Paid Work Experience in Clinical Psychology - CFHD
8 month fixed term, 0.6 wte paid graduate work experience in Clinical Psychology
Many psychology graduates feel they have little choice but to take on unpaid placement roles to gain the experience needed for higher level training, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. For people who already face barriers because of their background or life circumstances, this reliance on unpaid work can add extra pressure and make the journey harder.
In recognition of these challenges, NHS England has provided funding to help widen access to development opportunities for psychology graduates from minoritised communities, those from lower income backgrounds, and people with caring responsibilities. We warmly encourage applications from people with these lived experiences and truly value the insight, strength, and different perspectives they bring. Applications are open to everyone, and we also offer some interview slots specifically for applicants who experience intersectional disadvantage.
We are pleased to offer this opportunity to join our Paediatric Psychology Team in North Devon. We are a friendly, welcoming service that values the richness of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We take pride in our supportive and appreciative team culture and are committed to working thoughtfully and compassionately with the children, young people, and families open to our service. We hope applicants who join us will share this approach and can grow and learn alongside us.
Main duties of the job
In this role, you will work closely with Clinical Psychologists to support specialist psychological assessments and interventions for children and young people living with medical conditions, as well as their families. The Paediatric Psychology Service focuses on supporting emotional well‑being and adjustment alongside the physical and practical demands of medical care.
We work with children and young people with a range of conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, and epilepsy. Living with a medical condition can have a significant impact on mental health, daily life, and family relationships, alongside managing symptoms, medication, and hospital appointments.
Your role will support this work through a range of tasks including producing clinical resources, undertaking clinical note taking and liaising with professionals across health, education, and community services. You may also contribute to service development activities, such as audit and evaluation projects. You will receive regular clinical supervision and be supported to develop your skills and confidence within the role. Shared learning is actively encouraged, and we use a reflective approach to continually improve how we work together and the care we offer.
Additional Information
You will be encouraged to work independently at a level that feels appropriate, safe, and supportive, while receiving regular clinical supervision and working in line with professional and ethical standards. You will be supported to manage your workload effectively and to take part in reflective supervision with a qualified Clinical Psychologist, alongside ongoing guidance through existing management and support processes.
Wider Connections and Development
We work closely with our medical colleagues at North Devon District Hospital and Paediatric Psychology colleagues at the hospital in Exeter. We regularly engage in regional and national special interest groups linked to paediatric psychology and specific medical conditions. The team also runs therapeutic groups throughout the year and a community‑based drop‑in for young people and parents/carers living with diabetes.
We are keen to support individuals who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to learn, and who share our commitment to compassionate, high‑quality care for children and young people.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Bachelor Degree at Honours level, giving eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society
* Further postgraduate training in relevant area of professional psychology, health and social care practice and/or research design and analysis.
Experience
* Experience in working with children, young people and families.
* Experience of working with children and young people with emotional and mental health difficulties, in a clinical or healthcare environment and/or community-based setting
* Experience of working with children and young people with complex needs, e.g., children in care
* Experience of working in multi‑disciplinary and/or multi‑agency services
* Experience of teaching/training other professionals
* Experience of individual or group interventions
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.
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