At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide person-centred mental health support to children and families in Swindon.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to improving mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible leave, birthday off, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and strong communication skills required.
The SPA Practitioner will play a pivotal role in delivering responsive, person-centred care to children, young people and families across Swindon. Working within a Single Point of Access model, this role will provide meaningful telephone consultations to all appropriate referrals, ensuring each contact receives timely, relevant guidance or signposting to local mental health and wellbeing services. This role requires individuals who can assess presenting needs, hold supportive conversations, and direct children, young people and families to the most appropriate pathways within BE U or services across the local landscape. Working closely with other professionals in education, health and community services, the SPA Practitioner will ensure a smooth and informed journey for families navigating emotional wellbeing support. This role will require excellent risk assessment and management skills in relation to positive risk taking and decision making to enable safe and effective responses to CYP and their families.
The successful candidate will work closely with families to provide guidance, education, and support in managing children and young people’s (CYP) mental health needs. The role involves triaging and screening referrals, making informed clinical and pathway decisions, and carrying out assessments and safety calls with CYP and their families. You will hold a small active caseload, offering tailored support and providing practical resources to parents and caregivers. Working collaboratively with schools, healthcare professionals, social services, and community organisations, you will help ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to care. Responsibilities also include monitoring access and outcomes, particularly for marginalised or vulnerable groups, responding to safeguarding concerns with appropriate interventions, and contributing to service improvement. You will stay up to date with developments in child and adolescent mental health through ongoing training, participate in supervision and peer support, and engage with local communities to raise awareness of available services. The role also requires participation in an on-call rota, including evenings and weekends, and a flexible approach to support the evolving needs and priorities of the service.
Skills & Competencies required:
- Experience in delivering phone-based assessments or support within a health, education or social care context.
- Experience of managing own case load delivering evidence based/CBT informed interventions.
- Knowledge of emotional wellbeing needs in children and young people.
- Strong understanding of the local support landscape or willingness to rapidly develop this knowledge.
- Ability to listen actively and communicate effectively, showing empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to assess levels of need, manage risk, and provide appropriate signposting or escalation.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills, ensuring accurate, evidence-based case notes.
- Proficiency with digital systems, including client management systems and Microsoft Office.
- Cultural competency and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the community.
- Confidence to work independently while contributing to a wider multi-disciplinary team.
Employee Benefits:
- Birthday Day off
- Flexible Annual Leave scheme
- Employee Referral scheme
- 37.5 hours working week
- Flu jabs
- Blue Light Card
- Cycle to work scheme
- Leadership and staff away days
- Training and Development
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for A better Life, please click apply to view the full job description and responsibilities, and to complete your application on their website.
CYP Mental Health Practitioner SPA in Swindon employer: ABL Health
A Better Life is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for CYP Mental Health Practitioners in Swindon. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to community wellbeing, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits such as a birthday day off and a cycle to work scheme. The collaborative culture fosters professional growth and encourages innovative approaches to mental health care for children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CYP Mental Health Practitioner SPA in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research A Better Life and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since this role involves a lot of telephone consultations, try role-playing with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing mental health needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to mental health. This can give you insider knowledge and potentially a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace CYP Mental Health Practitioner SPA in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of CYP Mental Health Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in risk assessment, communication, and case management make you a perfect fit for this role. We want to see real examples of how you've made a difference in similar situations.
Be Person-Centred:Remember, this role is all about delivering person-centred care. Share stories or experiences that reflect your ability to connect with children, young people, and families, showing empathy and understanding in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABL Health
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child and adolescent mental health. Familiarise yourself with the local support landscape and be ready to discuss how you would approach various scenarios involving children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your experience in delivering phone-based assessments or support. Think of specific examples where you've managed a caseload or provided evidence-based interventions, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This role requires empathy and cultural sensitivity, so show that you can listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to questions. It’s a great way to showcase your communication skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your risk assessment and management skills. Prepare by thinking through how you would handle different situations, especially those involving safeguarding concerns or coordinating with other professionals.
