Trainee ASC

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our CAMHS teams as a Recruit to Train Trainee (Trainee Autism Spectrum Conditions / Learning Disabilities Practitioner), as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Recruit to Train Programme in partnership with Anna Freud, University College London, and Kings College London.

We are recruiting three trainings across West London CAMHS (2 in Ealing, 1 in Hammersmith & Fulham). The post-holders will be training on the Children & Young People Mental Health Therapy Course and carrying out clinical work in our service to complement their studies and use their newly developed skills. We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic mental health practitioners to work and train within our service.

This is a training position and so all candidates will usually need to apply for both the trainee role with our organisation and the UCL Post Graduate Diploma in Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy in order to be shortlisted. However, there is currently a delay in the opening of the university portal. Please go ahead and apply for the vacancy. Candidates will be informed once the university portal is open.

We will be holding live information sessions (6th September and 10th September) to help people better understand the ASCLD trainee role, and to familiarise themselves with how they fit into teams . Please see the candidate pack for links to attend these sessions.

Main duties of the job

You will offer a high-quality service to young people, families / carers, alongside working effectively with your colleagues and liaising with other professionals in the network. CYP-IAPT training will enable you to deliver - under intensive supervision - high quality, focused evidence-based therapeutic interventions for children and young people with Autism and / or a Learning Disability experiencing moderate mental health difficulties ( low mood and anxiety). This in turn will equip those in post to operate effectively in an inclusive, value driven mental health service. The roles will be exciting and varied, including individual and group working in a CAMHS setting, enabling the post holders to develop a range of skills and experience whilst studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Child & Young Person IAPT Therapy (Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities; PGDip). The post provides excellent opportunities for professional development and regular supervision.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached

The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

The link below will also provide useful information.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services staff share their stories of working for the NHS. (

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

Qualifications that demonstrate a capacity to complete academic work at postgraduate diploma level Minimum second-class Bachelor's Degree or equivalent standard in a relevant subject ( 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

A training in a mental-health related profession (, psychology, nursing, health visiting; social-work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, other psychotherapy, counselling).

Previous Experience

Essential

At least two years' experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health of children and young people or families ( as a mental health worker). Basic level of clinical competence and experience (at least one year) of having worked with Autistic Individuals or those with a Learning Disability. Experience of assessing and managing risk and safeguarding issues

Desirable

Experience of working as part of the multi-disciplinary team with children and young people with ASC and/or LD and their families. Experience of monitoring and recording outcome measures for children's emotional wellbeing. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds Experience of multi-agency and/or multi-disciplinary working and liaising across internal & external agencies.

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of the key features and symptoms associated with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities Knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges for Autistic/LD children and young people and their families Awareness and understanding of the significantly increased risk of co-morbid mental health challenges and other neuro-developmental challenges within the Autistic population Demonstrates awareness of the significantly increased risk of co-morbid mental health and other neuro-developmental problems in this population. Knowledge and understanding of importance to modify, adapt methods of communication and intervention for this population. Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to risk and safeguarding children and young people. Be committed to anti discriminatory/ anti oppressive practice and equal opportunity.

Desirable

Demonstrates an appreciation of the MDT approach and involving other agencies, such as education and social care in order to ensure that the needs of children and young people with ASC and/or LD are well understood and effectively met.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Ability to be flexible and creative in facilitating engagement with children and young people with ASC and/or LD and their families. Ability to adapt methods of communication and intervention for the varying needs and levels of the children and young people's Autistic and/or LD population; Ability to maintain a reflective stance in emotive/challenging interactions with children and their families. Ability to be an autonomous practitioner whilst being able to work as an integral part of a multi-agency locality team. Ability to adapt communication style according to the varying needs and levels of comprehension of children and young people with ASC and/or LD. Ability to work in a collaborative and respectful manner with children, young people and their families. Ability to reflect on own practice (in clinical supervision and practice tutor groups with course peers) Ability to follow local policy and procedures and make proposals for change. Ability to maintain accurate clinical records. Ability to carry out 1:1 therapeutic mental health interventions with children and families. Ability to conduct mental health assessments of children and young people. Ability to make an assessment of risk and to record and communicate it appropriately Ability take appropriate action to mitigate or manage risk Ability to complete academic work at postgraduate level and balance the academic demands of the course with clinical placement demands Demonstrates adaptability and able to work with diverse communities

Desirable

Ability to adopt a multi-agency working, especially in relation to complex cases with multiple needs, where a more systemic approach is required. Understanding of evidence-based clinical practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences good clinical practice.

Specific Attributes

Essential

Full, enhanced and current satisfactory DBS disclosure for the role. Ability to personally manage a sensitive, and potentially emotionally distressing caseload. Excellent oral and written communication skills. IT/Computer literate

Desirable

Proven commitment to continuous professional development.

Personal qualities

Essential

Self-motivated. Able to travel to meet the requirements of the post. Team player. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Able to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for any illness or disability.

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