CYP-PT CAMHS Practitioner Trainee (formally RtT): ASC/LD Modality

Job SummaryOur service has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy Trainee (ASC/LD) to join our team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes.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 1-year 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.Please note you need to complete 2 applications one for the CAMHS roles and the other for the University Course.Main duties of the jobPlease refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.Our service has an exciting opportunity to join the NDT CAMHS teams as a Recruit to Train Trainee, part of the National Health Service England (NHSE) funded Recruit to Train Programme in partnership with the Anna Freud Centre and University College London. The post-holders will be training on the Children & Young People Mental Health (CYP-MH) ASC/LD modality 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. The training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people or families using evidence-based interventions consistent with the course they are attending. The post holders will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages and developmental needs, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.About UsEast London NHS Foundation Trust - This is an exciting time for ELFT. Our vision is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations. We want to improve the health of the populations we serve, improve their experience of care, improve staff experience and improve value. Working with our communities and partners is to key to achieving this.DetailsDate posted20 October 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 6Salary£38,682 to £46,580 a year paContractFixed termDuration12 monthsWorking patternFull-timeReference number363-SSLB7538168Job locationsLuton Specialist CAMHSAlma StreetLutonLU1 2PJJob DescriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease also refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.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 page below - Applying to the Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Young Persons Psychological Trainings: Therapy - UCL & Anna Freud for the university application link and more information on how to apply.Direct UCL application link: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzu…Application guidance document for candidates: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bbinRzAlIfH8SKe3t18I2m14L7sli5…For more information about the course and minimum entry criteria, please see the course page and brochures: https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-progr…Information About The ServiceThe successful candidates would join our thriving and innovative multi-disciplinary service. Luton specialist NDT CAMHS which is a multi-disciplinary team delivering a wide range of mental health assessments and therapeutic interventions to children, young people between the ages of 0-18 with neurodevelopmental needs and their familiesLuton is fast growing hubs and multi-ethnic communities with excellent rail links to London. The Trust has an arrangement for 50% discount on season ticket fares with Thameslink, the rail provider, for its staff.South Bedfordshire and Luton Specialist CAMHS are part of ELFT (East London Foundation Trust), which also provides CAMHS services in East London. They are well-established multidisciplinary services that provide a comprehensive stepped model of care for children, young people and their families in the locality. CAMH Access Services provide a first step level of early intervention (mild to moderate) mental health care through GP practices, schools, provisions and Early Help services. For our second level of care we provide four discrete pathways (for moderate to severe mental health): emotional & behavioural difficulties in childhood and adolescence (EBT), adolescent complex and crisis care (AMHT), neurodevelopmental child & adolescent care (NDT), and our county wide eating disorders care (CEDS). We also have a well-established Crisis and Home Treatment Team service providing care for those children and young-people presenting with high levels of need and risk.Please note: The position will be based at Luton and South Bedfordshire CAMHS at Charter House , Alma Street , Luton, LU1 2PJ and a successful candidate 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 see the page below.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.This role will be best suited for applicants that are able to balance a very busy work and study schedule. You will be an employee at the service but also enrolled on a Postgraduate Diploma course. As this is a Postgraduate level training, you will be required to study and perform at academic level. Applicants must be prepared to work towards their studies outside of protected study time (such as on weekends and after work). Protected study time or teaching days are typically two days a week during term (with possibility of extra university days near start) and will be a mixture of in person and online sessions. Applicants must be willing to travel into London to attend their lectures.This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic practitioner who is keen to develop further experience, training and knowledge of delivering evidence-based interventions to children and their carers/families. The successful candidate will work in one of our core specialist CAMHS pathways providing interventions for a range of moderate to severe mental health problems under supervision from a senior colleague.Responsibilities will include direct clinical work and management of complex and sometimes high risk cases with support of your line manager and clinical supervisor. You will be a member of the MDT and involved in multi-disciplinary meetings and broader service developments. You will be expected to liaise with other agencies involved in the care of the children and young people on your caseload, including schools, social care or other community agencies.This is a fixed term post with this training year funded by NHSE. After successful completion of the course the fixed term training contract will end and were available applicants would be encouraged to apply for any vacant posts within the service.Please review the additional documents for more information on the role, person specification other employment documents. Course start date: 19th January 2026For Further Information Regarding This Post, Please Contact:Dr Ellen Mackey, Principal Clinical Psychologist , Neuro-developmental Team (NDT) CAMHS, Ellen.Mackey1@nhs.netNatalie Chakaduka, Operational Lead, Neuro-developmental Team (NDT) CAMHS, natalie.chakaduka@nhs.netTelephone number: 01525 638614 or 01525 638613.We are expecting a high number of applicants for this post, so please apply early. We will need to close the advert before the official closing date, if we have reached our agreed maximum number of applicants. 