Band 6 Children and Young People's Mental Health Practitioner

Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A health and care service provider in Chester is seeking a qualified professional to improve mental health services for children and young people. The role involves providing therapeutic input and working collaboratively within a team. Ideal candidates should have relevant qualifications, clinical experience, and strong interpersonal skills. The position emphasizes ethical practice and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in nursing, social work, allied health professionals or equivalent.
• Professional registration with a national body (HCPC, NMC, Social Work England).
• Experience working with children and young people with mental health difficulties in a clinical setting.
• Experience of undertaking mental health assessments and providing interventions and formulations.
• Keen communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic input, manage risk/complexity and deliver multi‑agency working.
• Assess, formulate and provide interventions for children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and participate in team case reviews.
• Engage with families and service users.

Skills

Therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR, systemic therapy)

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

Recognised qualification in nursing, social work, or allied health

Professional registration with HCPC, NMC, or Social Work England

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Do you want to improve the pathways for children and young people’s mental health services? Please download a copy of the job description (see “documents to download” section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.

At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence and values. We use a values‑based approach in our interviews and encourage applicants to reflect on how the Trust’s values align with their own.

For details on the Recruitment Journey, guidance is available on the website. For any special support needs, contact [e-mail] or call 01244 393100.

If you have a disability that meets the Equality Act 2010 and meet the essential criteria, please answer “YES” to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme question. Applicants may need to pay for their DBS check, which is deducted from salary following appointment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic input, manage risk/complexity and deliver multi‑agency working.
• Assess, formulate and provide interventions for children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Apply a range of therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR, systemic therapy, etc.).
• Work within a fast‑paced, demanding environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and participate in team case reviews.
• Engage with families and service users to support community‑based mental health services.
• Ensure commitment to ethical practice and continuous learning.

Essential Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in nursing, social work, allied health professionals or equivalent.
• Professional registration with a national body (HCPC, NMC, Social Work England).
• Experience working with children and young people with mental health difficulties in a clinical setting.
• Experience in undertaking mental health assessments and providing interventions and formulations.
• Keen communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Experience of working with clinical risk and under pressure.
• Access to transport or ability to travel to a range of venues.

Desirable Criteria

• Therapeutic training to intermediate/diploma level and working knowledge of specialist approaches such as CBT and family therapy.
• Knowledge of child protection practices and related legislation.
• Experience of inter‑agency working and writing, implementing and evaluating care treatment plans.
• Experience of providing clinical supervision and significant post‑qualification experience in a CYPMHS or child mental health related field.
• Experience of working with students/learners and in community CYPMHS in the NHS.
• Recognition of formal and informal clinical risk assessments and risk management planning.
• IT skills including databases, Microsoft Office, and clinical systems.
• Undertaking mental health assessments and formal, informal risk assessment within the NHS.

About CWP

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all‑age disability care. We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites. The Trust is committed to inclusive recruitment and has been recognised as an Outstanding Caring provider by the Care Quality Commission.

All new starters will commence in post on a fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to help you meet the induction/initial training requirements for the role.

We welcome informal enquiries and visits to the team.