Senior Mental Health Practitioner/Creative Therapist

NHS; Mansfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Mansfield is seeking an experienced creative therapist to support children and young people through various modalities such as drama and art. You will engage with families, provide therapeutic interventions, and contribute to assessment processes. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in a similar role and demonstrate strong risk management skills. This position offers a chance to be part of a diverse clinical team working towards improving children's emotional wellbeing.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years post-qualification experience in a creative therapist role.
• Confident in triage and assessment of CYP, offering interventions.
• Experience managing a caseload.

Responsibilities

• Support the staff team with day-to-day risk management.
• Contribute to triage and assessment of CYP referrals.
• Deliver creative, therapeutic interventions independently.

Skills

Creative therapy

Triage and assessment

Child protection and safeguarding

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Professional registration with a recognised national body

Job description

Job Overview

You will be an active member of the senior team at Be U Notts, supporting service users into the service and empowering the clinicals in the team to thrive. You will hold a small caseload to support children and young people in your preferred creative modality (Drama, Play, Music, Art). The role is held under the line management of the Head of Service, with managerial and clinical supervision provided. It is varied, challenging and rewarding, working as part of a diverse clinical team to co‑produce, deliver and innovate services.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the wider staff team with day‑to‑day risk management and clinical guidance.
• Contribute to triage and assessment of children and young people (CYP) referrals and conduct comprehensive My Story assessments.
• Deliver creative, short‑term therapeutic interventions (both 1:1 and group) independently, including occasional lone working.
• Provide safeguarding oversight, safety planning and signposting for CYP experiencing self‑harm or suicidal ideation.
• Engage in information‑gathering calls with CYP, families, and professionals.
• Maintain strong links with external agencies to support effective signposting, safeguarding and onward referrals.
• Ensure timely, accurate and secure record‑keeping using the designated case management systems.
• Use risk assessments to understand levels of risk and support clinical record audits.
• Deliver professional training where required.
• Facilitate peer support for CYP.
• Support or cover senior practitioners with tasks to reinforce team efficiency.
• Communicate sensitively and compassionately, ensuring CYP and their families feel listened to, respected and in control.

Person Specification – Experience

• Demonstrate at least 2 years post‑qualification experience in a creative therapist role.
• Confident in triage and assessment of CYP, offering interventions to children and young people presenting mild to moderate risk behaviours.
• Knowledge of safety factors in the management of self‑harm and suicidal ideation.
• Familiar with child and family development and transitions.
• Experience managing a caseload.
• Recognise and respond to concerns about child protection and safeguarding.
• Use supervision effectively.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of CYP emotional wellbeing / early mental health clinical practice and support for parents/carers.

Person Specification – Desirable

• Experience in a service with agreed targets to demonstrate clinical outcomes.
• Experience in quality improvement measures.
• Experience delivering groups to CYP and parents.
• Experience delivering training and workshops to CYP, parents/carers and professionals.
• Experience running peer support groups; knowledge of audit and evaluation methodology.
• Minimum of 1‑year experience working in a multi‑disciplinary team environment.

Qualifications

• Professional registration with a recognised national body (HCPC, NMC, BACP, BABCP, BASW, TRA).

Desirable Qualifications

• Professional qualification and background in one of the following areas: Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker.
• Qualified/Experience to provide regular clinical supervision to the counselling team.

Standard Information

• Employees must comply with GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and Freedom of Information Act 2000.
• Compliance with Health & Safety at Work Act 1974; proactive risk assessment and incident reporting.
• Adherence to safeguarding policies and local/national safeguarding procedures.
• Smoke‑free workplace.
• Mandatory training attendance as identified for the role.

Equality, Diversity & Human Rights

ABL is an equal opportunities employer committed to equality and diversity and the respect of human rights, as per the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 applies; a DBS check is required.

Employer Details

ABL Health Ltd

Suite 1 The Willows, Ransom Wood Business Park
Mansfield, NG21 0HJ

Website: https://www.ablhealth.co.uk/work-for-us/join-our-team/