CYP-IAPT Trainee: Learning Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder

As a CYP-IAPT LD/ASD Trainee, you will undertake specialist training and develop the knowledge and skills required to assess and support children and young people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and co-occurring mental health difficulties. You will:

• Attend and successfully complete the CYP-IAPT LD/ASD training programme delivered by the University of Exeter.
• Apply learning from the programme directly into clinical practice.
• Assess children and young people for suitability for evidence-based interventions adapted for neurodivergent individuals.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions under supervision to children, young people and families experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties.
• Work collaboratively with families, carers, schools and partner agencies to support positive outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary discussions, formulation and care planning.
• Maintain accurate clinical records, outcome measures and service data in line with Trust requirements.
• Participate in regular clinical, managerial and course-related supervision.
• Contribute to service development and support the ongoing transformation of CYPMH Dorset as services develop within the i-Thrive model.
The successful applicant will join a supportive multidisciplinary team, access high-quality CPD opportunities and play an active role in shaping the future of children's mental health services across Dorset.

Do you have a passion for child development and neurodevelopment? We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated clinicians to join Dorset Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMH) as CYP-IAPT Learning Disability and Autism (LD/ASD) Trainees. This exciting opportunity is part of the national Recruit to Train programme and combines a fully funded 12-month CYP-IAPT Diploma at the University of Exeter with a supervised clinical placement within our CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consultation Team. Trainees will develop specialist skills in delivering evidence-based interventions for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities. The role is ideal for experienced clinicians looking to develop a specialist interest in neurodevelopment. Applicants should hold a relevant professional qualification and registration, or be able to demonstrate equivalent BABCP Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes requirements. Trainees will spend three days per week in clinical practice and two days undertaking university study. The course begins in January 2027, and successful applicants must be able to enrol by 1 December 2026. This is a pan-Dorset role, requiring travel across the county and to the University of Exeter. Access to a vehicle and the ability to travel for Trust business are therefore essential.

The Children's Mental Health network is made up of a wide range of services, to include Core CAMHs, ID-CAMHs, Looked After Children, Forensic CAMHs and the Mental Health Support Teams in Schools. At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.