trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner jobs in London

TRAINEE PSYCHOLOGIST PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY

A unique, doctor-led placement and practical experience opportunity for an aspiring psychologist or SEN/child development professional.

Rate is £15 - £25 per hour

Location: Northwood, HA6
Job Type: Full-time, Term Time + School Holidays
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 6:30am–9:00am and 3:45pm–8:00pm, plus most Saturday mornings
Minimum Commitment: 2 years
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience and qualifications
Live-in or Live-out: Both options available

About the Role

We are looking for a warm, enthusiastic and emotionally intelligent Trainee Psychologist / SEN Child Development Practitioner to become an important part of our family and support the development of our lovely 7-year-old daughter.

She is autistic and has learning difficulties and is a friendly, playful, highly empathetic and engaging child. She is semi-verbal and communicates using words and simple sentences.

We are looking for someone who has a genuine interest in child psychology, autism, SEN and child development, and who would enjoy working closely with our family to help her develop her communication, language, academic, social, emotional and independence skills.

This is a sole-child role, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to build a strong and consistent relationship with her and genuinely see her progress over time.

Training and Development Opportunity

This role may be particularly well suited to a trainee or graduate looking to build relevant practical experience alongside their studies or future career in psychology, SEN, education or child development.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to receive doctor-led training and guidance, together with an allowance towards relevant degree-related experience or development, where appropriate.

The role can also suit candidates who are studying during the day, as the working hours are primarily before and after school.

For candidates looking to progress towards a future trainee psychologist, SEN or child-development role, this position provides valuable practical experience working closely with a child with additional needs.

Before applying for a trainee position, candidates may have gained relevant experience through stepping-stone roles such as:

• SEN Teaching Assistant / Support Worker: Supporting individual children with autism, ADHD or complex learning needs in schools or care settings.
• Assistant Psychologist: Supporting qualified practitioners with assessments, interventions, observations and group work.

We welcome applicants who are looking to build on this type of experience and develop their practical understanding further.

About You

The ideal candidate will:

• Be studying or have studied Psychology, Child Psychology, Educational Psychology, SEN, Education or a related subject
• Have experience working with children with autism/ASD and/or additional needs, ideally in an educational setting
• Be patient, nurturing, organised and structured
• Have excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence
• Be confident establishing appropriate boundaries and routines
• Be able to make learning enjoyable through play and activities
• Have an interest in monitoring developmental progress and milestones
• Be fluent in English
• Be genuinely interested in child development, psychology, SEN and autism
• Be committed to developing a long-term relationship with the child and family

We will also consider applicants with strong personal experience supporting children with ASD.

What You'll Be Doing

The role will involve supporting our daughter both before and after school, helping her develop academically, socially, emotionally and in her independence.

Assessment and Development

You will:

• Support a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN) by conducting appropriate observations and assessments, observing learning behaviours and contributing to effective intervention plans
• Use appropriate assessment tools and observations to help understand her learning, social and emotional needs
• Monitor developmental progress, strengths, challenges and milestones
• Identify areas where additional support or intervention may be beneficial
• Keep clear notes and provide regular feedback to Mum on progress and development

Direct Work

You will:

• Talk, play and work directly with the child to understand her strengths, needs, interests and communication style
• Build a trusting and consistent relationship with her
• Support communication and language development
• Develop and deliver fun, structured learning activities
• Support academic development through age-appropriate activities
• Encourage positive social interaction and emotional development
• Support independence and life skills

Daily Support

You will also:

• Support her morning routine and encourage independence
• Prepare her for school
• Occasionally collect her from school
• Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation
• Encourage independence with eating, dressing and personal care
• Read, sing, listen to music and participate in outdoor activities and play
• Support forest walks, climbing and other activities she enjoys
• Provide Mum with regular updates on progress, achievements and areas for development
• Help prepare activities and belongings for family holidays

We are looking for someone who can combine learning and development with fun.

Our daughter loves reading, music, singing, forest walks and climbing, so creativity, enthusiasm and the ability to make learning enjoyable are very important.

Working Hours

Term Time

Monday–Friday: approximately 6:30am–9:00am and 3:45pm–8:00pm

There is some flexibility around these hours when required.

Most Saturday mornings will also be required.

During school holidays, additional hours will be available when the family is in the UK.

The family may travel during some school holidays, so holiday working hours will vary.

Accommodation

For candidates interested in a live-in position, a newly built private one-bedroom apartment is available immediately adjacent to the family home.

The approximately 500 sq ft apartment has:

• Private entrance
• Bedroom
• Separate living area
• Kitchen
• Private bathroom
• TV
• All bills included

A Few Other Details

Driving is not essential, although it would be advantageous.

Experience preparing vegan and gluten-free food would be useful but is not essential.

You will not be expected to cook for or clean for the whole family. A separate full-time cleaner is employed.

An Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required.

Why This Role?

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is passionate about psychology, SEN, autism and child development and wants to gain meaningful practical experience while making a genuine difference to a child's development.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience supporting a child with SEN and autism
• Develop practical skills in observation, assessment and intervention
• Work closely with the family and receive professional guidance and training
• Receive doctor-led training and support
• Potentially receive an allowance towards relevant degree-related experience or development
• Gain experience that can support your future career in psychology, SEN, education or child development
• Build a meaningful, long-term relationship with the child and see her progress over time

We are looking for someone who wants to become part of our daughter's journey, help her build confidence and independence, and celebrate her progress with us.

We are looking for someone who wants to stay for the long term, with a minimum commitment of two years.

If you are enthusiastic, caring and genuinely passionate about helping children with additional needs thrive, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining:

• Your relevant experience
• Your qualifications or current course of study
• Any experience working with children with autism, SEN or additional needs
• Why you are interested in psychology, SEN or child development
• Why you believe you would be suitable for this role
• Your availability and whether you are interested in the live-in or live-out option

Pay: £29,000.00-£49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Are you currently studying, or have you completed, a degree or qualification in Psychology, Child Psychology, Educational Psychology, SEN, Education, Child Development or a closely related subject?
• How much experience do you have working directly with children who have autism/ASD or other additional needs?
• Please briefly describe your experience working with children with autism, SEN or other additional needs. Include the age(s) of the children and the type of setting (e.g. school, nursery, home, care setting).
• This is a long-term role requiring a minimum commitment of 2 years. Are you able to make this commitment?
• The core working hours are approximately 6:30am–9:00am and 3:45pm–8:00pm, Monday–Friday, plus most Saturday mornings. Are you able to work these hours on a consistent basis?
• This role involves making observations, keeping clear notes and monitoring developmental progress. How comfortable are you with maintaining accurate records and providing structured feedback to a parent/professional?
• Do you have experience working one-to-one with a child rather than primarily working with a group/class?
• Are you willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references if offered the position?
• Do you have the right to work in the UK for this role?

Work Location: In person