Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Clinical Associate Psychologist (CAP) to join our Learning Disabilities service. You will work as part of a welcoming and supportive multi-disciplinary team, delivering high-quality psychological services to adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about improving lives, enjoys working in collaboration with service users and their networks, and is committed to providing client-centred, evidence-based care. You will receive regular supervision from a qualified Clinical Psychologist and have opportunities to contribute to both direct clinical work and service development.
Main duties of the job
Carry out structured clinical observations and assessments (under supervision) as part of wider interventions.
Support psychological assessments and interventions across our care pathways, including eligibility, behaviour that challenges, dementia, mental health, and specialist assessment.
Assist in delivering consultations to other professionals, including conducting case note reviews.
Contribute to service evaluations, audits, and development initiatives, such as increasing participation involvement and evaluating groups.
Work closely with individuals, families, carers, and multi-agency professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred care.
Maintain accurate clinical records in line with Trust and professional standards.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Clinical Associate Psychologist in our Learning Disabilities service, you will:
- Work within a psychology-led, trauma-informed model of care, under the supervision of an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist.
- Undertake a range of clinical tasks including structured interviews, psychometric testing, and observational assessments.
- Assist in the development of psychological formulations and bespoke interventions for adults with learning disabilities.
- Deliver structured, evidence-based interventions both individually and in group settings, adapting approaches to meet the needs of the client.
- Provide psychological input to multi-disciplinary discussions, supporting colleagues with case formulation and intervention planning.
- Engage in audit, research, and service development projects to enhance the quality and impact of our services.
- Work collaboratively with the person's network of support to improve outcomes and promote recovery.
- Maintain professional membership with the British Psychological Society and adhere to relevant codes of conduct.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Clinical Associate Psychologist in our Learning Disabilities service, you will:
- Work within a psychology-led, trauma-informed model of care, under the supervision of an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist.
- Undertake a range of clinical tasks including structured interviews, psychometric testing, and observational assessments.
- Assist in the development of psychological formulations and bespoke interventions for adults with learning disabilities.
- Deliver structured, evidence-based interventions both individually and in group settings, adapting approaches to meet the needs of the client.
- Provide psychological input to multi-disciplinary discussions, supporting colleagues with case formulation and intervention planning.
- Engage in audit, research, and service development projects to enhance the quality and impact of our services.
- Work collaboratively with the person's network of support to improve outcomes and promote recovery.
- Maintain professional membership with the British Psychological Society and adhere to relevant codes of conduct.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A professional qualification as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in Applied Psychology accredited by the BPS.
- Successful completion of the end point assessment for a CAP Apprenticeship
- Current membership of the British Psychological Society and individual registration as a CAP once national accreditation schemes are available.
Desirable
- Further training in a specific model of Psychological Intervention
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a trainee, apprentice or qualified Clinical Associate Psychologist within the specific clinical area of practice (e.g. Community Adult Mental Health services, inpatient urgent care).
- Experience of working effectively under supervision from a registered Practitioner Psychologist.
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to the delivery of specific psychological interventions/protocols
- Experience of providing supervision to health or social care staff.
- Experience of delivering training.
- Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who are hard-to-engage
Additional Criteria
Essential
- An understanding of the psychological assessment process to develop formulations and risk assessments.
- Post-Graduate level knowledge of applied psychological theory and research within the relevant area of practice (Adult Mental Health)
- Must be a valid car driver with a valid driving license or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the need of the service and willingness to drive to different locations across the county.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A professional qualification as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in Applied Psychology accredited by the BPS.
- Successful completion of the end point assessment for a CAP Apprenticeship
- Current membership of the British Psychological Society and individual registration as a CAP once national accreditation schemes are available.
Desirable
- Further training in a specific model of Psychological Intervention
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a trainee, apprentice or qualified Clinical Associate Psychologist within the specific clinical area of practice (e.g. Community Adult Mental Health services, inpatient urgent care).
- Experience of working effectively under supervision from a registered Practitioner Psychologist.
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to the delivery of specific psychological interventions/protocols
- Experience of providing supervision to health or social care staff.
- Experience of delivering training.
- Experience of developing therapeutic relationships with people who are hard-to-engage
Additional Criteria
Essential
- An understanding of the psychological assessment process to develop formulations and risk assessments.
- Post-Graduate level knowledge of applied psychological theory and research within the relevant area of practice (Adult Mental Health)
- Must be a valid car driver with a valid driving license or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the need of the service and willingness to drive to different locations across the county.
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.
