Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for psychology graduates to undertake an apprenticeship training to join a growing profession, to support children and young people referred to Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) are part of the expansion of the psychological support offered. CAPS work under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist and support the multidisciplinary team in delivering assessment, formulation and evidence based psychological treatment to children, young people and families.
We have three 21 month training posts for psychology graduates. You will be an apprentice combining study at the University of Bath and learning through experience of working in the CAMHS teams. The training starts in September 2025. On successfully completing the training you will be awarded a Master's degree as a Clinical Associate Psychologist and will move to a qualified CAP post at Band 6 in one of the CAMHS teams.Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria related to this post.
We are looking for people with a Psychology degree at 2:2 or above who are passionate about supporting children and young people who are experiencing emotional difficulties. We are keen for applicants with a commitment to working in the local area, from diverse backgrounds and who have lived experience relevant to the role.
Main duties of the job
We are recruiting a Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) apprentices in AWP working as part of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service.
This apprentice programme allows talented psychology graduates to access clinical roles where they can be trained on-the-job in psychological interventions. These highly competitive posts are a new initiative to England, and AWP has played a leading role in developing them in the south west. These roles create an opportunity to work psychologically with people who have complex emotional needs.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, and will have support and direct supervision from a Clinical Psychologist. You will join a CAP training programme at the University of Bath (MSc Level) and on successful completion of the CAP Apprenticeship it is expected that you will become a band 6 CAP.
The successful applicant will be a graduate Psychologist with experience of working with children and young people with mental health problems. We are especially interested in increasing diversity in the psychology workforce and this post may be of particular interest to graduates who wish to join the psychology workforce but are not aspiring to become Clinical or Counselling Psychologists.
The CAMHS service prioritizes staff participation in shaping services, staff wellbeing and ongoing CPD.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust):a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake a structured programme of learning including personal study, academic work, placement learning and assessment leading to the award of an MSc in Clinical Associate Psychology and employment as Clinical Associate Psychologist (Band 6).
To undertake specialised psychological assessments, treatments and other types of clinical intervention appropriate to this level of training with individual & groups of service users.
The trainee will receive supervision within the job role to ensure that they meet the required levels of competence to complete the MSc course and the end point assessment.
To become able to work independently, initially under supervision, on a day-to-day basis. This work will be supervised and reviewed regularly with supervision usually being offered by a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologists are required to abide by the BPS Code of Conduct and meet induction standards, and NHS employers are required to abide by the Code of Practice for employers.
MSc Trainees are required to fulfil both academic and clinical requirements, including the end point assessment in order to progress in training to qualify. Qualification will ordinarily be within 18 months of commencement of the course. Should it become clear that qualification is unlikely in a reasonable timeframe employment may be ended on notice following application of the Trusts probationary period. The Trusts Probationary Policy (available on request) will apply for the duration of employment as an apprentice.
Job responsibilities
Clinical
1. To undertake structured interviews, psychological assessments and observations of individuals and groups.2. To assist in the development of psychological formulations of complex clinical problems and the development and delivery of care plans, which include psychological treatment and/or management of the service user problems including risk assessments.3. To determine appropriate psychological intervention, taking into account a range of potentially conflicting clinical information and dynamics under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.4. To carry out psychological and psychometric tests, to develop interview and observation skills and to assess service user/patient needs.5. To design, implement, modify an appropriate, bespoke psychological interventions with service users and groups under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.6. To communicate confidential and personal information concerning psychological needs, obtained through assessments and interventions, to colleagues within and outside of the Trust and to the service user and their family7. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.8. To provide emotional support to service users and carers/family members.9. To keep appropriate records of work and inform relevant others through letters or reports defined within the polices for AWP10. To work as a member of a multidisciplinary ward /or community team.11. To follow a person-focused and evidence based approach with service users and their families/carers.12. To work in a partnership with service users.13. To work in accordance with National NHS and placement providers policies and regulations, as well as those of relevant professional bodies.14. The post holder will be required to work in situations where there are barriers to acceptance and exposure to aggression.15. Received regular clinical supervision in accordance with Programme requirements and good clinical practice
Clinical Supervision, Teaching and Training
1. In conjunction with supervisor and University Tutor, to plan and prioritise own workload, research and individual and group sessions.2. May assist with providing specialist training to other psychologists, trainees and assistants and appropriate.3. May be required to demonstrate own duties to other graduate psychologists.
Research and Development / Audit Activity
1. To plan, monitor and evaluate own work, using clinical outcomes assessments, small-scale research methodology and statistical procedures.2. To plan and undertake formal MSc research, as agreed with the University programme staff as required by the Programme.3. To plan and undertake relevant research/audits, using appropriate methodology and statistical procedures, as agreed with the clinical supervisor(s).4. To enhance own knowledge of clinical psychology, specific client groups and types of psychological difficulty through reading, literature searches and personal study.5. To comply with the requirements of research governance, evidence-based practice and ethical considerations.
Equipment Used
1. Computer/ laptop/ PowerPoint projector for database, research, e-mail, Internet, presentations.2. Computerised and Audio-visual recording equipment for use in assessment and specialist treatment programmes.3. Psychological assessment tests and associated materials.4. Expected to have knowledge of manual handling and other equipment within the area.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake a structured programme of learning including personal study, academic work, placement learning and assessment leading to the award of an MSc in Clinical Associate Psychology and employment as Clinical Associate Psychologist (Band 6).
To undertake specialised psychological assessments, treatments and other types of clinical intervention appropriate to this level of training with individual & groups of service users.
