Job description and person specification attached.

This is a training position and so all candidates will need to apply for both the trainee role with our organisation and the UCL Post Graduate Diploma in order to be shortlisted (for more information about the course and minimum entry criteria, please see the course page and brochures that can be found here (AFC website).

Please complete your university application using the UCL University Application Guidance supplied:

• Application link

This is an integral part of the process to confirm that you have applied to the University and that you meet their course requirements. Please apply to the University at the same time as applying to this job position.

If you apply to this job, you are giving permission that information relevant to establishing eligibility can be shared between the HEI and the Service. No irrelevant information will be disclosed or discussed.

As these are training positions, please be aware that this is a dual application process where you must be employed in a Recruit to Train funded job to also receive a place on the course, and vice-versa. If you are ineligible for the University Course, we will be unable to be offer the role. If you withdraw from an employment offer but you have accepted a university offer, you will be unable to join the course. You must apply to the course at the same time as this job.

Please note in this instance the course is not optional; the roles are dependent on meeting all course requirements.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Minimum second-class Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent standard in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, social work etc); OR Applicants who do not fulfil the academic criteria but have relevant professional experience are still encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Desirable criteria

• Previous 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, psychotherapy, counselling);
• Ability to study and complete academic work at postgraduate study level;
• Proven record of previous academic attainment;

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of the key features and symptoms associated with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities;
• Knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges for Autistic/LD children and young people and their families;
• Awareness and understanding of the significantly increased risk of co-morbid mental health challenges and other neuro-developmental challenges within the Autistic population;
• Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of the MDT approach and collaborative working with other agencies to ensure the needs of Autistic/LD children and young people are understood and effectively met (i.e. education and social care agencies);

Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial experience working within a children and young people’s mental health setting (e.g. mental health worker);
• Clinical competence and experience working with Autistic and/or LD individuals

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of working with safeguarding issues;
• Experience of working as part of the multi-disciplinary team with children and young people with Autism and/or LD and their families

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• Motivated to learn and be challenged;
• Capacity to work well in teams.

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria

• Ability to have a flexible and creative approach to facilitating engagement with Autistic and/or LD children and young people
• Ability to adapt methods of communication and intervention for the varying needs and levels of the children and young people’s Autistic and/or LD population;
• Ability to maintain a reflective stance in emotive/challenging interactions with children and their carers.
• Ability to personally manage sensitive and potentially emotionally distressing caseload material;
• Ability to reflect on own practice (in clinical supervision and practice tutor groups with course peers)
• Ability to follow policy and clinical governance procedures and make proposals for change
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to complete academic work at postgraduate level and balance the academic demands of the course with clinical placement demands;
• Demonstrates adaptability and able to work with diverse communities;
• Good time management and organisational abilities;
• Effective oral and written communication skills;
• IT/Computer literate;
• Able to accommodate travel demands associated with the role.

Desirable criteria

• Ability to adopt multi-agency working, especially in relation to complex cases with multiple needs, where a more systemic approach is required.
• Ability to advocate for the needs of children and young people with Autism and/or LD and their families.
• Ability to maintain an observational stance, particularly in relation to children and young people with Autism and/or LD who do not express themselves verbally.
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practice.