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Child and Young People’s Psychological Therapies Trainee Practitioner
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust View all jobs
Posted 4 day(s) ago
Reference: 2452126
Job summary
Child and Young People's Psychological Therapies Trainee Practitioner
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) / Learning Disability (LD) Modality
Are you passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people? Would you like to work within a dynamic community Early Intervention CAMHS service as part of a friendly, supportive, and creative multidisciplinary team?
The U18 Wellbeing Service has an exciting opportunity for a Child and Young People's Psychological Therapies Trainee Practitioner (ASC/LD Modality) to join our team through the NHS England (NHSE) Children and Young People Psychological Training Programme.
This government-funded initiative supports the development of the child and adolescent mental health workforce to meet increasing demand for services. NHSE funds both the salary and training costs for this one-year, full-time training post, enabling services to expand specialist pathways and improve access to mental health support for children and young people.
This is a unique opportunity to combine academic learning with clinical practice. Through weekly teaching and supervision, you will develop specialist knowledge and skills while delivering evidence-based interventions that make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families.
The successful candidate will primarily be based within the East and Central Suffolk localities.
Main duties of the job
Course start date: 18th January 2027
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
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 Mariner House, Ipswich Suffolk 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
Some of the benefits you can expect:
- NHS pension
- a comprehensive in house & external training programmes
- career progression
- starting annual leave of 27 days per annum increasing to 33 days pa based on length of service (plus paid bank holidays)
- staff physio service
- NHS discounts and many more
Details
Date posted
27 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year pa/ pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
246-WSU8378615
Job locations
Ipswich
Ipswich
IP1 2GA
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
ASC (LD) Modality Training Programme
The Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or Learning Disabilities (LD) course provides specialist training for professionals working with children and young people (CYP) who are autistic and/or have a diagnosis of a learning disability.
The programme is designed to support practitioners working with children and young people aged under 18 years, including those who may present with co-occurring difficulties such as:
- Sleep problems
- School avoidance
- Epilepsy
- ADHD
- Other associated conditions
The course aims to develop participants' understanding, expertise, and practical skills to meet the needs of autistic children and young people and those with learning disabilities, as well as their families.
Trainees will focus on integrated models of therapy, including:
- Modified behavioural approaches
- Systemic approaches
- Adapted interventions for anxiety and depression
- Evidence-based strategies to support children, young people, families, carers, and education providers
- Environmental adaptations and evidence-based changes to enhance outcomes
The programme emphasises developing existing clinical skills and knowledge to support this population, enabling practitioners to work effectively across a range of settings and with multiple stakeholders.
Important note: This course is not solely focused on adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as adapted CBT alone is not currently considered the best evidence-based fit for all children and young people within this population. Instead, the training adopts an integrated approach that draws on a range of therapeutic models and interventions tailored to individual needs.
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.
As you also apply for a training course that is delivered by Anna Freud and UCL, your data may be shared with them for the purpose of processing your application (shortlisting) and enrolling you onto this Programme.
Job description
Job responsibilities
ASC (LD) Modality Training Programme
The Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or Learning Disabilities (LD) course provides specialist training for professionals working with children and young people (CYP) who are autistic and/or have a diagnosis of a learning disability.
The programme is designed to support practitioners working with children and young people aged under 18 years, including those who may present with co-occurring difficulties such as:
- Sleep problems
- School avoidance
- Epilepsy
- ADHD
- Other associated conditions
The course aims to develop participants' understanding, expertise, and practical skills to meet the needs of autistic children and young people and those with learning disabilities, as well as their families.
Trainees will focus on integrated models of therapy, including:
- Modified behavioural approaches
- Systemic approaches
- Adapted interventions for anxiety and depression
- Evidence-based strategies to support children, young people, families, carers, and education providers
- Environmental adaptations and evidence-based changes to enhance outcomes
The programme emphasises developing existing clinical skills and knowledge to support this population, enabling practitioners to work effectively across a range of settings and with multiple stakeholders.
Important note: This course is not solely focused on adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as adapted CBT alone is not currently considered the best evidence-based fit for all children and young people within this population. Instead, the training adopts an integrated approach that draws on a range of therapeutic models and interventions tailored to individual needs.
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.
As you also apply for a training course that is delivered by Anna Freud and UCL, your data may be shared with them for the purpose of processing your application (shortlisting) and enrolling you onto this Programme.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). Other academic qualifications of an equivalent standard can be taken into account
- A core mental health practitioner qualification or KSA route
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working in mental health services Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets
Desirable
- Experience in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
- Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other mental health problems
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). Other academic qualifications of an equivalent standard can be taken into account
- A core mental health practitioner qualification or KSA route
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working in mental health services Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets
Desirable
- Experience in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
- Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other mental health problems
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).
Additional information
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
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address
Ipswich
Ipswich
IP1 2GA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address
Ipswich
Ipswich
IP1 2GA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)