Job summary
We are
seeking 4 psychology graduates to undertake Masters level Apprenticeship
training as Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) to expand and enhance access
to psychological care within the Integrated Community Paediatric Service -
Child & Family Psychology Team.
Training at University of East Anglia commences in September 2023.
We are
delighted to invite psychologist graduates to apply for our first cohort of
Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAPs) role opportunities within West Suffolk
Foundation NHS Trust and to join the Child & Family Psychology Service
within Integrated Community Paediatric Services. This new work-based training
role will increase diversity in our psychology workforce and provide an
opportunity for psychology graduates to deliver patient facing care whilst
developing their career in the NHS.
The
CAP Apprenticeship programme will be undertaken in partnership with the
University of East Anglia (UEA). It is an 18-month, full-time training
programme leading to the qualification of MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology.
As an apprentice, you will be employed fulltime by the West Suffolk Foundation
NHS Trust and your time will be split between work-based practice and learning
(3 1/2 days in practice, 1 day in academic learning per week, and 1/2 study day
per week). This will begin in early September
2023.
We have 4 full-time
posts available. Office base will be at Woodbridge Clinic, Woodbridge, Suffolk
with expected travel across sites in East/West Suffolk.
Main duties of the job
Successful
applicantswill be working alongside
Clinical Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists and Child & Family
Practitioners and the wider multi-professional workforce in an established & supportive Clinical Psychology team to support children with
complex neurodevelopmental conditions and their families.
CAP trainees will be appointed
at an Agenda for Change Band 5 whilst undertaking the programme, which will
transition to a Band 6 qualified CAP role in the same team on successful
completion of the training programme.
CAP trainees will be
supervised by Clinical Psychologists and work alongside the wider professional
team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists,
Specialist Nurses, Paediatricians, Assistant Psychologists and Psychological
Wellbeing Practitioners.
The Apprenticeship is a
blended learning course with some sessions delivered online and others
delivered in-person at UEA. There are specific minimum entry requirements (please
see person specification). Attendance at all UEA teaching days is compulsory
and annual leave cannot be booked for UEA teaching days.
All CAPs must be in post by
Monday 11th September 2023 to allow them to undertake workplace inductions etc.
prior to commencing the course on Monday 18th September 2023.
Postholders have to complete
the MSc Apprenticeship programme in order to continue with their employment at
the end of 18-months.
Interviews will be in
person on 25th & 26th July 2023 at Woodbridge Clinic.
About us
#BeKnown
at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to
more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for,
treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community
settings.
The
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care
services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery
unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+
beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult
and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk
Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing
temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We
do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our
values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we
work and behave as a team.
With
nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation
a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be
the best you can be.
We
promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you
can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join
us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service
Information
As part of a range of specialist integrated
community paediatric services across East & West Suffolk, the Child &
Family Psychology Service supports children and young people with complex neurodevelopmental
concerns, medical and long-term health conditions, learning and physical
disabilities and their families. The team comprises of Clinical Psychologists, working
alongside Assistant Psychologists, a Child & Family Practitioner, and an administrative
team. Our focus is on understanding
childrens psychological development and how children and young people think, feel,
and behave. Clinicians use evidence
based psychological and therapeutic principles to support children psychological
and emotional wellbeing, undertaking a range of assessments and interventions
in working holistically in partnership with parents/carers and other
professionals, placing the needs of children and young people at the centre of our
approach.
Job Purpose
The Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) trainee
role is a semi-autonomous specialist psychological professional who will be
trained to provide effective evidence-based assessment and intervention, working
towards the postholder being able to manage a caseload, working under direct
supervision of a Clinical Psychologist within the Child & Family Psychology
Service. The is an 18-month degree level apprenticeship, combining a clinical job
with academic training, leading to a the award of the MSc in Clinical Associate
in Psychology qualification.
The
postholder will be working to fulfil both the academic and clinical
requirements of the apprenticeship training programme, encompassing work-based practice,
and learning with academic teaching and study.
The
postholder will be working alongside the wider Child & Family Psychology
workforce developing skills to be able to undertake a range of clinical
activities including individual and group based psychological assessments and a
range of interventions with children and their families, along with other
activities such as staff training, audit, research, and service development
activity within an agreed scope of practice, to children and their families
referred to service.
