About this role
Job summary
Do you have a passion for child development and neurodevelopment? We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated clinicians to join Dorset Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMH) as CYP-IAPT Learning Disability and Autism (LD/ASD) Trainees.
This exciting opportunity is part of the national Recruit to Train programme and combines a fully funded 12-month CYP-IAPT Diploma at the University of Exeter with a supervised clinical placement within our CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consultation Team. Trainees will develop specialist skills in delivering evidence-based interventions for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities.
The role is ideal for experienced clinicians looking to develop a specialist interest in neurodevelopment. Applicants should hold a relevant professional qualification and registration, or be able to demonstrate equivalent BABCP Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes requirements.
Trainees will spend three days per week in clinical practice and two days undertaking university study. The course begins in January 2027, and successful applicants must be able to enrol by 1 December 2026.
This is a pan-Dorset role, requiring travel across the county and to the University of Exeter. Access to a vehicle and the ability to travel for Trust business are therefore essential.
Main duties of the job
As a CYP-IAPT LD/ASD Trainee, you will undertake specialist training and develop the knowledge and skills required to assess and support children and young people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and co-occurring mental health difficulties.
You will:
Attend and successfully complete the CYP-IAPT LD/ASD training programme delivered by the University of Exeter. Apply learning from the programme directly into clinical practice. Assess children and young people for suitability for evidence-based interventions adapted for neurodivergent individuals. Deliver therapeutic interventions under supervision to children, young people and families experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. Work collaboratively with families, carers, schools and partner agencies to support positive outcomes. Participate in multidisciplinary discussions, formulation and care planning. Maintain accurate clinical records, outcome measures and service data in line with Trust requirements. Participate in regular clinical, managerial and course-related supervision. Contribute to service development and support the ongoing transformation of CYPMH Dorset as services develop within the i-Thrive model. The successful applicant will join a supportive multidisciplinary team, access high-quality CPD opportunities and play an active role in shaping the future of children's mental health services across Dorset.
About us
The Children's Mental Health network is made up of a wide range of services, to include Core CAMHs, ID-CAMHs, Looked After Children, Forensic CAMHs and the Mental Health Support Teams in Schools.
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.
All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected]
This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Person Specification
Education and experience requirements Essential
Either; A) First degree in Psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy, nursing of 2:1 standard or above, or an equivalent relevant core profession with extensive experience with CYP e.g. teaching At least 2 years experience working with children who have emotional health and wellbeing needs Demonstrable knowledge and experience of ASD and/or LD Experience of working in a health or educational setting which involved directly supporting CYP with neurodevelopmental needs. Evidence of having completed additional CPD with a focus on health, development and/or behaviour in CYP and/or families
Desirable
Experience working with families Experience of working in a children's educational setting
Skills/Experience/Knowledge Essential
Demonstratable experience of working in child and adolescent mental health services Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets Ability to manage own caseload and time Demontrates high standards in written communication Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training Computer Literate Excellent verbal and written communication skills Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients Demonstrates an understanding of common co-morbid mental health difficulties for CYP with ASD/LD Experience of adapting interventions for CYP with ASD/LD Knowledge of NICE guidance for assessment and support of ASD Knowledge of NICE guidance for assessment and support for CYP with LD
Desirable
Previous experience of completing neuro/developmental assessments Awareness of differential diagnosis for neurodevelopmental differences Awareness of the importance of systemic support for CYP with ASD/LD
Business travel Essential
Subject to the provisions of the Equality Level 2* Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Education and Experience requirements Essential
Demonstrable knowledge and experience of ASD and/or LD
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.
Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Alumhurst Rd
Alumhurst Rd
Bournemouth
BH1 4LB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)