The Early Years Alliance has an exciting opportunity for a Recruit to Train Therapy Trainee (Parenting)
to join our team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes (formerly CYP-IAPT).
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.
You will be working as part of a CYP-MH Parenting Team based in Lewisham, South London,working with children and young people with suspected or diagnosed ADHD, ASC, ODD and Conduct Disorder for part of each week, but successful candidates will be expected to travel to Denmark Hill Campus of King’s College London for weekly teaching during the training year.
More information about the course content and the different modalities can be found on the King’s CYP webpage: https://www.kings-cyp.com/page/recruit-to-train
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 Guidelines recommended treatment.
You are required to have qualifications that demonstrate a capacity to complete academic work at postgraduate diploma level., and as a minimum a second-class Bachelor’s Degree from a UK University or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, social work etc). You should also have had training in a mental-health related profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, health visiting; social-work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special needs teaching, psychiatry, other psychotherapy, counselling).
NOTE: Applicants who do not fulfil the academic criteria but with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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 job description, person specification, and additional documents linked below for more information on the role.
The closing date for applications is: Sunday 2nd November 2025, at 12 noon.
For more information about the role or to have a confidential discussion, please reach out to: Dawn Ashley, CYP-MH Officer at [email protected]
Benefits
- A comprehensive induction and training support package will be provided to the successful candidate.
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, pro rata for part time employees
- Additional annual leave for long service
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Employer and employee contribution pension scheme
- Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being
- Regular access to internal and external learning and development opportunities
- A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
- Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
- Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
- A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being
Application Process
This is a dual application process. In addition to applying for this position with us, you must also complete a KCL 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 KCL 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).
Please read the application guidance and course brochure linked below for full information and instructions on how to apply and what to include in your application.
KCL CYP-PT Parenting Wave 15 Jan 2026 - KCL Programme Brochure.pdf
KCL CYP-PT Therapies Wave 15 Jan 2026 - Application Guidance.pdf (same application guidance applies for any of the 3 KCL modalities – CBT, SFP (CDD or ED), Parenting