Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner

West Sussex Mind; Worthing; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

West Sussex Mind is recruiting four full-time trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioners in West Sussex, starting January 2027. You will earn £28,392 per year and work across community sites, with university training at the University of Sussex in Falmer.

The role includes enro​lling in a diploma, delivering brief interventions, and progressing through assessments while gaining an NHS qualification within a year fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• Degree (2:2 or above) with some experience working with children.
• Willing to train at the University of Sussex as part of the trainee programme.

Responsibilities

• Enrol in a graduate or postgraduate diploma at the University of Sussex.
• Deliver brief, evidence-based interventions and guided self-help to children and young people.
• Train on the job with West Sussex Mind and attend university-based training.

Skills

Experience with children

Education

Degree (2:2 or above)

Job description

Passionate about children and young people's mental health? Join us in making a real difference — we're recruiting four full-time trainee roles in West Sussex starting January 2027.

Hours: 37.5 (Full Time)

Full Time Salary: £28,392 per annum

Contract: One year fixed term contract starting in January 2027

Location: Roles will work in the community and GP practices. Role will be assigned to specific locations but may need to have flexibility to be able to travel to sites across Rural North Chichester, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Worthing, Shoreham and Southwick. You will also attend the University of Sussex, Falmer, multiple times per week throughout the course.

Holiday Entitlement: 25 days per year rising to 27 days after 2 years (pro-rata)

West Sussex Mind Values: Excellence, Equitable, Open, Together, Curious, Unstoppable

National Mind Excellence Awards 2025: Winner for Equality & Diversity; Highly Commended for Effective Services

Overview

Ready to make a real difference in young lives?
We're offering an exciting chance to join West Sussex Mind as one of four full-time trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioners, starting in January 2027. This is more than just a job — it's your opportunity to earn a nationally recognised NHS qualification while working hands-on in a passionate, values-driven mental health charity.

Whether you've recently completed a degree (2:2 or above) and have some experience with children, or you're ready to pivot your career and follow your passion for helping others, this could be your next big step.

As a successful candidate, you will:

• Enrol in a graduate or postgraduate diploma at the University of Sussex, attending all university-based training in Falmer and progressing through all assessments.
• Train on the job with West Sussex Mind, delivering brief, evidence-based interventions and guided self-help to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges.
• This is your chance to build a meaningful career — and change lives along the way

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September at 9:00am.

Interview date: Tuesday 20th October or Thursday 22nd October in person at our Southwick office, 45 Southwick St, Southwick, Brighton BN42 4TH

All posts will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. If successfully shortlisted, you will attend a joint interview with the Assistant Professor from the University of Sussex and Children and Young People's Social Prescribing Manager from West Sussex Mind.

West Sussex Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships