.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on individuals' lives while developing your skills in a compassionate environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal for psychology students or graduates with a passion for mental health and community support.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 β¬ per year.
A Vacancy at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
12-month Fixed Term Contract
**Please note - this vacancy will close once sufficient applications have been received. This may be BEFORE the advertised date**
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 Higher Assistant Psychologist, to join our enhanced and developing Forensic Psychiatry Community Service.
CPFT are one of six providers of specialist mental health and learning disability care in the East of England, working collaboratively to ensure there is a seamless pathway of care , that is closer to home for the communities that we serve. The Provider Collaborative also works closely with independent sector partners to make improvements to our services and the ways we deliver them.
This enhanced specialist service consists of 2 multi-disciplinary teams, based in Cambridge and Peterborough, which cover the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough population. The service works with adults diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or learning disability who present with a risk of significant harm to others, to achieve optimal management of risk and minimize re-offending.
Working closely with the individual, we produce a tailored care package together that is focused around their personal needs. The service adopts a compassionate and trauma informed approach to promote relapse prevention and recovery, so enabling individuals to realise their full potential whilst supporting them to continue to build and live meaningful lives in the community.
The post-holder will be supervised to support the development of psychological case formulations (e.g., CFT, CBT, DBT, Trauma focused therapies, Relapse Prevention) and enhanced risk assessment tools (e.g., HCR20-v 3, SAPROF etc.).
There will also be the opportunity to provide psycho-education sessions for service users (1:1 and groups) and provide supportive activities for staff team (e.g. training, supervision). This role offers opportunities to gain insight into the wider services for this client group; through attendance at CPA reviews and ward rounds in open, low and medium secure hospitals.
In addition, there are a number of clinically related administration and audit tasks attached to the post, and involvement in service evaluation and research. The post-holder will be required to work independently according to a plan agreed with a qualified psychologist and within the overall framework of the teamβs policies and procedures.
The service aims to :
β’ Ensure the shortest inpatient to community journey
β’ Provide a robust discharge via the collaborative wrap around service
β’ Deliver a seamless pathway of care that is centred around the individuals needs
You will be joining an experienced multidisciplinary team of professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, support workers and administrators who all share a passion and drive for delivering high quality care and treatment to service users with forensic histories.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high-quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead a fulfilling life.
Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services, not only via inpatient and primary care settings, but also within the community. These services include children\'s, adult and older people\'s mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, research and development.
To achieve our goal, we look to recruit high-calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including disabled people and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at www.cpft.nhs.uk
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
To assist the Senior Psychologists with assessments, the development of formulations and the planning and delivery of psychological interventions.
To provide direct psychological interventions to service users under the supervision of the Senior Psychologists.
To review and audit notes, summarising essential information.
To contribute to gathering information, as part of risk assessments undertaken within the service in line with Trust and inter-agency policies/procedures
To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings, CPA reviews and ward rounds, including team meetings, team supervisions.
To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principal service area where the post-holder is employed.
To assist and develop research and service evaluations of a continuously developing service.
This advert closes on Thursday 7 Aug 2025
Higher Assistant Psychologist- Community Forensic Psychiatry in Peterborough employer: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about mental health care. With a focus on employee growth, the Trust provides opportunities for professional development through supervision, training, and involvement in innovative service evaluations. Located in the vibrant communities of Cambridge and Peterborough, employees benefit from a compassionate work culture that prioritises high-quality care and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Contact Detail:
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Higher Assistant Psychologist- Community Forensic Psychiatry in Peterborough
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific psychological theories and interventions mentioned in the job description, such as CFT, CBT, and DBT. Being able to discuss these approaches confidently during your interview will demonstrate your knowledge and suitability for the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in forensic psychiatry or similar fields. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people in the industry, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities and valuable insights about the role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Research Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust thoroughly. Understanding their values, mission, and recent developments will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and how you can contribute to collaborative care. Highlight any previous roles where you worked alongside various professionals, as this is crucial for the position you're applying for.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Assistant Psychologist- Community Forensic Psychiatry in Peterborough
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Higher Assistant Psychologist position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your educational background, relevant work experience, and any specific training in psychological interventions. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your capability in forensic psychiatry.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express your passion for forensic psychology and your understanding of the service's goals. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to work with individuals with mental health conditions and your commitment to compassionate care.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
β¨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher Assistant Psychologist in Community Forensic Psychiatry. Familiarise yourself with the specific psychological interventions mentioned in the job description, such as CFT, CBT, and DBT, as well as risk assessment tools like HCR20-v3.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences related to mental health and forensic settings. Highlight any relevant placements, volunteer work, or research that demonstrates your understanding of trauma-informed care and your ability to work with vulnerable populations.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. Emphasise your communication skills and your ability to contribute positively to team dynamics.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's approach to service evaluation and research, or ask how they support the professional development of their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.