Children Wellbeing Practitioner

In line with the government's priority to Increase Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT), the Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner's role will involve delivering evidence-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) interventions. The successful candidate will be initially be employed on a 12-month fixed term contract whilst completing their training, with a view to continuing employment subject to funding and qualifying. The successful candidate will be employed on a full-time (37.5 hours per week) to deliver mental health support and interventions across a range of local health, education and community settings, spanning both Stockton and Hartlepool geographical locations. The role will require you travel across South/North Tees areas. Access to car and a clean driving license is required. The successful applicant will be based at the ABC Family Centre located in Billingham, Stockton on Tees, and will be required to be flexible; learning both remotely, and travelling to Northumbria University for 1-2 days per week to access all training and learning opportunities needed for this post. The successful candidate will access a full-time educational programme specifically to support the CWP trainee role in partnership with Northumbria University. This training post will be 100% funded by NHS England, gaining credits towards either a graduate or postgraduate level qualification (depending on level of previous academic study). The Northumbria University learning programme for this post is due to start in January 2024. Learning will consist of both academic and supervised practice across mental health, community and educational settings. Delivery of the Northumbria University learning programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within Northumbria University, independent self-guided study days, alongside practice experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services. During training, the trainee Children Wellbeing Practitioner will work under supervision and gain invaluable experience across local healthcare, community and educational settings. This experience will enable the CWP trainee to gain the level of competence required to deliver high quality, safe and effective evidence-based early interventions. Specific evidence based psychological interventions will be targeted to support children and young people with mild to moderate mental health needs. This will involve working one to one with vulnerable children and young people, and you will be expected to attain level 3 Safeguarding Certification as part of the induction process. The Northumbria University Academic course is divided into modules, developing skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Working with children, young people and their parents/carers to support self-management, including development of plans for specific interventions and agreeing outcomes.
• Learning to manage own caseload, gaining the necessary skills to practice a range of interventions such as guided self-help.
• Preparing and presenting caseload information to supervisors.
• Working with colleagues to provide better access to specialist mental health services and supporting referrals where required.
• Supporting colleagues to identify and manage issues related to mental health and wellbeing.
On successful completion of the training, the trainee Children Wellbeing Practitioner will be qualified and equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to work as an effective, autonomous, ethical and responsible practitioner. This will enable the trainee CWP to practice within the expectations of the service and have the competency and attributes to do so. As this is a full-time training post, initially you will apply for the post, just as you would do with any other job application. You will then be expected to make a separate application to Northumbria university as part of the overall recruitment and selection process.

To apply for the Children Wellbeing Practitioner post, you must hold a relevant 1st or 2:1 degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Childhood Studies or Education (A PGC Level 7 in Education or Higher Diploma in Social Work/Care is accepted). At least one year's relevant experience supporting vulnerable children in the field of mental health is desirable. This could be either in a work or volunteering capacity.

ABC Counselling, Play Therapy & Family Solutions is a leading and trusted local children's mental health provider delivering psychological support and emotional well-being services in primary and secondary schools. ABC delivers a whole school approach to improving children's mental health and wellbeing.