Trainee Autistic Spectrum Condition & Learning Disabilities Practitioner

Croydon Drop In; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Croydon Drop In is seeking a Trainee Autistic Spectrum Condition & Learning Disabilities Practitioner in London Borough of Croydon. This fixed term contract role combines formal training at University College London with clinical work in our Croydon service, starting early/mid January 2027.

Shortlisted candidates will need to apply to the UCL PG Dip program in parallel. The postholder will deliver adapted psychological interventions, work with families, and participate in weekly supervision to

Qualifications

• Training position combining university study with clinical service delivery.
• Applicants must be available to start January 2027 and apply to UCL as part of the selection process.
• Enhanced DBS disclosure is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver adapted, evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions for autistic children and young people and those with learning disabilities.
• Manage a caseload, monitor outcomes and progress of clients.
• Safeguard clinical quality by identifying risks and adhering to CYP-PT guidelines.
• Complete all academic requirements of the UCL CYP-PT Therapy PG Dip (ASC/LD), including attending teaching and submitting portfolios.
• Promote evidence-based, inclusive practice and youth participation within the service.

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for Children and Young People with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities

Job description

Trainee Autistic Spectrum Condition & Learning Disabilities Practitioner

£35,000 to £36,055 a year

London Borough of Croydon

Fixed Term Contract

35 hrs/week

Closes 28 Sept 2026

About the role

This is a training position and the post holder will undertake training at University College London (UCL) alongside working in service for Croydon Drop In. They will be taught to assess, formulate and deliver evidence based, adapted psychological interventions for autistic children and young people, and children and young people with a learning disability, who are experiencing mental health difficulties, working closely with their parents, carers and wider support network. The post holder will use their newly developed skills to support children and young people who are referred into the service and trainees will receive weekly clinical supervision to support their professional development.Applicants will need to be ready to start work in early/mid-January 2027 and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date.Shortlisted candidates will also need to submit an application form to UCL for a place on the Post Graduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for Children and Young People with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities. The application form details are linked below and will need to be completed at the same time as your application for a post.Please contact the UCL CYP-PT programme team if you have any questions about the course.

Key responsibilities

• 1 Clinical Practice: Deliver adapted, evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions to autistic children and young people and children and young people with a learning disability, ensuring safe and effective care.
• 2 Caseload Management: Conduct systematic caseload management to monitor clinical outcomes, track the progress of children and young people, and manage your caseload.
• 3 Clinical Governance: Safeguard clinical quality by identifying risks, managing escalations, and ensuring adherence to national CYP-PT guidelines.
• 4 Academic Progression: Complete all academic requirements of the University College London CYP-PT Therapy PG Dip (ASC/LD), including attending teaching and submitting video portfolios.
• 5 Service Development: Promote evidence-based, inclusive practice and youth participation within the service to continuously improve the quality of care for neurodivergent children and young people.

About Croydon Drop In

Croydon Drop In (CDI) has been serving children and young people in the London Borough of Croydon since 1978. We are deeply embedded in and trusted by local communities. Each year, we work with over 5,000 children, young people and families, providing life-changing support, advice and guidance.We are a proud member of Youth Access and operate a Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS), partnering closely with the NHS, Local Authority, Education Providers, the Police and other Voluntary and Community Sectors organisations.Since 2019, CDI has grown rapidly, with the largest growth being the expansion of our therapeutic services and outreach support. Our income has grown to £1.9m and our focus is now on consolidating our position and ensuring our infrastructure, processes and governance are robust to support our continued growth and long-term sustainability.

Our commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of infants, children, young people and vulnerable adults. Every successful applicant must complete an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Equal opportunities

Croydon Drop In supports and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and complies with the Equality Act 2010. Everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice, whatever their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, belief or disability. CDI works to remove discrimination and inequality from its workplace and from every service the charity runs.