CYP-PT (ASC/LD Modality) Trainee (MHST)

Purpose of the Job HFEH Mind is recruiting Trainee CYP-PT Therapy practitioners for the Autism Spectrum Condition & Learning Disabilities (ASC/LD) modality for the January 2026 intake at University College London. These posts are trainee roles in which postholders are employed by HFEH Mind and concurrently enrolled as students on the UCL/Anna Freud PG Diploma in CYP-PT: Therapy. Trainees are employees of HFEH Mind, and will undertake workplace placement duties under supervision while completing the academic and practice requirements of the postgraduate diploma. The role combines practical, placement-based clinical work with academic study and requires the ability to balance these demands.

Course start date: 19th January 2026 Training Information This full-time training will begin in January 2026 with around 2.5 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. Please view the attached document UCL CYP PT Therapy - Application Guidance for Candidates August 2025 for the university application link and more information on how to apply.

If you have any questions regarding the UCL application, please contact UCL directly. Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for the role, and address how you meet these criteria in your application. Please be aware the information on your application form (name and contact details, qualifications and prior relevant experience) will be shared with the UCL/Anna Freud staff team as part of the recruitment process. By submitting your application to this role, you are agreeing to your details being shared with UCL/Anna Freud.

Main Duties of the Job Under supervision and with support, to develop knowledge and practice skills in the ASC/LD modality and to: Deliver evidence-based, outcome-focused low-intensity and structured interventions under clinical supervision to children and young people in educational and community settings as part of the MHST/CYP service. Support children and young people with ASC/LD and their families through adapted communication and intervention approaches appropriate to needs and developmental level. Work with education staff and families to support access to services, signpost to more specialist care where required, and collaborate in multi-agency planning. Undertake assessment and formulation under supervision and follow local referral and risk management protocols; raise safeguarding concerns promptly and in line with service procedures.

Maintain accurate clinical, training and academic records in line with service and university requirements; collect and use outcome data to inform practice and reflective learning. Participate fully in the UCL PG Diploma academic programme (attendance, private study, assignments, practice-based assessments) and apply learning to placement work. Attend and engage in practice tutoring, clinical supervision and personal/professional development supervision; present case material as required by supervisory arrangements. Manage a caseload, demonstrating safe practice and escalating issues promptly.

Contribute to the development of clinical and training materials within the trainees competence and under supervision. Participate in service and course evaluation activities and disseminate learning from service evaluation or small-scale projects where required. Training & supervision Attend and fulfil all academic and practice requirements of the UCL PG Diploma for CYP-PT Therapy, including practical and academic assessments and assignments. Undertake private study (minimum expectation as set by the course) in addition to placement duties.

Engage actively with practice tutors and clinical supervisors to evidence competence development. Respond to supervisory feedback and demonstrate improvements in practice. Participate in regular appraisal and ongoing professional development activities. Professional Maintain the standards of professional practice required by HFEH Mind, the employing service and the Higher Education Institution.

Keep confidentiality of service users at all times and adhere to data protection and information governance rules. Ensure any risks to safety and wellbeing encountered during placement are communicated to supervisors and managed in line with policy. Maintain up-to-date CPD and training records in line with course and employer requirements. Meet the physical and professional requirements of the course and role (reasonable adjustments will be considered).

Person Specification Minimum of a second-class bachelors degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject (e.g. Psychology, Education, Childhood Development, Social Work, Speech & Language, Nursing), OR equivalent professional experience considered on a case-by-case basis. Minimum 2 years experience working with children and young people (in mental health, education, youth work or related settings). At least 1 years direct clinical experience working children/young people with autism and/or those with Learning Disabilities.

Knowledge and understanding of the core features associated with Autism Spectrum Condition and Learning Disabilities and the typical associated support needs. Awareness of safeguarding children and vulnerable young people and experience of raising and managing concerns via appropriate channels. Ability to manage sensitive and potentially emotionally distressing caseload material with professionalism and reflective capacity. Demonstrable ability to study at postgraduate level and to manage academic demands alongside placement duties.

Good time management, organisational skills and the ability to meet course and placement deadlines. Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to produce clear records and reports. IT literate (MS Office, email, record systems) and able to keep accurate case and training records. Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team; adaptable and culturally sensitive.

A commitment to EDI, and to working as part of a service that seeks to address health inequity Willingness and ability to travel across service bases and to attend university sessions and required training events. Desirable Previous training or professional experience in mental-health related professions (e.g. counselling, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, speech & language therapy, special educational needs teaching). Experience of multi-agency working, including education and social care.

Experience of using outcome measures and contributing to service evaluation. HFEH Mind is an equal opportunities employer and proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds. HFEH Mind is committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices ensure a consistent and thorough process of obtaining and evaluating information to confirm suitability to work with children and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.