Job overview

Cornwall CYPEDS is recruiting a Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologists (CAPs) 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.

Over 5,000 people make up the Trust.  This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people’s homes, in community clinics and bases.  Some staff work from one of our 10 community hospitals.  Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here.  A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon.  As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon.  In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area.  This increase the numbers of people who use out services.