Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner

YMCA; Tadworth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Gym membership

Cycle to Work

Employee assistance

Holiday entitlement

Job summary

YMCA East Surrey is seeking 2 Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners to join our Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Team in East Surrey. You will learn to assess and deliver evidence-based interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate MH difficulties under supervision.

The role includes university diploma training (Sussex) and attendance, with a 35-hour week, across Tadworth and other locations, starting 2 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Child Wellbeing Practice postgraduate or graduate diploma as required.
• Level 6: 3 A-levels (AAB-BBB) or equivalent experience and contextual offer eligibility.
• Level 7: Graduate Degree at 2:2 or NVQ Level 6 in Health Care or equivalent.
• Experience with children, young people and families and safeguarding knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Learn and deliver evidence-based interventions for CYP under supervision.
• Assess, refer, and signpost to appropriate services as needed.
• Manage cases with supervision and escalate when needed.
• Integrate transitions, education, and employment into therapy plans.
• Maintain records and use data to inform decisions.
• Attend University of Sussex sessions and complete study requirements.

Skills

Therapeutic interventions

Case management

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Graduate Diploma

Postgraduate Diploma

NVQ Level 6+

Job description

Employment Type

Fixed Term

Application Start Date

02-09-2026

Application End Date

30-09-2026

Location

YMCA Phoenix Youth Centre, Tadworth

KT20 5FB

Non-profit charitable organisations

Description

Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to develop to their full potential, with a focus on children and young people and those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.

We are recruiting for 2 x Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners to join our Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Team at YMCA East Surrey.

Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) will be expected to integrate into YMCA East Surrey’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health (EWMH) team and to support all early intervention work.

You will assess and deliver (under supervision), outcome focused, evidence-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

The Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner role includes completion of the Child Wellbeing Practice Postgraduate or Graduate level Diploma run by the University of Sussex, which follows the nationally agreed curriculum to qualify as a Children's Wellbeing Practitioner.

For the Level 6 (Graduate Diploma) the minimum level would be 3 x A-levels with grades of AAB - BBB (BBC if meet the criteria for contextual offer), or an equivalent qualification such as NVQ level 3 or above, or equivalent experience (and proven ability to work at graduate level).

For the Level 7 (Post-graduate Diploma) the minimum requirement is a Graduate Degree at 2:2, NVQ level 6 or above in Health Care or equivalent experience (and proven ability to work at post-graduate level)

The post holder must have experience of working with children, young people and families and knowledge of emotional and mental health issues which affect children and young people.

Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people is required for this role.

WORKING HOURS: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm.

Includes attendance at the University of Sussex 2 days per week from January to October.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed Term Training Contract (dependent on completion of the course).

LOCATION: YMCA Phoenix Youth Centre, Tadworth, but working across various locations in East Surrey, as necessary and attendance at University of Sussex.

SALARY: £28,392 per annum

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To learn therapeutic interventions to use 1:1 with children and young people (CYP) and in group settings.
• Assess and deliver (under supervision), outcome focused, evidence-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
• Adhering the service referral protocols. Under supervision, signpost unsuitable referrals to the relevant service as necessary.
• Through close case management and supervision, escalates cases where the level of need becomes beyond scope, or more severe ensuring adherence to other relevant elements of service delivery.
• Assess and integrate issues relating to transitions, education and training/employment into the overall therapeutic process.
• Keep coherent records of all activity in line with service protocols and use these records and outcome data to inform decision making.
• As well as attendance at the University for training, fulfil private study requirements to enhance learning and prepare assignments for examination - recommendation is 150 hours of study for each of the 6 x 15 credit modules, and 300 hours of study for the 1 x 30 credit module. This study time includes the teaching days.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to children and young people’s mental health.
• To undertake accurate assessment of risk to self and others.

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working for a charity and making a difference to the lives of the children and young people in our community.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

HOLIDAYS: 5 weeks per annum plus bank holidays.
The holiday year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year. (Pro-rata for fixed term contract)

BENEFITS:

• Be part of a long-standing and well-respected charity
• Discounted childcare for permanent employees
• Gym membership and free access to all leisure facilities for permanent employees
• Eligibility for Blue Light Discount Retail Card
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 6.6 weeks annual leave which increases after 2 years continuous service
• Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme

Interview date: 19/10/2026

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.

Accessibilityif you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us at [e-mail]

YMCA East Surrey requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adult’s barred lists) check, along with reference checks.