Work with us
“I am so fortunate to work for an incredible not-for-profit. It’s a wonderfully diverse and inclusive organisation which puts emphasis into staff wellbeing, support and professional development.”
-Nessie Staff Member-
Nessie’s staff is at the heart of our mission. PAYE staff enjoy the benefits of supervision, pension, sick pay, regular CPD, named manager, peer supervision groups, wellbeing group and the opportunity to work with a range of professionals from different disciplines.
Child and Young People’s Mental Health Practitioner Therapy Trainee (ASC & LD)
Salary: £32,670 – £34,779
Location: Hertfordshire / Cambridgeshire, with travel to Anna Freud, North London (Rodney Street, N1 9JH) for teaching
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed-term, January 2027 to December 2027
Reports to: RTT Supervisor/Manager
About the Role
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join Nessie as a Child and Young People’s Mental Health Practitioner Therapy Trainee (Autism Spectrum Conditions & Learning Disabilities) as part of the NHS England-funded Children and Young People’s Psychological Training Programme.
This unique role combines employment with specialist postgraduate training, enabling you to deliver evidence-based mental health interventions for children, young people and families while studying towards a UCL Postgraduate Diploma with UCL and Anna Freud.
The programme runs from January to December 2027, with approximately 2.5 days per week dedicated to academic study and teaching and 2.5 days per week in clinical practice. Successful trainees will work directly with children, young people and carers, applying learning in real-world settings.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking motivated and compassionate candidates who are passionate about improving children’s mental health through evidence-based practice. Applicants should be committed to accessibility, participation, inclusion, diversity and delivering high-quality support to children, young people and families.
Important Information
- This is a 1-year fixed-term training post funded by NHS England.
- Successful candidates will be enrolled on the Postgraduate Diploma in Children’s and Young People’s Psychological Trainings: Therapy with UCL and Anna Freud.
- Regular travel to Anna Freud in North London is required for teaching.
- An Enhanced DBS check is required.
- The post is subject to a 3-month probation period and pre-employment health clearance.
How to Apply
This is a dual application process:
- Apply to Nessie using our online application form by clicking the apply here button below, including a CV and cover letter.
- Submit a separate application to UCL for the training programme. Applications must include relevant qualifications, references and a personal statement here.
See the full job description here
See the full person specification here
For course-related enquiries, contact: cyppttherapy@annafreud.org
For informal discussions about the role, contact: info@nessieined.com
Key Dates
- Closing Date: 22 October 2026, 12:00pm
- Interviews: 26-30 October 2026
- Offer Notifications: By 13 November 2026
- Nessie Start Date: 4 January 2027
- Course Start Date: 18 January 2027
Freelance Creative Arts Therapists – Peterborough
We are currently seeking freelance Creative Arts Therapists to join our growing community, supporting children and young people across the Peterborough area, as well as wider Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
At Nessie, we provide counselling and a range of arts therapies (Art, Drama, Music, and Play) to support the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families. We are always keen to hear from skilled practitioners, and successful applicants may also be considered for opportunities across the wider service where available.
This role is best suited to therapists who are confident working autonomously, able to manage a varied and busy caseload, and comfortable travelling between locations. You will deliver clinical work in a variety of education and community settings, both face-to-face and online where required.
Regular travel between multiple sites is an essential part of the role, so a driving license is essential, along with attendance at termly in-person staff meetings.
To apply, please click the button below and submit your CV along with a cover letter.
Nessie is disability confident committed. If you would like any of the information in an alternative accessible format please let us know and we will aim to produce these within 72 hours of the request. if you have any special requirements that need to be met at the interview stage, please let us know.
