CYP-IAPT Training Position -external CBT

Overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 or Band 6 (dependent on experience) Mental Health Practitioner to undertake a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The successful applicants will work within Sefton CAMHS, Venus or Parenting 2000 as part of multi-disciplinary teams delivering, under supervision, high-quality, outcome-informed, focused and evidence-based interventions for children and young people in accordance with the competency framework for their therapeutic modality. Alder Hey Children\’s Hospital in partnership with Venus are excited to offer three CBT IAPT training places for 2025/2026. One post will be hosted by Sefton CAMHS, one with Venus and another with Parenting 2000, enabling clinicians to work with children in a variety of community settings with support from colleagues to identify young people with needs suitable to the academic programme requirements.

Interviews are scheduled for early October at short notice, and applicants need to be able to start the Post Graduate training programme with university taught and self-study days required by Manchester University from January 2026 onwards. Applications will be contacted via the email address used to apply, and all candidates will be notified via email whether or not they have been shortlisted.

Responsibilities and training

• Undertake a Post Graduate Diploma in CBT (Band 5 or Band 6 level depending on experience).
• Work within community and hospital-based services to deliver CBT-informed interventions for children and young people.
• Remain registered with a professional body or complete the accreditation process and maintain this with the relevant body for your therapeutic modality to progress to Band 6.
• Complete a local 4-week induction and work within a skills and competency framework to meet Band 6 requirements.
• Attend and engage with university-based taught days and self-study as part of the Manchester University programme.
• Return to the service after successful completion to deliver interventions aligned to your therapeutic modality alongside generic CYP MH work.
• Contribute to ongoing quality and service improvement and participate in safeguarding and welfare commitments for children and young people.

Qualifications and requirements

• For Band 6: be registered with a professional body or have undertaken the accreditation process and maintain this with the relevant body for your therapeutic modality.
• For Band 5: degree-level qualification and/or equivalent experience in a child and family-related field (e.g., social work, youth and community work, nursing). Evidence of CBT knowledge and practice will be required, including Clinical Practice, Supervision Received, Academic Knowledge and CBT models/texts that have influenced practice.
• Prior CBT experience and knowledge should be described in the application, including Clinical Practice, Supervision, and relevant texts.
• Core qualifications may include Mental Health Nurse (RMN/RLD), Mental Health Practitioner, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapy, Social Work or creative therapies (e.g., Art Therapy) with proof of professional registration; or a recognised degree-level qualification with BABCP Knowledge Skills and Attributes (2).
• Must declare whether artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in the application.

Service commitments and environment

Alder Hey Children\’s NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We promote equality and diversity and operate a Zero Tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. The Trust has a presence in community outreach sites and inpatient care for children with complex mental health needs.

We actively promote equality and diversity and operate a Zero Tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. We are committed to creating a well-managed, flexible working environment that supports staff and promotes welfare and development. The Trust provides an extensive benefits package including flexible working opportunities, lease car scheme, home electronics scheme, generous annual leave and pension, and staff health and well-being programmes.

How to apply and contact

Should you require assistance during the application stages please contact the recruiting manager or the recruitment team at the contact details provided, or call 0151 282 4599. Please declare within the supporting information if AI has been used in your application. Selection processes are in place to recruit candidates with the right skills and values; note that use of AI in applications is monitored.