As
an apprentice, the postholder will be employed by West Suffolk Foundation NHS
Trust as a full-time (37.5 hours) band 5, trainee Clinical Associate in
Psychology, leading to a band 6 Clinical Associate in Psychology position, following
the completion of the apprenticeship qualification. The CAP Apprenticeship
programme will be undertaken in partnership with the University of East Anglia
where an MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is completed. This is an 18-month, full-time, training
programme during which your time will be split between (virtual & face to
face) academic learning and work-based practice and learning, under the
supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist. You will spend most of the week
working for at least 3 days a week using the newly developed skills whilst
attending the training programme and guided learning for the other two
days. This is a training contract, which
is contingent on completing the training programme and subsequent registration
with the professional
Main
Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
To
develop the professional skills under supervision, the ability to undertake structured interviews, psychological
assessments, formulation and interventions with individual children, and their families
and groups, within defined scope of practise.
To
develop the skills 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 childrens
presenting needs, under supervision.
To develop
the ability to determine appropriate psychological intervention, taking into
account a range of potentially conflicting clinical information and dynamics within
scope of practice, under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.
To develop
the ability to carry out psychological interventions and use a range of assessments
measures, to systematic observation skills and established psychometric
measures to assess cognitive, behaviour and emotional state on a one-to-one
basis with children, their families and in group settings, taking into account
a range of conflicting clinical information and dynamics, within scope of
practice.
To
develop the ability to design, implement and modify an appropriate, bespoke
psychological interventions to individuals and groups appropriate to the needs
of children and their families and act as a psychological resource to the wider
multi-disciplinary team.
To
develop the skills to use applied service research and evaluation to inform
interventions.
Working
towards the ability to manage own caseload whilst undertaking own clinical
programme of work, within scope of practice, under supervision of a Clinical
Psychologist.
To
develop the ability to undertake risk management assessments and evaluations in
consultation under supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.
To develop
the skills to evaluate own clinical practice and to participate in regular
supervision.
To
seek guidance from and consultation with clinical supervisor as required to
support safe and effective clinical practice.
To
work effectively within the Child & Family Psychology Service and within
the multi-disciplinary team and in partnership with as well as the wider Trust
and multi-agency networks.
To
engage positively and communicate effectively through written reports and/or verbal
feedback the formulation and psychological understanding of childrens
presenting difficulties to referrers, families and children (where
appropriate), other agencies or disciplines involved in their care, taking
account the necessary adjustments that may be required.
To
maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in
accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological
Society and Trust policies and procedures.
Working
towards contributing and participate in the delivery of audit and service
improvement projects as directed by the Service Lead.
To
ensure all work activity complies with the Trust and BPS Professional
Standards.
Working
towards being able to initiate and carry out research, audit and service
evaluation with the agreement of the supervisor/Service Lead.
To develop
the skills to act as a psychological resource providing support, guidance and supervision
using psychological models to inform and support the wider health teams within
ICPS.
- To maintain a compassionate, caring and safe clinical
environments for children, their families and other colleagues, being
responsible alongside the wider team for the maintenance and care of clinical
resources
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service
Information
As part of a range of specialist integrated
community paediatric services across East & West Suffolk, the Child &
Family Psychology Service supports children and young people with complex neurodevelopmental
concerns, medical and long-term health conditions, learning and physical
disabilities and their families. The team comprises of Clinical Psychologists, working
alongside Assistant Psychologists, a Child & Family Practitioner, and an administrative
team. Our focus is on understanding
childrens psychological development and how children and young people think, feel,
and behave. Clinicians use evidence
based psychological and therapeutic principles to support children psychological
and emotional wellbeing, undertaking a range of assessments and interventions
in working holistically in partnership with parents/carers and other
professionals, placing the needs of children and young people at the centre of our
approach.
Job Purpose
The Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) trainee
role is a semi-autonomous specialist psychological professional who will be
trained to provide effective evidence-based assessment and intervention, working
towards the postholder being able to manage a caseload, working under direct
supervision of a Clinical Psychologist within the Child & Family Psychology
Service. The is an 18-month degree level apprenticeship, combining a clinical job
with academic training, leading to a the award of the MSc in Clinical Associate
in Psychology qualification.
The
postholder will be working to fulfil both the academic and clinical
requirements of the apprenticeship training programme, encompassing work-based practice,
and learning with academic teaching and study.
The
postholder will be working alongside the wider Child & Family Psychology
workforce developing skills to be able to undertake a range of clinical
activities including individual and group based psychological assessments and a
range of interventions with children and their families, along with other
activities such as staff training, audit, research, and service development
activity within an agreed scope of practice, to children and their families
referred to service.