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 DescriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease also refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.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 page below - Applying to the Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Young Persons Psychological Trainings: Therapy - UCL & Anna Freud for the university application link and more information on how to apply.Direct UCL application link: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzu…Application guidance document for candidates: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bbinRzAlIfH8SKe3t18I2m14L7sli5…For more information about the course and minimum entry criteria, please see the course page and brochures: https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-progr…For Further Information Regarding This Post, Please Contact:Dr Ellen Mackey, Principal Clinical Psychologist , Neuro-developmental Team (NDT) CAMHS, Ellen.Mackey1@nhs.netNatalie Chakaduka, Operational Lead, Neuro-developmental Team (NDT) CAMHS, natalie.chakaduka@nhs.netTelephone number: 01525 638614 or 01525 638613.We are expecting a high number of applicants for this post, so please apply early. We will need to close the advert before the official closing date, if we have reached our agreed maximum number of applicants. 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 SpecificationEducational/QualificationEssentialDegree in a mental-health, health or social care related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social-work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy) & CYP IAPT ASD/LD TrainingDesirableKnowledge of adapted CBT principles and PBS orientated approachesExperienceEssentialExperience of having worked with children/ adolescents with neuro-developmental disorders and comorbid mental health difficulties for at least two yearsExperience of working in a multi-disciplinary teamExperience in assessments (i.e. use of screening tools, or school observations) of children/ adolescents with suspected ASDDesirableExperience in delivering adapted CBT for ASD and comorbid anxiety/depressionExperience in delivering interventions informed by PBS principlesWork in a multi-cultural setting, including working with interpretersKnowledge and SkillsEssentialKnowledge of features/ symptoms of ASD/LD, aetiology, comorbidities, and challenges associated with ASD/LDKnowledge and understanding of NICE GuidelinesUnderstanding of issues related to post-diagnosisAbility to work effectively as part of a teamKnowledge and understanding of importance to modify, adapt methods of communication and intervention for this populationAbility to be flexible and creative in facilitating engagement with children/ adolescents with ASD and/or LD and their familiesAbility to maintain a reflective stance in emotive/challenging interactions with children and their carersAble to plan, organise and prioritise own workloadAble to record and report on clinical information as requiredHighly competent in use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SPSSGood research and statistical skills, including ability to access and search evidence based resourcesAware of the potential impact of discrimination & disadvantage on mental healthAble to be flexible and adapt approach according to needAble to work independently and to seek support as appropriateAble to use supervision well to improve outputDesirableUnderstanding of the range of factors that can impact on emotional well-being of children and young people with ASD and/or LD and their familiesExperience in working with other agencies with this populationAbility to maintain an observational stance, particularly in relation to children and young people with ASD and/or LD who do not express themselves verballyHaving experience of contributing to assessment reports for children with ASD/LD in a mental health settinHaving experience of using outcome measures and producing reportsPersonalEssentialAbility to engage with young people individually and in groupsAble to contain and work with organisational stress and able to hold the stress of othersAble to sit in constrained positions for a substantial proportion of working timeAble to concentrate intensely for a substantial proportion of working time, during client contact, teaching sessions, team meetings, preparing written work etc.Able to effectively manage exposure to distressing/highly emotional circumstancesRespectful approach to service users, families, carers, colleagues and other professionals. Willing to negotiate and can handle confrontation effectively and professionallyPerson SpecificationEducational/QualificationEssentialAbility to engage with young people individually and in groupsAble to contain and work with organisational stress and able to hold the stress of othersAble to sit in constrained positions for a substantial proportion of working timeAble to concentrate intensely for a substantial proportion of working time, during client contact, teaching sessions, team meetings, preparing written work etc.Able to effectively manage exposure to distressing/highly emotional circumstancesRespectful approach to service users, families, carers, colleagues and other professionals. Willing to negotiate and can handle confrontation effectively and professionallyDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplic