Job summary
Child and Young People's Mental Health Practitioner Therapy Trainee- Autism Spectrum Condition or Learning Difficulties (ASC/LD)
This is a 1-year fixed term contract. The successful candidate must be able to start the post on 12th January 2026.
Step2 is an Early Intervention Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service working towards improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people in Hertfordshire.
We have 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.
Main duties of the job
Training Information
Course start date: 19th January 2026.
The post holder will be expected to have 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.
Please note: The position will be based at Starfish House, 3 North Road, Stevenage, SG1 4AT/Step2 Early Intervention CAMHS, with travel across the county of Hertfordshire. Successful candidates will also 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/
For details of the role please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification document.
About us
Working for organisation section:
We offer our staff a number of great benefits, wellbeing initiatives and lifestyle savings which can be easily accessed via our benefits and wellbeing portal.
For more detail, please read our 'HCT Benefits' document which is attached to our vacancy adverts.
The Trust is committed to gold standard recruitment. In support of this, please read our 'Supplementary Information' document which is attached to our vacancy adverts
Job description
Job responsibilities
Application Process
This is a dual application process. In addition to applying for this position with Step2, 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.
For further information on how to apply, review the attached document UCL CYP PT Therapy - Application Guidance for Candidates for the university application link and more information on how to apply.
Also review the additional documents for more information on the role, person specification and working for Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Candidates must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
PRIVACY NOTICE: 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.
Candidates who have not applied to the university by the closing date of this advert will not be eligible for offer of an interview.
Direct UCL application link:https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzuG1h9udTFM8i9sPhtGiUgIR6D6iP0QBDHq24aUE7Anl4FtDGBDmc3LlBtzaVi6cWmaNYWo=
Candidates are advised to avoid use of ChatGPT or similar AI support when completing your application.
This vacancy may close early if we received a high volume of applications.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Application Process
This is a dual application process. In addition to applying for this position with Step2, 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.
For further information on how to apply, review the attached document UCL CYP PT Therapy - Application Guidance for Candidates for the university application link and more information on how to apply.
Also review the additional documents for more information on the role, person specification and working for Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Candidates must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
PRIVACY NOTICE: 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.
Candidates who have not applied to the university by the closing date of this advert will not be eligible for offer of an interview.
Direct UCL application link:https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzuG1h9udTFM8i9sPhtGiUgIR6D6iP0QBDHq24aUE7Anl4FtDGBDmc3LlBtzaVi6cWmaNYWo=
Candidates are advised to avoid use of ChatGPT or similar AI support when completing your application.
This vacancy may close early if we received a high volume of applications.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- 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)
- Ability to study and complete academic work at postgraduate study level
- Proven record of previous academic attainment
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
- Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the MDT approach and collaborative working with other agencies to ensure the needs of Autistic/LD children and young people are understood and effectively met (i.e. education and social care agencies)
- Knowledge of legislation and policy and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management in relation to the client group and mental health
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
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to have a flexible and creative approach to facilitating engagement with Autistic and/or LD children and young people
- 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 carers.
- Ability to personally manage sensitive and potentially emotionally distressing caseload material.
- Proficient IT skills with the ability to learn the electronic patient record system and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work in isolation, manage own caseload be flexible and respond to rapid changes and maintain intense concertation on a frequent basis.
- Ability to follow policy and clinical governance procedures.
- Able to accommodate travel demands associated with the role.
Desirable
- Ability to adopt multi-agency working, especially in relation to complex cases with multiple needs, where a more systemic approach is required.
- Ability to advocate for the needs of children and young people with Autism and/or LD and their families.
- Ability to maintain an observational stance, particularly in relation to children and young people with Autism and/or LD who do not express themselves verbally.
- Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practice.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Willingness to uphold the Trust's values
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
- Hold a full, valid, UK driving license and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
- Motivated to learn and be challenged
- Capacity to work well in teams
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- 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)
- Ability to study and complete academic work at postgraduate study level
- Proven record of previous academic attainment
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
- Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the MDT approach and collaborative working with other agencies to ensure the needs of Autistic/LD children and young people are understood and effectively met (i.e. education and social care agencies)
- Knowledge of legislation and policy and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management in relation to the client group and mental health
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
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to have a flexible and creative approach to facilitating engagement with Autistic and/or LD children and young people
- 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 carers.
- Ability to personally manage sensitive and potentially emotionally distressing caseload material.
- Proficient IT skills with the ability to learn the electronic patient record system and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work in isolation, manage own caseload be flexible and respond to rapid changes and maintain intense concertation on a frequent basis.
- Ability to follow policy and clinical governance procedures.
- Able to accommodate travel demands associated with the role.
Desirable
- Ability to adopt multi-agency working, especially in relation to complex cases with multiple needs, where a more systemic approach is required.
- Ability to advocate for the needs of children and young people with Autism and/or LD and their families.
- Ability to maintain an observational stance, particularly in relation to children and young people with Autism and/or LD who do not express themselves verbally.
- Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practice.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Willingness to uphold the Trust's values
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
- Hold a full, valid, UK driving license and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
- Motivated to learn and be challenged
- Capacity to work well in teams
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.
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).
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.
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).