As
an apprentice, the postholder will be employed by West Suffolk Foundation NHS
Trust as a full-time (37.5 hours) band 5, trainee Clinical Associate in
Psychology, leading to a band 6 Clinical Associate in Psychology position, following
the completion of the apprenticeship qualification. The CAP Apprenticeship
programme will be undertaken in partnership with the University of East Anglia
where an MSc Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is completed. This is an 18-month, full-time, training
programme during which your time will be split between (virtual & face to
face) academic learning and work-based practice and learning, under the
supervision of a qualified Clinical Psychologist. You will spend most of the week
working for at least 3 days a week using the newly developed skills whilst
attending the training programme and guided learning for the other two
days. This is a training contract, which
is contingent on completing the training programme and subsequent registration
with the professional
Main
Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
To
develop the professional skills under supervision, the ability to undertake structured interviews, psychological
assessments, formulation and interventions with individual children, and their families
and groups, within defined scope of practise.
To
develop the skills 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 childrens
presenting needs, under supervision.
To develop
the ability to determine appropriate psychological intervention, taking into
account a range of potentially conflicting clinical information and dynamics within
scope of practice, under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.
To develop
the ability to carry out psychological interventions and use a range of assessments
measures, to systematic observation skills and established psychometric
measures to assess cognitive, behaviour and emotional state on a one-to-one
basis with children, their families and in group settings, taking into account
a range of conflicting clinical information and dynamics, within scope of
practice.
To
develop the ability to design, implement and modify an appropriate, bespoke
psychological interventions to individuals and groups appropriate to the needs
of children and their families and act as a psychological resource to the wider
multi-disciplinary team.
To
develop the skills to use applied service research and evaluation to inform
interventions.
Working
towards the ability to manage own caseload whilst undertaking own clinical
programme of work, within scope of practice, under supervision of a Clinical
Psychologist.
To
develop the ability to undertake risk management assessments and evaluations in
consultation under supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.
To develop
the skills to evaluate own clinical practice and to participate in regular
supervision.
To
seek guidance from and consultation with clinical supervisor as required to
support safe and effective clinical practice.
To
work effectively within the Child & Family Psychology Service and within
the multi-disciplinary team and in partnership with as well as the wider Trust
and multi-agency networks.
To
engage positively and communicate effectively through written reports and/or verbal
feedback the formulation and psychological understanding of childrens
presenting difficulties to referrers, families and children (where
appropriate), other agencies or disciplines involved in their care, taking
account the necessary adjustments that may be required.
To
maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in
accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological
Society and Trust policies and procedures.
Working
towards contributing and participate in the delivery of audit and service
improvement projects as directed by the Service Lead.
To
ensure all work activity complies with the Trust and BPS Professional
Standards.
Working
towards being able to initiate and carry out research, audit and service
evaluation with the agreement of the supervisor/Service Lead.
To develop
the skills to act as a psychological resource providing support, guidance and supervision
using psychological models to inform and support the wider health teams within
ICPS.
- To maintain a compassionate, caring and safe clinical
environments for children, their families and other colleagues, being
responsible alongside the wider team for the maintenance and care of clinical
resources
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- Adhere to the NHS values and legal and ethical responsibilities as a supervised associate practitioner psychologist.
- Awareness of own competency limitations and willingness to seek supervision and support as required.
- Committed to provide at least 24 months service to the Trust post qualification.
- Ability to travel to rural locations to carry out post
- Flexible approach to working duties
Experience
Essential
- Previous relevant experience of working in an environment with people with mental health or psychological needs and/or with neurodiversity.
- Understand British Psychological Society (BPS) Professional Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrate experience of effective working with others.
- Ability and experience of working autonomously and as part of a team.
- Ability to cope with pressurised emotive working environment.
- Understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and other learning needs.
- Knowledge of child development and psychological theories/models that inform this.
Desirable
- Voluntary or paid experience in a setting supporting/working with children and/or their families with neurodiversity or learning disabilities.
- Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist (or other Mental Health Professional role)
- Demonstrate experience of managing conflicting information or emotive and challenging situations in a healthcare setting.
- Demonstrate experience of evaluation or audit in a healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in or with a diverse or multicultural community.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal, tailored to a variety of audiences, making reasonable adjustments where appropriate in order to optimise peoples understanding.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information in a clear compassionate, confident, and empathetic way to children and young people, their families/carers and professionals.
- Recognise and understand the needs and accommodate using appropriate adjustments to support the sensory and communication preferences and other needs of children and young people who have neurodiversity and/or learning needs.
- Excellent organisational skills and an understanding of working with multiple priorities.
- Demonstrate commitment to Master level study and continued professional development.
- Able to undertake continuous self-reflection and assess limits of professional boundaries and capacity and understanding of when to seek supervision/advice.
- Understanding and have the ability to maintain accurate clinical record skills and correctly handle confidential information within Trust guidelines.
- IT skills to a level required to work regularly with Microsoft Office packages and local specialist software packages as required.
- Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team following supervisory guidelines.
Desirable
- Demonstrate understanding of psychological models (e.g. CBT) and/or other psychological assessment methods used within applied clinical practice to underpin assessment.
- Published research in this area.
- Knowledge of the needs of children and young people with neurodiversity.
Qualifications
Essential
- Single or Joint Honours Bachelors Degree in Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS at a level 2:2 or above or an equivalent conversion course accredited by the British Psychological Society.
- Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society via qualification recognition or by alternative route and will have or applied for Graduate Membership for entry into the programme.
- Demonstrate ability to study at masters level.
- Minimum of a level 2 English and Mathematics qualification (GCSE grade C/4 or functional skills).
- You have ordinarily lived in the UK/EU/ EEA for a minimum of 3 years prior to enrolling onto Apprenticeships. You must meet the Apprenticeship Levy Funding Criteria (See Government Website for more information).
Person Specification
Other
Essential
- Adhere to the NHS values and legal and ethical responsibilities as a supervised associate practitioner psychologist.
- Awareness of own competency limitations and willingness to seek supervision and support as required.
- Committed to provide at least 24 months service to the Trust post qualification.
- Ability to travel to rural locations to carry out post
- Flexible approach to working duties
Experience
Essential
- Previous relevant experience of working in an environment with people with mental health or psychological needs and/or with neurodiversity.
- Understand British Psychological Society (BPS) Professional Code of Conduct.
- Demonstrate experience of effective working with others.
- Ability and experience of working autonomously and as part of a team.
- Ability to cope with pressurised emotive working environment.
- Understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and other learning needs.
- Knowledge of child development and psychological theories/models that inform this.
Desirable
- Voluntary or paid experience in a setting supporting/working with children and/or their families with neurodiversity or learning disabilities.
- Experience of working as an Assistant Psychologist (or other Mental Health Professional role)
- Demonstrate experience of managing conflicting information or emotive and challenging situations in a healthcare setting.
- Demonstrate experience of evaluation or audit in a healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in or with a diverse or multicultural community.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal, tailored to a variety of audiences, making reasonable adjustments where appropriate in order to optimise peoples understanding.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information in a clear compassionate, confident, and empathetic way to children and young people, their families/carers and professionals.
- Recognise and understand the needs and accommodate using appropriate adjustments to support the sensory and communication preferences and other needs of children and young people who have neurodiversity and/or learning needs.
- Excellent organisational skills and an understanding of working with multiple priorities.
- Demonstrate commitment to Master level study and continued professional development.
- Able to undertake continuous self-reflection and assess limits of professional boundaries and capacity and understanding of when to seek supervision/advice.
- Understanding and have the ability to maintain accurate clinical record skills and correctly handle confidential information within Trust guidelines.
- IT skills to a level required to work regularly with Microsoft Office packages and local specialist software packages as required.
- Ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team following supervisory guidelines.
Desirable
- Demonstrate understanding of psychological models (e.g. CBT) and/or other psychological assessment methods used within applied clinical practice to underpin assessment.
- Published research in this area.
- Knowledge of the needs of children and young people with neurodiversity.
Qualifications
Essential
- Single or Joint Honours Bachelors Degree in Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS at a level 2:2 or above or an equivalent conversion course accredited by the British Psychological Society.
- Eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society via qualification recognition or by alternative route and will have or applied for Graduate Membership for entry into the programme.
- Demonstrate ability to study at masters level.
- Minimum of a level 2 English and Mathematics qualification (GCSE grade C/4 or functional skills).
- You have ordinarily lived in the UK/EU/ EEA for a minimum of 3 years prior to enrolling onto Apprenticeships. You must meet the Apprenticeship Levy Funding Criteria (See Government Website for more information).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
