Job Description

Clinical Associate In Psychology Apprenticeship Band 5 - 31,049 - 37,796 per annum 37.5 hours per week Holmer Court, Colchester (also remote working) 18 month Fixed Term Contract
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new type of Psychology role and training: an apprenticeship post known as a Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP). Clinical Associates in Psychology fill an identified skills gap between assistant psychologists and qualified clinical psychologists. They are able to practice semi-autonomously with appropriate support, working within their scope of practice, under the supervision of a registered psychologist.Applications are invited for a Band 5 Clinical Associate in Psychology apprenticeship post.The expected start for the apprenticeship is 24TH November 2025. If there is a gap between starting in post and beginning the CAP training course, then successful candidates would initially start in a Band 5 Assistant Psychology role and will move onto the CAP apprentice role and job description at the start of the apprenticeship programme.The CAP Apprenticeship is an eighteen-month full-time training divided between work-based experience (up to 4 days per week) and academic teaching and study, which leads to a Masters level qualification.
If you're shortlisted for this role, your interview will take place on 28 October 2025.
Main duties of the job
CAPs are trained to work with a particular service user group and in this case with adults with suspected/ confirmed neurodivergence therefore providing a more proscribed range of assessments and interventions than Clinical Psychologists. We are seeking to recruit 3 trainee CAPs and these posts will be based in the following three services: North East and West Essex ADHD services (Colchester/ remote base), Mid and South ADHD service (Chelmsford/ remote base), and South Essex Autism service (Billericay and Basildon bases as well as some remote working).
Those appointed will work alongside qualified Psychologists,and together with MDT colleagues including nursing staff, Occupational Therapists, Consultant Psychiatrists, other CAPs and Assistant Psychologists. The role will include screening referrals for diagnostic assessments for autism and/ or ADHD, carrying out initial assessments of autism and/ or ADHD, and facilitating interventions including primarily groups and some individual work. If successful in their training, on qualification, CAPs can apply for a Band 6 CAP role.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with a Psychology degree who have a commitment to working in the local region, from those with diverse backgrounds and from people who bring lived experience relevant to this field of work.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• 8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted
08 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
364-A-9436
Job locations
Holmer Court
Colchester
CO3 3BT
Job description
Job responsibilities
Purpose of the job

• To undertake the range of clinical activities including psychological assessments, treatments and other types of clinical intervention with individual service users, carers, families, groups etc; along with other activities such as staff training; research and development activity.
• To work semi-autonomously on a day-to-day basis within their scope of practice under supervision of and subject to review at regular intervals by a registered practitioner psychologist in accordance with British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines.
• To undertake and meet the requirements of a degree apprenticeship including personal study, academic work, research, clinical experience and assessment leading to the award of a Masters Clinical Associate in Psychology.

Job description
Job responsibilities
Purpose of the job

• To undertake the range of clinical activities including psychological assessments, treatments and other types of clinical intervention with individual service users, carers, families, groups etc; along with other activities such as staff training; research and development activity.
• To work semi-autonomously on a day-to-day basis within their scope of practice under supervision of and subject to review at regular intervals by a registered practitioner psychologist in accordance with British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines.
• To undertake and meet the requirements of a degree apprenticeship including personal study, academic work, research, clinical experience and assessment leading to the award of a Masters Clinical Associate in Psychology.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• An honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 or better OR Successful completion of a BPS accredited post-graduate Psychology conversion programme with 2.1 equivalent or above. OR A 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology with appropriate additional experience (or contextual information) demonstrating academic potential.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• An honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 or better OR Successful completion of a BPS accredited post-graduate Psychology conversion programme with 2.1 equivalent or above. OR A 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology with appropriate additional experience (or contextual information) demonstrating academic potential.

Skills Required