Clinical Associate In Psychology Apprenticeship

Clinical Associate In Psychology Apprenticeship

Join to apply for the Clinical Associate In Psychology Apprenticeship role at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

Job overview

Clinical Associate In Psychology Apprenticeship – Band 5, £31,049 – £37,796 per annum, 37.5 hours per week, Linden Centre, Chelmsford (also remote working), 18 month Fixed Term Contract.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new type of Psychology role and training: an apprenticeship post known as a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP). Clinical Associates in Psychology fill an identified skills gap between assistant psychologists and qualified clinical psychologists. They are able to practice semi-autonomously with appropriate support, working within their scope of practice, under the supervision of a registered psychologist.

Applications are invited for a Band 5 Clinical Associate in Psychology apprenticeship post. The expected start for the apprenticeship is 24 November 2025. If there is a gap between starting in post and beginning the CAP training course, then successful candidates would initially start in a Band 5 Assistant Psychology role and will move onto the CAP apprentice role and job description at the start of the apprenticeship programme. The CAP Apprenticeship is an 18-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.

If you\’re shortlisted for this role, your interview will take place on 28 October 2025.

Main duties of the job

• CAPs are trained to work with a particular service user group and in this case with adults with suspected/confirmed neurodivergence, therefore providing a more proscribed range of assessments and interventions than Clinical Psychologists.
• We are seeking to recruit 3 trainee CAPs, with posts based in three services: North East and West Essex ADHD services (Colchester/remote base), Mid and South ADHD service (Chelmsford/remote base), and South Essex Autism service (Billericay and Basildon bases with some remote working).
• Appointees will work alongside qualified Psychologists, and with MDT colleagues including nursing staff, Occupational Therapists, Consultant Psychiatrists, other CAPs and Assistant Psychologists.
• The role will include screening referrals for diagnostic assessments for autism and/or ADHD, carrying out initial assessments of autism and/or ADHD, and facilitating interventions including primarily groups and some individual work.
• On qualification, CAPs can apply for a Band 6 CAP role.
• We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with a Psychology degree who are committed to working in the local region, from those with diverse backgrounds and from people who bring lived experience relevant to this field of work.

Working for our organisation

• Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• We provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to acknowledge staff hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover travel costs.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: applications for job shares are welcomed.

Important notes: Please ensure you include professional references with business contact information covering your last three years of employment history. Personal or character references are not accepted. As a newly appointed employee, you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post; the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We encourage applicants with disabilities to apply. If you require this application form in another format (e.g., Braille or audio), contact the Recruitment Department at 01375 364513 or epunft.recruitment.adverts@nhs.net to arrange an alternative format.

The Trust may expire vacancies prior to the closing date if it so wishes. We advise checking your email regularly and note that if you have not heard within three weeks of the closing date, your application may be unsuccessful. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.

Important notice: COVID vaccinations are required for roles deployed to CQC registered care homes unless exempt. This forms part of pre-employment checks.

Please note: staff at risk within the organisation will be given priority in securing alternative employment. If a post is considered “suitable alternative employment” to an at-risk individual, the post may be withdrawn.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If AI programs are used, the application may be rejected as part of the assessment process. Support for declared disabilities is available if needed.

Eligibility and roles

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services and from people with learning disabilities. If you require this application in another format, please contact the Recruitment Department as above.