Children and Young People Mental Health Practitioner

Antistatique; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local health service provider in the UK is seeking a qualified Practitioner for children and young people to provide clinical support and carry out mental health assessments. This fixed-term role emphasizes flexibility, with part-time options available. Ideal candidates will possess a degree-level qualification, relevant experience, and be able to work autonomously. Join a supportive environment dedicated to professional development. Salary ranges from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum, based on band placement.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Supportive environment for professional development

Fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028

Qualifications

• Registered practitioner to degree/diploma level.
• Experience at Practitioner Band 5 level.
• Recent experience working with children and young people is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out mental health and risk assessments for children and young people.
• Provide clinical support to reduce the risk of re-offending.
• Work autonomously and demonstrate initiative.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Teamwork skills

Flexibility

Proactivity

Education

Degree/diploma level qualification

Post-registration diploma level training

Membership of relevant Professional Body

Job description

Job Summary

Are you a qualified practitioner who prides themselves on being outgoing, self‑motivated and creative, with an interest in helping children and young people? The Dorset Integrated Non‑Custodial Service, which works with children and young people entering the criminal justice system, would like to hear from you!

The Service supports young people who have mental health, neurodiverse conditions and other vulnerabilities when they first enter the criminal justice system, usually in police custody or through a Voluntary Attendance Interview. You will use your clinical experience to carry out mental health and risk assessments, share information with the Police and help reduce the risk of re‑offending by identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to a crisis point, ensuring the right support is put in place.

This is a full‑time Monday to Friday (8.30 am‑4.30 pm) role which covers the whole of Dorset. We will try to match your base with your home address. Being a driver holding a UK driving licence is essential. Part‑time applications (minimum 30 hours) are welcomed and we support flexible working to promote a healthy work life balance.

This is a specially commissioned fixed‑term role to 31 March 2028 to help implement and embed an enhanced service for children and young people.

Main Duties

• Carry out mental health and risk assessments for children and young people entering the criminal justice system.
• Provide clinical support and liaise with the Police and other stakeholders to reduce the risk of re‑offending.
• Follow up individuals to ensure they receive the necessary support and access to services.
• Develop and maintain robust pathways in collaboration with statutory and voluntary sector partners.
• Work autonomously and demonstrate initiative in handling a wide range of situations.

Qualifications

• Registered practitioner to degree/diploma level supplemented by post‑registration diploma level specialist training and/or short courses or extensive experience in the relevant specialty.
• Membership of the relevant Professional Body.
• Experience at Practitioner Band 5 level.
• Recent previous experience working with Children and Young People who have vulnerabilities (desirable).
• Experience of managing change.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Able to analyse and assess situations, interpret potentially conflicting information and determine appropriate action where there is a range of options and judgement is required.
• Self‑motivated, hands‑on, flexible and proactive.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  

Additional Requirements

• Police advanced vetting process will be required.
• Applicant must hold current UK professional registration.
• Selected candidates will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Benefits & Working Patterns

• Full‑time or part‑time (minimum 30 hours) with flexible working opportunities.
• Work in a supportive, innovative environment with a focus on professional development.
• Fixed‑term contract until 31 March 2028.

Employment Details

• Band 6 – Salary £38,682 to £46,580 per annum.
• Job title: Practitioner – Children and Young People.
• Location: Kings Park Hospital, Gloucester Road, Boscombe, BH7 6JF.
• Reference number: 152‑M401.25.

How to Apply

Read the attached job description and person specification carefully. Your supporting statement should reflect how your experience and skills apply to this role. If you choose to use AI to help draft your statement, do so only to enhance the application, not to replace it. We encourage you to contact us if you require support with your application.

Applications from candidates requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are not eligible for this position.

For further information, contact Demelza Evernden.