At a Glance
- Tasks: Train as a Clinical Associate Psychologist while providing psychological support to older people.
- Company: Join a supportive NHS Trust dedicated to mental health and community care.
- Benefits: Tuition fees covered for a Master’s degree, competitive salary, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong professional networks and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older adults while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Psychology graduate with a passion for mental health and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for applications to train as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in the Older People’s Community Mental Health Service with the Coastal Team, based in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Funding has been secured from NHSE for the tuition fees for you to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Associate Psychology through The University of Essex, EPUT, starting in November 2026.
While you are completing the degree, you will work as a Band 5 for part of the week in the Older People’s Team in Ipswich, being supported to learn and clinically apply your learning to deliver evidence-based psychological intervention to older people with a mental health need, and also support the team with embedding psychological thinking in their practice.
The Coastal team are part of a wider locality, with three older people’s CMHT’s in East Suffolk, with a range of psychological professionals who have strong and supportive relationships and who work in an integrated way .
You will be well supported to complete your Master’s degree and learn the clinical skills required for the role.
Following the completion of your degree, you will work as a full-time substantive Clinical Associate Psychologist, Band 6, in the Coastal team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a psychology graduate to learn the clinical and academic skills required for a career as a Clinical Associate Psychologist, which plays an invaluable role in our older people’s mental health services.
As a Trainee Clinical Associate in Psychology, you will work closely with the existing Clinical Psychologist and wider multidisciplinary team to deliver a psychologically-minded secondary mental health service to older people within the coastal community.
In addition to the academic component of this role, your duties within the workplace would include:
- Providing psychological assessments and formulation of individuals\' mental health difficulties, strengths, and any risk/safety concerns.
- Delivering personalised, evidence-based individual and group interventions.
- Thinking and working creatively to provide effective interventions where there may not be an existing evidence base, such as in complex or chronic clinical presentations.
- Active participation in multidisciplinary case discussion, team formulation, and reflective practice meetings.
- Gathering, analysing and disseminating data for audit, service development and research purposes.
- Involvement in research and service development activities.
- Providing support, guidance, training and consultation to multidisciplinary colleagues to enhance the range of psychological intervention that other professionals may utilise.
The post holder will be expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and accountability within the CAP scope of practice.
At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion is at the heart of how we work.
We are committed to creating a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process where every candidate has the opportunity to succeed.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce, including those from the global majority.
We recognise that not everyone has equal access to opportunities and are working to address this.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ensuring all candidates receive a positive and equitable experience.
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other.
In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
Why work for us?
We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey.
We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Linda Crawford Job title: Consultant Clinical Psychologist Email address: linda. crawford@nsft. nhs. uk
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Trainee Clinical Associate in Psychology in Ipswich employer: NSFT Jobs
NSFT is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture for Dementia Specialist Nurses in the picturesque setting of Bury St Edmunds. With a strong commitment to employee development through ongoing training opportunities, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with cognitive impairments. The blend of community spirit and access to stunning coastal and countryside areas makes this role not just a job, but a rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Clinical Associate in Psychology in Ipswich
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Join local psychology associations or clubs in your area. They often host networking events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the field. This is a great way to get insider information and showcase your enthusiasm.
✨Utilise Your University Career Service
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if you're still studying. They often have connections with local clinics and organisations offering trainee roles, so get involved in workshops and career fairs they organise.
✨Start a Psychology Blog or Vlog
Why not channel your passion into a blog or vlog? Share your insights on psychology topics that excite you. This not only builds your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Plus, it could attract the attention of potential employers, including NSFT Jobs.
✨Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out Directly
Sometimes, it's all about who you know—or who you can contact! Don't hesitate to reach out directly to organisations you'd love to work with. Introduce yourself, express your interest in trainee roles, and even ask about potential openings. You'd be surprised at the opportunities that can open up just by being proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Clinical Associate in Psychology in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, your academic achievements matter! Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, your grades, and if you've been involved in any research projects or psychology clubs. All of this shows your dedication and passion for the subject—something that’s crucial for a trainee role at NSFT Jobs.
Share Your Experience with People:Even if you haven’t officially worked in psychology yet, talk about any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs where you've interacted with people. Whether you've done tutoring, counselling, or even community engagement, it’s all relevant! We want to see how you've applied your knowledge in real-life situations.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Express your motivation for wanting to become a psychologist and why you’re excited about working at NSFT Jobs. Focus on what you hope to learn from this trainee position and how it aligns with your career goals in psychology. Let your passion and personal touch come through!
Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you’ve got any certifications or have completed online courses relevant to psychology (like mental health first aid or counselling techniques), don’t forget to include them! They can set you apart from other applicants and show your initiative to learn even outside a formal setting. This is particularly important for a trainee role, where eagerness to learn is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at NSFT Jobs
✨Brush Up on Your Psychological Theories
Since you're applying for a trainee position in psychology, it's key to demonstrate your understanding of core psychological theories. Revise the major theories and think about how they'd apply in real-world scenarios, which can pop up during case study questions in the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening Skills
Interviewer might assess your ability to interact with clients or colleagues, so practising active listening is crucial. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend where you practice summarising what they've said, which showcases your ability to engage constructively.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, they’ll be looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your passion for psychology, whether it’s relevant coursework, volunteering, or reading specific books that shaped your interest.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
Psychoethical questions can come up, so think through dilemmas you might face in practice. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines in psychology, as being ready to discuss how you'd handle tricky situations can set you apart from other candidates.