At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's mental health through evidence-based interventions and meaningful conversations.
- Company: Join Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, rated ‘outstanding’ for care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong values and commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology or relevant field; experience with children is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28392 - 31157 £ per year.
Salary: £28,392 - £31,157 per annum
Hours: Full-time
Job type: Contract
Location: Reading, RG6 6BZ
Posting date: 19 Aug 2026
Closing date: 18 Sept 2026
We are looking to recruit to 12 training posts; based across the Getting Help East & West Service, Neurodiversity Team (Autism Assessment Team) and (AnDy) Anxiety and Depression in Young People Research Clinic.
Locations: Reading, Bracknell, Slough, Maidenhead, Wokingham, Thatcham
The Getting Help Teams deliver Initial Assessments, Evidence-based psychological interventions for children and young people presenting with anxiety, depression, and some behavioural difficulties including neurodivergence. This community-based service works closely with partner agencies in the community including both statutory and charity organisations to support children, young people, and their families.
Candidates will need to be ready to start academic training in February 2027 at the University of Reading (UoR). Interviews will be held jointly with the UoR and successful candidates will be required to complete the application form for a place on the Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma in Brief Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for CYP with Common Mental Health Problems course. All successful candidates will be committed to a learning agreement.
The role of the trainee Children’s Wellbeing practitioners is to provide brief evidence-based and CBT informed interventions for children and young people who are presenting with mild‑moderate anxiety, low mood, and behavioural difficulties in the community or those waiting for an autism assessment or who have already received a diagnosis of Autism.
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
The “must haves” for this role:
- A degree in Psychology minimum or other relevant subject (minimum at 2:2)
- Experience of working with children and exposure to holding meaningful conversations with emotional connections at their level.
- Some experience of working within a children’s mental health setting, children care setting, local authority children care services or school pastoral care
- Strong communication, IT & organisational skills
- Graduate route (level 6): Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e., previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree – level 6)
- Postgraduate route (level 7): Hons Degree graded at 2.2 or above
If you have previously applied for a similar post in Berkshire and were not shortlisted, please do not re‑apply. For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role.
We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call: Yani Chocalingum (Team Lead, CAMHS GHT/MHST Team) on 07780673550 or email: yani.chocalingum@berkshire.nhs.uk who’ll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
This advert closes on Sunday 30 Aug 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Reading employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Reading
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Allscreens Nationwide Ltd unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
