Trainee Child Psychotherapist - CAMHS

NHS; Taunton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering an exciting traineeship in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy in Somerset. This role is perfect for candidates who have a passion for working with children and young people, providing vital support to those facing emotional challenges. The traineeship will involve working with a dedicated team, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the emotional health of children in care. With a focus on professional development and a supportive work environment, this opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a picturesque location renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant communities.

Benefits

Flexible Working Options

NHS Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Career Development Focus

Blue Light Card Discounts

Qualifications

• Good relevant degree and completion of a pre-clinical training course are essential.
• Experience with children and adolescents in clinical settings is required.

Responsibilities

• Work under supervision with children and adolescents facing emotional disorders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support young individuals.

Skills

Communication Skills

Observational Skills

Listening Skills

Psychoanalytic Concepts Understanding

Education

Honours Degree or Equivalent

Pre-clinical Training Course

Job description

NHS England has confirmed funding for a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Traineeship in Somerset.

Applications are invited from candidates who as a minimum, have been accepted onto a pre-clinical training course beginning September 2025. They will already be working with children and young people in a professional capacity and will have an interest in and some understanding of Psychoanalytical thinking.

The aim is for the trainee's clinical hours to be divided between CAMHS and the Local Authority's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team, who offer support to our population of children who are care experienced. With this we aim to expand the reach of our local CAPT provision and enrich the development of the trainee.

There will also be the possibility of joining the Taunton CAMHS team as an Assistant Child Psychotherapist (at Band 5) in Year 2 of the pre-clinical training course.

Successful applicants will need to apply independently to and be accepted by a training school accredited by the Association of Child Psychotherapists before being able to proceed to the full clinical training (Years 3 to 6).

Key Dates:

Informal Visit to the Clinic: Weds 30th April 2025 10.30am to 12pm (please ring to confirm attendance - 01823368368)

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11th May 2025

Date of interviews: Thurs 29th May 2025

Main duties of the job

The postholder will be expected to work, under supervision, with children, adolescents, their carers and families who have a high level of co-morbidity and often communicate their disturbance and distress through their behaviour and in the form of emotional disorders and difficulties. Our children and young people often have a history of severe abuse (physical, emotional, social), neglect and deprivation, complex trauma, bereavement and physical illness. They are often living within the context of family break up or dysfunction, and affected by domestic violence, parental mental illness and other adverse life events.

The trainee's clinical work will be supervised by the Training School and by their Service Supervisor(s). Trainees will be expected to take their annual leave alongside school holidays, so as to minimise disruption to the child or young person's sessions.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
• Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for more information on role requirements and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good relevant honours degree, or a recognised equivalent.
• Other related professional qualifications or equivalent.
• Be undertaking or having completed a pre-clinical training course that is recognised by the Association of Child Psychotherapists - which is the entry requirement for the four-year specialist clinical training in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
• Evidence of attendance at relevant conferences or seminars.

Experience

• Previous clinical experience with children or adolescents/voluntary or paid employment
• Experience of multidisciplinary working

Additional Criteria

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, young people, their carers and professionals
• Good observational and listening skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively about complex and sensitive issues.
• Basic understanding of psychoanalytic concepts and techniques of relevance to working with children and adolescents
• Writes clear records and observes policies, procedures and guidelines
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues with different perspectives.
• Valid UK driving licence with the ability and willingness to travel as required.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.