At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to support children with Autism and learning disabilities in a mental health setting.
- Company: The Children’s Society, dedicated to improving lives of young people for over 140 years.
- Benefits: 36 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, pension matching, and free counselling services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable qualifications and experience.
- Qualifications: A Level 5 or 6 qualification and two years' experience in child mental health settings.
Fixed Term Contract - Additional Funding
14 August 2026
Fixed Term for 12 months from January 2027 until January 2028
35 hours per week
£29,855 per annum
Benefits include but not limited to:
- 36 days’ annual leave, inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- We match up to 8% pension
- Free counselling service
- Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
- 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation
About us:
The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.
Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.
About the role:
We are currently looking for a practitioner to train for a qualification under the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Scheme in: The Psychological Therapies for Children and Young People with an Autism and/or Learning Disability curriculum. The Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma is a funded role as part of HEEs recruit to train practitioner funding and is open to staff with and without graduate level qualifications. It is intended for practitioners working specifically in the field of Autism and/or learning disabilities, as well as those in the broader CAMHS community who work with CYP with Learning Disability/Autism.
All applicants will need to demonstrate a basic level of clinical competence and experience of having worked with children and families within a mental health setting for two years.
Entry Requirements:
- ALevel 5 or 6 qualification. In some circumstances you may be eligible if you have a Level 4 qualification, in this case you would need to show substantial relevant work experience.
- No core profession is required, though training in a mental-health related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social-work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, other psychotherapy, counselling) would be beneficial.
- Two years’ experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health of children and young people or families, ideally including some experience of learning disabilities or ASD.
- Some experience of working with families.
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 14th August 2026.
Interviews: Date to be confirmed.
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.
In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any identifying details.
AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.
IAPT Trainee - LD/Autism (Torbay) employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have access to benefits such as a generous pension scheme, free counselling services, and opportunities to enhance your skills while working in a collaborative environment. Located in Washington, Tyne & Wear, this role offers flexibility and the chance to engage with your community, all while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IAPT Trainee - LD/Autism (Torbay)
✨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 The Children's Society, 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 IAPT Trainee - LD/Autism (Torbay) with The Children's Society!
We think you need these skills to ace IAPT Trainee - LD/Autism (Torbay)
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 The Children's Society 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 The Children's Society:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes The Children's Society 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 The Children's Society
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at The Children's Society, 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 The Children's Society.
