Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization is recruiting Trainee Children and Young People's Wellbeing Practitioners on a fixed-term contract in the West Midlands. The role requires attending training at Northampton University while delivering evidence-based interventions for children experiencing mental health difficulties. Applicants should be highly organized and possess A-levels or equivalent. Flexible working opportunities and extensive benefits are available, including up to 33 days of annual leave and NHS pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Options for flexible working

Up to 27 days annual leave

Extensive health and wellbeing support

Free car parking at all trust sites

Free flu vaccinations every year

Qualifications

• Ability to study at undergraduate/postgraduate level.
• Highly organized and able to manage time effectively.
• Experience working with children and families facing mental health challenges.

Responsibilities

• Attend university taught and self-study days as required.
• Work within the CYP mental health service applying newfound skills.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions for children and young people.

Skills

Organizational skills

Creative thinking

Forming therapeutic relationships

Experience with mental health challenges

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Job description

Overview

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn.

MPFT are recruiting Trainee Children and Young People's Wellbeing Practitioners for a fixed‑term 12‑month contract within our developing service offering low intensity interventions in Tamout and Shropshire (BeeU Service). Successful applicants will undertake training at Northampton University while working in MPFT and will be taught to deliver evidence‑based guided self‑help interventions for children and young people (CYP) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

There is a non‑negotiable start date of 19 January 2026 for a service induction week, with the University course starting on 26 January 2026. Training is delivered face‑to‑face and online; applicants will be expected to travel to Northampton for face‑to‑face teaching.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend all university‑based taught and self‑study days required by the education provider, as specified within the agreed national curriculum.
• Work within the CYP mental health service for the remaining days of the week, applying newly developed skills under supervision.
• Deliver brief, outcome‑focused evidence‑based interventions for CYP experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
• Participate in written assignments such as case studies, reflections, presentations, role‑plays and practice sessions.
• Attend the University of Northampton for teaching, with placements available at Telford and Shrewsbury locations – expectations to travel as part of the role.
• Submit a separate application to the University of Northampton.
• Upon successful completion of the course, be eligible to apply for registration with the BABCP.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Ability to study at undergraduate/postgraduate level (should have A‑levels or equivalent).
• Highly organised and able to manage competing demands on time.
• Ability to form therapeutic relationships with CYP, their families and the local community.
• Show creativity, curiosity and a willingness to learn more, and try new approaches.
• Experience working with CYP and families with mental health challenges.
• Willingness to run therapeutic groups.

Training and Development

Trainees will study for a PGDip/GradDip in Wellbeing Practice, incorporating modules that consider wider community work, individual differences and facilitating therapeutic groups. The course begins the week commencing 26 January 2026 and requires commuting to the University of Northampton; study may need to occur outside working hours. Teaching is delivered 4 days a week for the first 3 months of the course, then 3 days, and finally 2 days in the second half of the course.

• Personal tutor, study‑skills support and mental health support are offered by the University.
• The training year can be very demanding with a strong expectation of commuting to the University of Northampton.
• Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the BABCP.

Benefits

• Supporting your career development and progression.
• Excellent NHS Pension scheme.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Options for flexible working.
• Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Extensive health and wellbeing support and resources.
• Reimbursement for travel time between patients if you work in our community teams.
• Lease car, if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum (fully insured and maintained, mileage paid at lease car rate).
• Salary‑sacrifice car, fully insured and maintained; mileage paid at business rates.
• Salary‑sacrifice bike up to £2 000.
• Free car parking at all trust sites.
• Free flu vaccinations every year.
• Citizen’s Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one‑off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met).
• Choice of staff networks to meet like‑minded people in a diverse and inclusive organisation.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please note that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.