We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Clinical Associate Psychologist (CAP) to join our Adult Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of adults across our locality.
In this role, you will undertake specialised psychological assessments, contribute to bespoke clinical formulations, deliver structured, evidence-based interventions, and participate in agreed research and service improvement activity, all aligned to your level of training and competence.
Working as a semi-autonomous practitioner, you will operate within a psychology and trauma-informed service model, with day-to-day autonomous practice under the supervision and guidance of an HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist. You will also be required to hold and maintain BPS membership and adhere to the relevant Codes of Conduct and mandatory standards for healthcare support workers.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified CAP who is committed to person-centred practice, trauma-informed care, and contributing to high-quality psychological services.
Main duties of the job
- Undertake structured psychological assessments, interviews, psychometric testing and observations with individuals and groups.
- Contribute to the development of psychological formulations for complex clinical presentations.
- Deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, both individually and in groups, under the supervision of a Practitioner Psychologist.
- Assess and manage clinical risk, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Provide clear, sensitive and professional communication with service users, carers, MDT colleagues and external agencies.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including participation in care planning, reviews and case discussions.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, reports, outcome measures and activity data.
- Participate in audit, service improvement and small-scale research projects.
- Provide training, guidance and psychological insights to healthcare colleagues where appropriate.
- Follow Trust policies, safeguarding responsibilities, and professional and ethical standards at all times.
- Engage in regular clinical supervision, continuing professional development, and reflective practice.
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 responsibilities
Clinical Practice
- Carry out detailed and sensitive psychological assessments using a range of methods including interviews, psychometric tests and observations.
- Develop and contribute to individualised psychological formulations and care plans for adults with complex and often long-term mental health difficulties and/or learning disabilities.
- Deliver structured, protocol based psychological interventions in line with evidence-based practice.
- Provide emotional support to clients and work compassionately with individuals who may present with distress, trauma histories or challenging behaviour.
- Work flexibly across settings including community bases, clinical environments, service users’ homes, and virtual platforms.
Communication
- Communicate frequently in highly emotive situations with clients, families and carers, ensuring sensitivity and professionalism at all times.
- Provide high-quality written and verbal reports for clinical use and for partner agencies.
- Engage effectively with MDT colleagues, supervisors and external services to support cohesive and safe care delivery.
Autonomous Practice & Supervision
- Manage your own caseload and day-to-day clinical work independently within agreed parameters.
- Receive regular clinical supervision from an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist, using feedback constructively to ensure safe and effective practice.
- Recognise and work within your scope of practice, escalating complex or high-risk concerns.
Service Development, Audit & Research
- Contribute to service improvement through participation in audits, outcome monitoring and innovative practice.
- Undertake agreed small-scale research, using appropriate methodology and statistical procedures.
- Maintain and expand your professional knowledge through reading, training, and reflective practice.
Professional Responsibilities
- Work in accordance with NHS Trust policies, national guidance, and the BPS Code of Conduct.
- Maintain BPS membership and engage with emerging national accreditation schemes for CAPs.
- Uphold standards of information governance, confidentiality, safeguarding, and equality and diversity.
- Support the wider service through participation in meetings, provision of training where appropriate, and maintaining accurate administrative systems.
Physical, Emotional & Environmental Considerations
- Work regularly with distressing material and challenging emotional situations.
- Manage interruptions and shifting clinical priorities within a demanding caseload.
- Travel across Somerset as required for clinical and service needs.
- Use IT systems extensively for clinical documentation, virtual interventions and research activity.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- A professional qualification as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in Applied Psychology accredited by the BPS.Current membership of the British Psychological Society and individual accreditation as a CAP once national accreditation schemes are available.
- Further training in a specific model of Psychological Intervention
Experience
- 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.
- Experience of contributing to the delivery of specific psychological interventions/protocolsExperience of providing supervision to health or social care staff.
Additional Criteria
- Post-Graduate level knowledge of applied psychological theory and research within the relevant area of practice (Adult Mental Health)
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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