Job Description

The post holder will provide formulation-based psychological interventions for service users admitted to an acute mental health ward. They will work collaboratively to develop a shared understanding of the individual's complex challenges, coping mechanisms, and the impact these have on their mental and physical well-being, as well as on those around them (psychological assessment and formulation). Under supervision, they will explore social, psychological, therapeutic, and other potential interventions to improve health outcomes and support service users in achieving their agreed goals.
The Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is a new addition to the Psychological workforce and supports the wider NHS agenda to develop and expand the psychological provision. Clinical Associates in Psychology fill an identified skills gap between assistant psychologist and qualified clinical psychologists. They are able to practice autonomously with appropriate support, working within their scope of practice, under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with service users experiencing high levels of distress and complex mental health difficulties, some of whom may present significant risks to themselves or others. Assessments and interventions will be delivered in person on the ward, in close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the Urgent Care Psychology Team.
The post holder will have a strong interest in working within an all-male inpatient acute ward and a specialized focus on psychological perspectives relevant to men's mental health.
About us
Why choose to join the North London NHS Foundation Trust?
We believe that by working together, our Trust can achieve more for the residents of North Central London and our patients than we can by working apart.
Our Five-Year Strategy:
1. We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
2. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
3. We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
4. We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.
Why NLFT?
Transforming and creating a positive environment for our service users, staff and visitors.

• We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
• We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
• NHS Discounts, generous annual leave allowance and NHS pension scheme
• We have excellent internal staff network support groups.

Details
Date posted
04 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
xc2xa342,939 to xc2xa350,697 a year Per annum inclusive of Outer London HCAS
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
455-NLFT-0132
Job locations
The Dennis Scott Unit - Edgware Community Hospital
Burnt Oak Broadway
Barnet / Herts
HA8 0AD
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a qualified CAP, the post holder will provide effective evidence-based care to National and local guidelines and will manage a caseload and take responsibility for proactive care delivery decisions, within their scope of practice and under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.
The post holder will plan, assess, implement and evaluate programmes of care. CAPs are expected to maintain a compassionate, caring and safe care environment.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality, evidence-based psychological interventions, to inform practice with formulations derived from specialist psychological assessment, to work effectively with populations from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, and to draw on an understanding of applied service-related research to support service evaluation and improvement.
Other roles within the programme will include reviewing care plans and conducting risk assessments and formulations. The CAP will work alongside the Lead Psychologist, Urgent care Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, as well as other colleagues within the multi-disciplinary team.
The post will be inpatient and Urgent care based with an expectation that CAP provides a service in an integrated across the crisis and emergency pathway. Job description
Job responsibilities
As a qualified CAP, the post holder will provide effective evidence-based care to National and local guidelines and will manage a caseload and take responsibility for proactive care delivery decisions, within their scope of practice and under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.
The post holder will plan, assess, implement and evaluate programmes of care. CAPs are expected to maintain a compassionate, caring and safe care environment.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality, evidence-based psychological interventions, to inform practice with formulations derived from specialist psychological assessment, to work effectively with populations from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, and to draw on an understanding of applied service-related research to support service evaluation and improvement.
Other roles within the programme will include reviewing care plans and conducting risk assessments and formulations. The CAP will work alongside the Lead Psychologist, Urgent care Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, as well as other colleagues within the multi-disciplinary team.
The post will be inpatient and Urgent care based with an expectation that CAP provides a service in an integrated across the crisis and emergency pathway.
Person Specification
Abilities / Skills
Essential

• To be able to assess and formulate someone's experience drawing on a range of psychological models and theory.
• Experience of Group work / Group facilitation in mental health settings for severe and enduring complex emotional needs

Desirable

• Experience of working closely with experts by experience, local communities, Community and Voluntary and Social Enterprises, to coproduce and co-develop services.
• Experience working in Acute and /or inpatient mental health setting

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Adept in understanding and using models of clinical supervision and requirements for practice in line with the evidence -base and professional codes of conduct
• Skilled in continuous self reflection , seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills
• Dedicated in treating service users with dignity, respecting individuals' diversity, beliefs , culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.
• Able to show respect and empathy for service users and colleagues. Having the courage to challenge concerns, working to evidence-based practice

Desirable

• Lived experience of using services , and /or being a carer for someone

Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Completed BPS (British Psychological Society) accredited CAP apprenticeship training programme including EPA to IFA standards
• Registration on the BPS Wider Psychological Workforce register
• An approved qualification in psychology conferring eligibility for graduate basis for registration with the BPS (Class2.2 or higher)

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines at all bandings / grades
• Ability to work independently , reliably and consistently with work agreed by manager at regular intervals.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and form positive therapeutic relationships with service users and carers
• Ability to manage stress and work under pressure

Other
Essential

• Adherence to NLFT Trust values
• Ability to travel independently where required
• Disclosure and Barring Service check

Person Specification
Abilities / Skills
Essential

• To be able to assess and formulate someone's experience drawing on a range of psychological models and theory.
• Experience of Group work / Group facilitation in mental health settings for severe and enduring complex emotional needs

Desirable

• Experience of working closely with experts by experience, local communities, Community and Voluntary and Social Enterprises, to coproduce and co-develop services.
• Experience working in Acute and /or inpatient mental health setting

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Adept in understanding and using models of clinical supervision and requirements for practice in line with the evidence -base and professional codes of conduct
• Skilled in continuous self reflection , seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills
• Dedicated in treating service users with dignity, respecting individuals' diversity, beliefs , culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.
• Able to show respect and empathy for service users and colleagues. Having the courage to challenge concerns, working to evidence-based practice

Desirable

• Lived experience of using services , and /or being a carer for someone

Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Completed BPS (British Psychological Society) accredited CAP apprenticeship training programme including EPA to IFA standards
• Registration on the BPS Wider Psychological Workforce register
• An approved qualification in psychology conferring eligibility for graduate basis for registration with the BPS (Class2.2 or higher)

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines at all bandings / grades
• Ability to work independently , reliably and consistently with work agreed by manager at regular intervals.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and form positive therapeutic relationships with service users and carers
• Ability to manage stress and work under pressure

Other
Essential

• Adherence to NLFT Trust values
• Ability to travel independently where required
• Disclosure and Barring Service check

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