Clinical Associate in Psychology

Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP)

The Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is a new addition to the psychological workforce and supports the wider NHS agenda to develop and expand the psychological provision. CAPs fill an identified skills gap between assistant psychologists and qualified clinical psychologists. They are able to practice autonomously with appropriate support, working within their scope of practice under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist. CAPs are scientist practitioners who utilize psychological knowledge, research and theory to reduce psychological distress and enhance psychological well‑being in the clients they work with. They work with specific client groups in a range of services, acting as a resource of psychological skill and competence to a team of healthcare practitioners. As a qualified CAP, the post holder will provide evidence‑based care to national and local guidelines, manage a caseload and take responsibility for proactive care‑delivery decisions within their scope of practice. The post holder will plan, assess, implement and evaluate programmes of care. CAPs are expected to maintain a compassionate, caring and safe care environment. You are required to have passed MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification or be in the final year of that programme. The successful candidate will be based between two locations: Cygnet House, Ware and Oxford House Bishops Stortfold.

Responsibilities

• Communicate constructively with a range of healthcare professionals in a variety of services including nurses, social workers, allied health professionals (AHPs) and medical colleagues as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Link directly with the psychology team, alongside assistant psychologists and trainee clinical psychologists, while reporting to a registered clinical psychologist regarding psychological assessment, formulation and intervention.
• Build relationships with other professionals, depending upon the appropriate training and supervised clinical practice delivered as part of their apprenticeship.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a specialised clinical setting and liaise with relevant external agencies to facilitate and enable psychological interventions.
• Communicate to others the core concepts of psychological theory, research and practice to enhance their delivery of psychological interventions.

For full details of the role and responsibilities for this vacancy please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification documents attached.

Qualifications

• Honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 or better, or successful completion of a BPS‑accredited postgraduate Psychology conversion programme with 2.1 equivalent or above, or a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology with appropriate additional experience demonstrating academic potential.
• MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification or nearing completion of the same.

Desirable Criteria

• Further postgraduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, therapeutic approaches and/or research design and analysis.
• Relevant supervised experience of delivering psychological assessments and interventions.
• Experience of working in a setting with service users presenting with severe and enduring mental health difficulties.
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Relevant CPD as required by the BPS.
• Experience of working with carers.
• Experience of working with groups and/or delivering group interventions.
• Experience of audit and/or service evaluation.
• Experience of working with service users with varied life experiences, including those from minorities or under‑privileged backgrounds.
• Masters level knowledge of psychological theory and research.
• Masters level knowledge of mental health presentations.
• Masters level knowledge of research design and methodology.
• A good awareness of wider healthcare systems, NHS services and the role of psychological services within the NHS.
• Computer literacy and relevant IT skills.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills based on fluency in the English language.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport and communicate empathically and sensitively in a manner appropriate to the context and recipient.
• Awareness of the potential impact of disadvantage, discrimination and adverse events on mental health.
• Skills in managing time and workload in the context of multiple competing demands.
• Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
• Skills in conceptualising, analysing and communicating complex information.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs and profile of the local community.

Visa and Sponsorship

Candidates who require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the United Kingdom can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position by assessing their circumstances against the criteria specified on the GOV.UK website. We would encourage all applicants to review the criteria carefully to understand their eligibility for sponsorship. You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

About HPFT

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission. Our trust serves over 4,000 staff and provides health and social care for people with mental, physical and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. We are committed to choice, independence, equality and a values‑driven culture, recognised as the 4th best mental health and learning disability trust to work for in the UK.