At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health challenges as a Trainee CBT Therapist.
- Company: Join WithYou, a compassionate organisation dedicated to improving mental health for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a £500 referral bonus.
- Other info: Home-based role with training at the University of Exeter; apply early as positions may close quickly.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people and a relevant Level 3 qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
All applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.
WithYou in BCP has an exciting opportunity for a Recruit to Train Trainee CBT Therapist to join our YP team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes (formerly CYP-IAPT). Are you passionate about supporting children and young people facing challenges with their mental health, drug or alcohol use? If you are enthusiastic, caring and eager to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
WithYou provides free and confidential support to more than 100,000 people every year. This role may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Recruit to Train is a government-funded initiative aiming to grow the child mental health workforce to meet much needed demand. To help reach this goal, NHSE covers salary and training costs for a 1-year post, allowing services to employ trainees to aid in implementing new or expanding existing 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.
Please note: The position will be predominantly home-based with occasional travel to our Bournemouth office required. Successful candidates will be expected to travel to the University of Exeter on a weekly basis, for teaching during the training year. This full-time training will begin in 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 related to training assignments. Trainees will be both an employee of the service and an enrolled student with the University of Exeter. Upon completion, qualified trainees will receive a University of Exeter Postgraduate Diploma.
This is a dual application process. In addition to applying for this position with us, you must also complete a University of Exeter application for the Course Team to review. The Course Team will liaise with us on whether you meet the academic requirements for the course during the recruitment process. You will only be offered a University of Exeter training place if you are successful in securing this post and you meet the university training requirements (such as academic background, relevant experience, visa approval).
What are we looking for? We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are enthusiastic about making a difference to children’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.
Essential Skills: We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual who is eager to start a career in therapeutic support for children and young people. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build trust and rapport with young people, and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development. To be successful in this role, you will:
- Have some experience of working or volunteering with children, young people or families (this could be in a paid or voluntary capacity)
- Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification (e.g. Health and Social Care, Childcare, Youth Work) or be willing to work towards this within 12 months
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required
- Demonstrate resilience, empathy and a non-judgemental approach
- Be organised and able to manage your time and workload effectively
- Be comfortable using IT and digital systems for record keeping
- Be willing to undertake further training and supervision as part of your development
- Be flexible with working hours to meet the needs of young people and the service
- Be willing to support other WithYou locations if needed
- If successful, provide three years' worth of references and, where applicable, undergo an enhanced DBS check
As an organisation, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our staff. We know that representing the communities we serve is key to us meeting our vision of a future where everyone lives a life free from the harm associated with drugs and alcohol. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team, including people with lived experience, people with disabilities, people from racialised communities, LGBTQ+ people, people of all ages and armed forces veterans.
As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates that are veterans and meet all the essential criteria for a role. With You is also a Disability Confident Employer and we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with a disability and meet all the essential criteria for a role. If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we’ll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion of your choice
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- 2 days paid volunteer leave per year
- Auto-enrollment into We Are With You’s pension scheme
- Access to a Blue Light Card - giving you great savings on big high-street and online brands
- Flexible working opportunities and access to a range of services and resources to support you with your wellbeing
- We have an excellent Refer a Friend scheme which offers you a £500 bonus for any recommendations, any role!
Children and Young Persons' Trainee Therapist, Bournemouth employer: WithYou
WithYou in Preston is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community by providing vital support for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering employees opportunities for professional development and training in a supportive environment. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and prioritises employee well-being while making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children and Young Persons' Trainee Therapist, Bournemouth
✨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 WithYou, 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 Children and Young Persons' Trainee Therapist, Bournemouth with WithYou!
We think you need these skills to ace Children and Young Persons' Trainee Therapist, Bournemouth
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 WithYou 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 WithYou:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes WithYou 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 WithYou
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at WithYou, 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 WithYou.
