About this role
Job summary
Our service has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy Trainee ASD/LD to join our team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes.
The post holder will work directly with young people admitted to the inpatient ward who also have a diagnosis of ASD and/or LD. They will support the development of positive behaviour support plans, communication plans as well as providing other relevant work under supervision to meet the therapeutic needs of the young people with ASD/LD. The post holder will have an opportunity to work in a creative, adapted and evidence based way with support from a multi-disciplinary team.
This government-funded initiative promotes the growth and skill of the child mental health workforce to meet much needed demand. NHSE covers salary and training costs for a one-year full-time position, allowing services to employ trainees to support specialist pathways to bridge the gaps in CYP mental health support.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your learning from weekly teaching into practical clinical interventions working with clients in the service making a direct impact in the lives of children, young people and their families.
Main duties of the job
Training Information
This full-time training will begin in January 2027 with around 2-3 days a week for academic work (teaching and personal study), and 2.5 days based at the service seeing clients (children, young people, and carers) related to training assignments. Trainees will be both an employee of the service and an enrolled student with UCL/Anna Freud. Upon completion, qualified trainees will receive a UCL Postgraduate Diploma.
Application Process
This is a dual application process. In addition to applying for this position with us, you must also complete a UCL application for the Course Team to review. The Course Team will liaise with us on whether you meet the academic requirements for the course during the recruitment process. You will only be offered a UCL training place if you are successful in securing this post and you meet the university training requirements.
About us
Unless expressly stated in the job advert this role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
Job description Job responsibilities
This is an NHSE funded training post as part of the Child and Young Peoples (CYP) Psychological Trainings which involves part time working as a Practitioner in Aquarius Adolescent Unit and part time studying with UCL/Anna Freud undertaking a programme of training in Psychological therapies ASD/LD.
This intensive training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people or families using the core principles of the CYP Psychological Training Programme and consistent with the evidence base in the area of ASD and LD. The post-holder will work in the service, for at least 2.5 days of the week using the newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme or undertaking self-study days for the remaining days, as required by the education provider.
The post holder will work directly with young people admitted to the inpatient ward who also have a diagnosis of ASD and/or LD. They will support the development of positive behaviour support plans, communication plans as well as providing other relevant work under supervision to meet their therapeutic needs.
The post holder will hold an appropriate training case load and complete the necessary assignments to meet the course requirements.
Course start date: 18th January 2027 Before you apply
Please watch an introductory video for the modality you are apply to:
Click here to watch the ASC/LD introduction
Please view the attached document UCL CYP PT Therapy - Application Guidance for Candidates for the university application link and more information on how to apply.
Please note: The position will be based at Aquarius Ward, Springfield University Hospital but successful candidates will be expected to travel to Anna Freud in Central London (Rodney St, N1 9JH) for teaching during the training year.
More information about the course content and the different modalities can be found on the Anna Freud webpage: https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-programmes/child-and-young-person-iapt-therapy-pg-dip/
There is also a useful training FAQ section for prospective candidates: Prospective Trainees_ CYP IAPT Therapy Programme FAQ's.docx - Google Docs
What are we looking for?
We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are enthusiastic about making a difference to children and young peoples mental health through evidence-based interventions based on NICE Guideline recommended treatment.
You will be committed to the CYP Psychological Training Programme core principles: Accessibility, accountability, participation, awareness and evidence-based practice and in providing an inclusive and effective service for children and young people, along with a dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please review the additional documents for more information on the role, person specification other employment documents.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications Essential
Minimum second-class Bachelor's Degree or equivalent standard in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, social work etc); OR Applicants who do not fulfil the academic criteria but have relevant professional experience are still encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Desirable
Previous training in a mental-health related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, health visiting, social work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, psychotherapy, counselling); Proven record of previous high academic attainment (e.g., 1st class degree or MSc)
Experience Essential
2 or more years of experience working within a children and young people's mental health setting (e.g. mental health worker); 1 year or more of clinical competence and experience working with Autistic and/or LD individuals.
Desirable
Previous experience of working with safeguarding issues; Experience of working as part of the multi-disciplinary team with children and young people with Autism and/or LD and their families Experience of working in CAMHS T4 or inpatient setting Experience of implementing a positive behaviour support approach. Experience of adapting communication to suit clients with neurodiverse needs.
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.
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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust
Address Springfield University Hospital
Springfield Drive London
London
SW17 0YF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)