Job summary
Here at HPFT we have a long history of delivering outstanding care, and we are taking our Acute Psychology Inpatient Services to the next level. We have expanded our psychological provision on all HPFT adult mental health inpatient wards and are establishing Trauma Informed Approaches.

Part of the expansion has been the embedding of Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAP) roles within the service. We currently have two CAP's who are an established and valued part of the diverse workforce and we wish to expand this provision

We are looking for a caring and compassionate CAP to work alongside the multi-disciplinary team under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist on Swift Ward, an 18 bedded male acute assessment and brief treatment unit.

The successful candidate will hold a MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification OR be nearing qualification.

Main duties of the job
To support in the embedding of trauma informed approaches across the ward including Team Formulations, delivering training and ensuring good data collection at all times. To assist in the formulation and delivery of intervention plans involving the psychological treatment of service users , under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist.To assist in the co-ordination and delivery of therapeutic groups, and to lead on the roll of a new group program.

To be an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team and promote psychological thinking to support holistic ways of working across the MDT.

To support and at times lead on robust outcome evaluation, service development and research.

About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Details
Date posted: 28 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £41,957 to £50,387 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 367-A&UC-101576
Job locations: Kingfisher Court, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane, Radlett, WD7 9HQ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To work with other staff to assess service users in preparation for multidisciplinary reviews.
• To attend and contribute to appropriate team and multi-disciplinary meetings.
• To maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice of the British Psychological Society and Trust policies and procedures.
• To perform other duties, appropriate to their grade, that may be required from time to time by the supervising Clinical Psychologist.
• To work flexibly, in response to service user needs as agreed with the Unit.

For a more detailed description of the role, please see attached the JD and PS.

Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential

• An honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology at 2.1 or better OR
• Successful completion of a BPS accredited postgraduate 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.
• MSc for Clinical Associate in Psychology qualification OR nearing qualification for same.
• Eligibility for registration on the British Psychological Society Wider Psychological Workforce register.
• Satisfactory Enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service
• Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
• Further post graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, mental health practice, therapeutic approaches and/ or research design and analysis.

Desirable

• Experience of undertaking a research project.
• Experience of working within acute adult mental health.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential

• High level communication skills (written and verbal) including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to service users, carers, and colleagues in a way that addresses psychological resistance.
• An ability to interact with people with mental health problems.
• An ability to interact effectively with staff from all discipline.
• Experience using computers for databases or data - analysis, especially Microsoft Excel and SPSS for Windows.
• High standard of report writing.
• Competence using IT and media equipment.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Kingfisher Court, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane, Radlett, WD7 9HQ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Sharon Ackers
sharon.ackers@nhs.net
07870365250