Trainee Infant and Early Years Practitioner

ABOUT BRIGHTPIP

BrightPIP (Brighton Parent-Infant Psychological Therapy) is a specialist infant mental health charity supporting babies aged 0–2 and their families across Brighton & Hove and Sussex. We want every baby in our community to grow up feeling safe, healthy and loved. We provide early therapeutic intervention to strengthen relationships and prevent cycles of intergenerational trauma. We are a small, friendly and growing charity, supported by a dedicated clinical team and Trustee Board.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a trainee Infant and Early Years Practitioner (IEYP), on a course run in partnership with the Anna Freud Centre and University College London (UCL). The post-holder will be training on the Children and Young People’s (CYP) Infant Mental Health (0-5) course, whilst carrying out clinical work in our service to complement their studies and use their newly developed skills.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a training role that is part of the NHS England (NHSE) funded CYP Psychological Trainings Therapy Programme (CYP-PT Therapy PGDip).  This intensive training post will equip practitioners with a comprehensive skillset to provide interventions to families using the latest evidence-based approaches. This will include training in Incredible Years and Video-feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting (VIPP).

Alongside the theoretical teaching of the training programme, the post-holder will have the opportunity to work within the BrightPIP service, providing practical interventions to families across Brighton & Hove. They will be integrated into our team of Clinical Psychologists and Psychotherapists and will take referrals as part of our service offer.

The successful post-holder will work in the BrightPIP service for 3 days per week and attend university for 2 days per week, with some study days spread throughout the year. During university holidays the trainee will continue to work with families.

FURTHER INFORMATION

NHSE funds salary and training costs for the 1-year post as part of a wider programme which aims to bridge gaps in services for children and young people’s mental health support. The role begins in January 2027 and the trainee will be both a fixed-term employee of BrightPIP and an enrolled student with UCL/Anna Freud. Upon completion, qualified trainees will receive a UCL Postgraduate Diploma. 

Training will be a mixture of in person and online sessions however applicants must be willing to travel into London to attend their lectures as needed. This is a unique opportunity that allows you to apply your learning week-to-week into practical clinical interventions making a direct impact on the lives of children and their families.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic practitioner to work and train within our service. The training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people and families using evidence-based intervention consistent with the course they are attending. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Being part of a pioneering, highly specialist team who are passionate about our mission and supportive of each other
• Weekly 1:1 supervision and the opportunity to join our monthly group reflective supervision sessions
• After successful completion of the course the fixed term contract will end, however we will provide support and advice to help you try to secure longer term opportunities; either within our service or other local authority services
• We are open to secondment opportunities from suitably qualified applicants within the area

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to make two applications for this role. The first is a job application directly to BrightPIP. The second is a course application, which is made via the UCL portal later in the year.

For your BrightPIP application, please submit:

- Your CV; and

- A cover letter addressed to Dr Laura Williams, explaining your relevant experience, key achievements, and motivation for applying. Please ensure that your CV clearly evidences the academic requirements of this role as well as relevant experience.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 17th September 2026 at Moulsecoomb Family Hub.

We encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented in the clinical team including: applicants from Black and global majority ethnic backgrounds, male applicants, applicants identifying as LGBTQIA+.

All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

PRIVACY NOTICE

Please be aware that the information on your application form (name, contact details, qualifications and prior relevant experience) will be shared with the university Course Team as part of the recruitment process. By submitting your application to this role, you are agreeing to your details being shared with Anna Freud / UCL.  They will review your information to ensure you meet the academic requirements for the course.