Job overview

GMMH CAMHS/IST is excited to offer a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed professional to join our team as a Trainee Children and Young People’s Specialist Clinical Practice Autism and Learning Disabilities (LD/A Practitioner). This 12-month training post combines hands-on experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism (LD/A), alongside a fully funded Postgraduate Certificate and Weekly Clinical Supervision.

Co-production will be central to this role, ensuring that individuals and families are actively involved in shaping their support.

This trainee role is ideal for someone passionate about working with neurodivergent children and young people. You will support individuals across a range of GMMH CAMHS/IST services, contributing to assessment, planning and delivery of personalised, strengths-based interventions. Supporting children and young people with LD/A needs across therapeutic and community settings. Working closely with families, schools, and professionals to promote inclusive and effective support. Implementing person-centred and evidence-based approaches. Participating in reflective practice and structured academic

Main duties of the job

The Post-Graduate Diploma  Trainee Children and Young People’s Specialist Clinical Practice Autism and Learning Disabilities (LD/A Practitioner) at the Psychological Therapies Training Centre GMMH, aims to equip practitioners with necessary skills to improve access and outcomes for Autistic  young people and those with Learning Disabilities. The course is part-time for one year, with 2 days study and 3 days clinical practice and trainees use teaching, self-directed study, and supervised clinical practice to achieve the following outcomes: 

• Increased understanding of the challenges faced by this client group, using a neurodiversity perspective to understand why and how these challenges develop.
• Ability to identify and assess Autism and LD using neurodevelopmental history taking and observation (the course does not include ADOS training) 
• Increased knowledge of interventions which target core symptoms 
• Knowledge and practice of post-diagnostic psychoeducation approaches 
• Knowledge and practice of effective assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation with behaviour that challenges 
• Training in “Riding the Rapids”, a group parent-training approach to support CYP presenting with behaviour that challenges, to improve quality of life.
• Knowledge and practice of adaptations to practitioners’ existing skills in intervention in mental health conditions, to improve access and effectiveness of interventions such as CBT, counselling and systemic therapy.

Working for our organisation

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.