The trainee will receive supervision within the job role to ensure that they meet the required levels of competence to complete the MSc course and the end point assessment.
To become able to work independently, initially under supervision, on a day-to-day basis. This work will be supervised and reviewed regularly with supervision usually being offered by a qualified Clinical Psychologist.
Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologists are required to abide by the BPS Code of Conduct and meet induction standards, and NHS employers are required to abide by the Code of Practice for employers.
MSc Trainees are required to fulfil both academic and clinical requirements, including the end point assessment in order to progress in training to qualify. Qualification will ordinarily be within 18 months of commencement of the course. Should it become clear that qualification is unlikely in a reasonable timeframe employment may be ended on notice following application of the Trusts probationary period. The Trusts Probationary Policy (available on request) will apply for the duration of employment as an apprentice.
Job responsibilities
Clinical
1. To undertake structured interviews, psychological assessments and observations of individuals and groups.2. To assist in the development of psychological formulations of complex clinical problems and the development and delivery of care plans, which include psychological treatment and/or management of the service user problems including risk assessments.3. To determine appropriate psychological intervention, taking into account a range of potentially conflicting clinical information and dynamics under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.4. To carry out psychological and psychometric tests, to develop interview and observation skills and to assess service user/patient needs.5. To design, implement, modify an appropriate, bespoke psychological interventions with service users and groups under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.6. To communicate confidential and personal information concerning psychological needs, obtained through assessments and interventions, to colleagues within and outside of the Trust and to the service user and their family7. To assist in the coordination and running of therapeutic groups.8. To provide emotional support to service users and carers/family members.9. To keep appropriate records of work and inform relevant others through letters or reports defined within the polices for AWP10. To work as a member of a multidisciplinary ward /or community team.11. To follow a person-focused and evidence based approach with service users and their families/carers.12. To work in a partnership with service users.13. To work in accordance with National NHS and placement providers policies and regulations, as well as those of relevant professional bodies.14. The post holder will be required to work in situations where there are barriers to acceptance and exposure to aggression.15. Received regular clinical supervision in accordance with Programme requirements and good clinical practice
Clinical Supervision, Teaching and Training
1. In conjunction with supervisor and University Tutor, to plan and prioritise own workload, research and individual and group sessions.2. May assist with providing specialist training to other psychologists, trainees and assistants and appropriate.3. May be required to demonstrate own duties to other graduate psychologists.
Research and Development / Audit Activity
1. To plan, monitor and evaluate own work, using clinical outcomes assessments, small-scale research methodology and statistical procedures.2. To plan and undertake formal MSc research, as agreed with the University programme staff as required by the Programme.3. To plan and undertake relevant research/audits, using appropriate methodology and statistical procedures, as agreed with the clinical supervisor(s).4. To enhance own knowledge of clinical psychology, specific client groups and types of psychological difficulty through reading, literature searches and personal study.5. To comply with the requirements of research governance, evidence-based practice and ethical considerations.
Equipment Used
1. Computer/ laptop/ PowerPoint projector for database, research, e-mail, Internet, presentations.2. Computerised and Audio-visual recording equipment for use in assessment and specialist treatment programmes.3. Psychological assessment tests and associated materials.4. Expected to have knowledge of manual handling and other equipment within the area.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualification
Essential
- Degree in Psychology 2:2 or above
- Qualifications in English and Mathematics at level 2
- Eligibility criteria for apprenticeships are dictated by the National Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the UK government.
Desirable
- Graduate level knowledge of research design and methodology
- Up to date knowledge of psychological research and national guidance relevant to the client group
Experience
Essential
- Experience of work in the NHS or outreach work, or local engagement work, experience of working in voluntary sector, working in community groups.
- Work with children and young people with mental health difficulties: o mental health care and/or o working with carers and/or o delivering therapeutic group interventions o working in MDTs o Experience of audit/research
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Basic understanding of mental health issues and approaches to treatment and intervention. Good understanding and ability to apply formulations to presenting problems
- Good understanding and ability to apply formulations to presenting problems
- Ability to work under pressure. Ability to manage potentially distressing situations and events
- Flexible and positive attitude to work
- Ability to be empathetic
- Awareness of diversity of cultural norms and being able to respond to this appropriately
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and active listening skills with service users, carers, staff and community partners
- Ability to use supervision appropriately and effectively
Desirable
- Being able to work flexibly across local environments
- Use IT packages - word processing, e-mail and internet, SPSS, Excel and Access
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualification
Essential
- Degree in Psychology 2:2 or above
- Qualifications in English and Mathematics at level 2
- Eligibility criteria for apprenticeships are dictated by the National Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the UK government.
Desirable
- Graduate level knowledge of research design and methodology
- Up to date knowledge of psychological research and national guidance relevant to the client group
Experience
Essential
- Experience of work in the NHS or outreach work, or local engagement work, experience of working in voluntary sector, working in community groups.
- Work with children and young people with mental health difficulties: o mental health care and/or o working with carers and/or o delivering therapeutic group interventions o working in MDTs o Experience of audit/research
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Basic understanding of mental health issues and approaches to treatment and intervention. Good understanding and ability to apply formulations to presenting problems
- Good understanding and ability to apply formulations to presenting problems
- Ability to work under pressure. Ability to manage potentially distressing situations and events
- Flexible and positive attitude to work
- Ability to be empathetic
- Awareness of diversity of cultural norms and being able to respond to this appropriately
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and active listening skills with service users, carers, staff and community partners
- Ability to use supervision appropriately and effectively
Desirable
- Being able to work flexibly across local environments
- Use IT packages - word processing, e-mail and internet, SPSS, Excel and Access
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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