Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist

Job description

Main area Clinical Associate Psychologist Grade Band 5 Contract This is a trainee position offered on a permanent contract, subject to successful completion of the required training programme. Failure to complete the programme may result in termination of employment. Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week Job ref 201-26-520

Site Applicant Preference – bases for mileage are in Truro, Newquay or Liskeard – service is countywide Town Various sites Salary £32,073 – £39,043 Per Annum Salary period Yearly Closing 21/06/2026 23:59 Interview date 02/07/2026

Thank you for your interest in joining us at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

We pride ourselves in striving to be an employer of choice.

Job overview
Cornwall CYPEDS is recruiting a Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist (CAP) to join our countywide team. This is an exciting development role designed to support the growth of a skilled psychological workforce within children and young people's mental health services.

This development role offers a structured training pathway in partnership with Plymouth University, combining academic study with supervised clinical practice, and progression to Band 6 on successful completion. Trainee CAPs will undertake structured academic learning alongside supervised clinical practice, working towards developing the core competencies required for the role within a supportive and integrated training programme.

This is a trainee position offered on a permanent contract, subject to successful completion of the required training programme. Failure to complete the programme may result in termination of employment.

Main duties of the job
The Trainee CAP role provides an opportunity to develop key clinical competencies while working under the supervision of qualified clinical psychologists and other senior clinicians. Postholders will support the delivery of evidence-based psychological interventions to children, young people and families experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.

The role is focused on developing capabilities in assessment, formulation and intervention, with an emphasis on collaborative, multidisciplinary working. Trainees will contribute to psychologically informed care by supporting formulation-driven interventions, undertaking guided clinical work, and assisting with outcome monitoring and service development activities.

As part of their development, Trainee CAPs will build confidence, autonomy and professional judgement, with progression supported through supervision, training and competency frameworks. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to audits, quality improvement initiatives and the broader development of psychologically informed practice across services.

This post is ideally suited to individuals with a strong interest in clinical psychology and child and adolescent mental health, who are motivated to develop their skills in a supportive and reflective learning environment. Cornwall CYPEDS is committed to supporting children and young people to access timely, evidence-based interventions, ensuring care is responsive, effective and aligned with individual need.

Working for our organisation
We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see 'supporting documents'.

This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:

Cornwall Foundation Trust

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board

If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time.

Person specification
Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience

Degree in Psychology at 2:1 or above (exceptionally at 2:2)

Graduate member BPS eligible

Experience of working with children, young people and or/families with eating disorders

Skills and Aptitude

High quality record keeping

Care in mental health settings

Skilled in report writing

At Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust we are proud to prioritise the development of our people. To support this, the following opportunities are available:

Career conversations and individual development plans for succession planning and talent management

Protected CPD time for registered staff

Access to a dedicated central development fund supporting CPD for all staff

Leadership and Management development programmes

Coaching and mentoring opportunities

A full clinical induction programme for operational skills

Access to a care certificate programme for our band 1-4 clinical staff

A bespoke and robust preceptorship programme to support newly qualified staff

Being part of a successful NHS Foundation Trust brings a portfolio of rewards and benefits for our staff. These include:

Suite of health and wellbeing initiatives to support our colleagues physical and mental health

Free access to individual HARP portfolios to support revalidation for nursing staff

Free DBS checks where required

Discounts available from retailers, UK hotels and main attractions

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

The Trust reimburses all application costs for staff eligible to apply for EU settlement status.

The Trust reserves the right to close this advert once a sufficient number of applications have been submitted. It is encouraged that you complete the application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage of the recruitment process you will be contacted via TRAC.jobs email regarding interview details.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust welcomes and values individuals with lived experience of mental or physical ill health joining our workforce. We aspire to have a culture that develops, promotes and supports lived experience roles – throughout the organisation.

If you are successful, you agree to Occupational Health accessing your health records from your current or previous employer to check the status of your inoculations and screening tests. Appointments are subject to full three year satisfactory references therefore please ensure you include correct contact details for your nominated referees including email addresses.

Any general recruitment queries, please contact our recruitment team on 01208 834644

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Bodmin

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-07-2026

Profession type

Health / Medical

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English