At a Glance
- Tasks: Apply your learning in practical clinical interventions for children and young people.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Springfield Hospital and Anna Freud Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Receive a UCL Postgraduate Diploma upon completion of the training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 47730 - 47730 £ per year.
About Us
Would you like the opportunity to apply your learning from weekly teaching into practical clinical interventions while working with clients and making a direct impact on the lives of children, young people and their families? Our service has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Therapy Trainee (ASC / LD) to join us as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes in partnership with UCL / Anna Freud. This government-funded initiative promotes the growth of the child mental health workforce to meet much needed demand.
About the role
As part of the Family Consultation Service, you will be based within ACCESS Child & Youth Mental Health Team. ACCESS is an innovative service, developed as a partnership between the Local Authority and SW London & St George's NHS Trust. The service provides initial assessments and Tier 2 interventions to children, young people and families with a range of moderate to severe mental health presentations in 4.5 - 18-year-olds. You 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 your studies and use your newly developed skills.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic clinical practitioner to work and train within our service. The training post will equip you to provide interventions for children, young people and families using evidence-based interventions consistent with the ASC / LD course you are attending. You will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages and developmental needs, using interpreters when necessary and will be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Please refer to the University acceptance criteria included in the attached University Recruitment Information document.
Training Information
This full‑time training will begin on Monday 18th January 2027 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 parents / carers) related to training assignments. You 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. You will be based at Springfield Hospital (SW17 0YF) and will be expected to travel to Anna Freud in Central London (Rodney Street, 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.
Contact Privacy Notice: Please be aware the information on your application form (name and contact details, qualifications and prior relevant experience) will be shared with the UCL / Anna Freud staff team as part of the recruitment process. By submitting your application to this role, you are agreeing to your details being shared with Anna Freud.
Closing Date: 8 November 2026
Shortlisting Date: 11 November 2026
Interview Date: 23 November 2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Clinical Practitioner (CYP Mental Health) - (CYP-PT Trainee ASC/LDD modality) in London employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Occupational Therapists, offering extensive benefits such as 40 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a generous pension plan. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the councils encourage innovation and provide opportunities for leadership within a culture that values diversity and promotes positive outcomes for residents. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also supports your professional journey in a collaborative setting.
Contact Details:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Practitioner (CYP Mental Health) - (CYP-PT Trainee ASC/LDD modality) in London
✨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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, 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 Clinical Practitioner (CYP Mental Health) - (CYP-PT Trainee ASC/LDD modality) with Richmond and Wandsworth Councils!
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Practitioner (CYP Mental Health) - (CYP-PT Trainee ASC/LDD modality) in London
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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Richmond and Wandsworth Councils 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, 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 Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
