Trainee Systemic Family Therapist

Early Years Alliance; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Pension scheme

Birthday leave

Learning & development

Referral payment up to £300

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental health support

Job summary

Early Years Alliance is offering a CYP-PT Therapies Trainee post within the NHS England funded Children and Young People Psychological Training Programme. The role involves applying learning from weekly teaching to practical interventions for children, young people and families in our CYP-MH Parenting Team in Lewisham, with weekly teaching at King's College London Denmark Hill Campus.

Applicants should have a postgraduate level qualification and a registerable professional qualification (e.g.,

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification and a registerable professional qualification in a relevant field.
• Minimum second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or equivalent in psychology, social work, or related subject.
• Eligible with 2 years CAMHS or equivalent experience via RPL may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Apply learning from weekly teaching to practical clinical interventions for children, young people and families.
• Work as part of the CYP-MH Parenting Team in Lewisham with regular travels to King's College London for teaching.
• Meet course requirements and complete assignments for the training programme.

Education

Postgraduate diploma level qualification

Registerable professional qualification (e.g., clinical/educational psychology, social work, counselling, mental health nursing, occupational therapy)

Minimum second-class Bachelor’s Degree from a UK University or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject

Job description

About The Role

Early Years Alliance has an exciting opportunity for a CYP-PT Therapies Trainee (Systemic Family Practice Modality) to join our team as part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programme (formerly CYP-IAPT/Recruit to Train).

This is a unique opportunity to apply your learning from weekly teaching into practical clinical interventions working in the service making a direct impact in the lives of children, young people and their families.

The post holder will hold an appropriate training case load and complete the necessary assignments to meet the course requirements.

You will be working as part of a CYP-MH Parenting Team based in Lewisham, South London, working with children and young people with 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 will have qualifications that demonstrate a capacity to complete academic work at postgraduate diploma level, as well as a registerable professional qualification (e.g. clinical or educational psychology, social work, counselling, mental health nursing, occupational therapy etc). Minimum 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).

Applications MAY be considered from those who do not have a registerable professional training if they have at least 2 years’ experience in a CAMHS or equivalent mental health service setting and can demonstrate equivalence through the RPL (recognition of prior learning) process.

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.

For more information about the role or to have a confidential discussion, please reach out to: Dawn Ashley, CYP‑MH Officer at [e-mail]

Benefits

• 26 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.
• A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being

This post is fixed term until December 2027.

Hours per week: 35

Weeks per year: 52

Advert Closing date: 12 noon on 4th October2026

Virtual interview date: 26th and 27th OCtober 2026

Interview Location: In person, Lewisham. Exact venue to be determined

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them. The level of this check is enhanced.

About The Service

The Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

The charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and equal opportunities in employment.