Job summary
In line with the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, there are new recruit to train positions within the children's mental health services.
The role is Children Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP)
These posts are held within Kent and Medway Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) CWPs within these teams provide low intensity interventions based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and guided self help. Trainee CWPs are taught these interventions while also learning more about the MHST programme and children and young peoples' mental health.
Where are these job roles?
CWP training roles will be within MHST based in:
1. Dartford
2. Sevenoaks
3. Maidstone
CWP roles in North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) based in Kent and Medway are an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence-based early interventions for children and young people.
Applicants need to be ready to start work beginning of January 2025 and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date 6th January candidates will need to undertake an initial application process with NELFT. If successful in this first stage, then candidates will need to apply to Kings College London University CWP training programme before the job offer is made.
Main duties of the job
Applicants will need to be ready to start work on 6th January 2025. This post is a recruit to train post therefore candidates will undertake their post graduate CWP course alongside employment with NELFT as an CWP trainee.
Candidates will need to travel between school sites/clinic sites as well as to KCL in order to undertake the university course and practical elements of the job role (business travel will be reimbursed). All applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. It is also essential that applicants have relative experience of working with children and young people, and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable for the CWP role.
Please see KCL entry requirements, further information & portal: Child Wellbeing Practice PGDip (CWP) (
CWPs are required to become registered practitioners on qualification, with either British Psychological Society (BPS) and British Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). Please discuss this during your training year.
About us
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff). The first contract received is a fixed term training contract that will support the candidate to completion of the course. On successful completion of the course the candidate will be offered a permanent position within a vacant post in MHST. Please ask us about more information during your interview.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focussing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in CEME Campus, Rainham, Essex, RM13 8EU (please note: in order to travel to this destination you will have to make the Dartford crossing and be aware of the ULEZ charges). Candidates will need to have business insurance when travelling by car to claim both travel and above charges on expenses.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The training programme for these posts starts in January 2025 and is 12 months in duration it will consist of academic and supervised practice learning across different educational settings/clinics, you will work with a variety of different age groups as well as families across the diverse population of Kent and Medway. This training will occur in various locations across their named geographical area. At interview you will be asked for your geographical location preference.
Key Responsibilities under supervision while Training:
Delivering evidence-based intervention for children and young people in education/clinic setting with mild to moderate mental health problems
Helping children and young people within these settings who present with more severe problems to rapidly access more specialist services
Supporting and facilitating professionals in different settings to identify and where appropriate manage issues related to mental health and wellbeing.
For Qualified CWPs post holders please see the Job Description included with this advert.
You will be joining an existing and growing team of EMHP/CWPs in NELFT who already work across other parts Kent and Medway these staff will also offer support in your training year. We look forward to your application and to working with you as a Trainee CWP with NELFT in the named geographical areas.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
4. Low Intensity CBT qualification
5. Worked with children
Desirable
6. Child development qualification
7. Relevant mental health experience
8. 18 months plus paid employment working with children
Knowledge
Essential
9. Knowledge of education system in UK
10. Knowledge of children and young people gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health
Desirable
11. Additional training related either child development or mental health
12. Personal statement reflects significant interest in children's mental health
13. Personal statement reflects knowledge of the training process with KCL
Skills
Essential
14. Has worked within an Education Setting or Mental Health Setting
Desirable
15. Hold driving license and has access to vehicle
Attitude
Essential
16. Within the personal statement there will be clear statements around intent to undertake the course and a interest in working in children's mental health service
Desirable