At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with ASD/LD through evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Company: Join South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Exciting training programme with UCL/Anna Freud starting January 2027.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health and commitment to evidence-based practice.
The predicted salary is between 47951 - 56863 £ per year.
Company: South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
Salary: £47,951 - £56,863 per annum inclusive of Inner London HCAs
A Vacancy at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. Our service has an exciting opportunity for a CYP Psychological Trainings: Therapy Trainee ASD/LD to join our team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes.
The post holder will work directly with young people admitted to the inpatient ward who also have a diagnosis of ASD and/or LD. They will support the development of positive behaviour support plans, communication plans as well as providing other relevant work under supervision to meet the therapeutic needs of the young people with ASD/LD. The post holder will have an opportunity to work in a creative, adapted and evidence-based way with support from a multi-disciplinary team.
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 one-year full-time 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.
Training Information
This full-time training will begin in January 2027 with around 2-3 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.
Unless expressly stated in the job advert this role is not subject to sponsorship, please be advised that all offers of employment are subject to evidence of right to work in the UK.
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ - we aspire to be ‘outstanding’. This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together.
We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti-racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
This is an NHSE funded training post as part of the Child and Young People’s (CYP) Psychological Trainings which involves part-time working as a Practitioner in Aquarius Adolescent Unit and part-time studying with UCL/Anna Freud undertaking a programme of training in Psychological therapies ASD/LD.
This intensive training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people or families using the core principles of the CYP Psychological Training Programme and consistent with the evidence base in the area of ASD and LD. The post-holder will work in the service, for at least 2.5 days of the week using the newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme or undertaking self-study days for the remaining days, as required by the education provider.
The post holder will hold an appropriate training case load and complete the necessary assignments to meet the course requirements.
Course start date: 18th January 2027
Please note: The position will be based at Aquarius Ward, Springfield University Hospital but successful candidates will be expected to travel to Anna Freud in Central London (Rodney St, N1 9JH) for teaching during the training year.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are enthusiastic about making a difference to children and young people’s 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.
Please review the additional documents for more information on the role, person specification and other employment documents.
This advert closes on Monday 12 Oct 2026.
Child and Young People’s Therapy Trainee Practitioner ASD/LD in London employer: South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
As a Consultant Psychiatrist at our Twickenham Integrated Recovery Hub, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to providing innovative mental health care in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our Trust is renowned for its commitment to employee development, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning, all while maintaining a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Located in the vibrant borough of Richmond, you will benefit from a dynamic work culture that values your expertise and encourages creative approaches to patient care.
Contact Details:
South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child and Young People’s Therapy Trainee Practitioner ASD/LD 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust, 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 Child and Young People’s Therapy Trainee Practitioner ASD/LD with South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust!
We think you need these skills to ace Child and Young People’s Therapy Trainee Practitioner ASD/LD 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust, 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 South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust.
