At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people with mental health needs as they transition into adulthood.
- Company: Join Barnet Council, dedicated to improving lives and promoting well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while developing your clinical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in trauma-informed practice and working with young adults with complex mental health needs.
The predicted salary is between 43180 - 50444 £ per year.
About Barnet Council Barnet Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Clinical Practitioner to join our Onwards & Upwards (O&U) service, working with care‑experienced young people and care leavers as they transition into adulthood. This is a unique opportunity to play a strategic and hands‑on clinical role, embedding trauma‑informed and mentalisation‑based practice across Children’s Social Care, Mental Health Services and Adult Social Care. The role has a primary focus on the mental health needs of young people aged 16–25, including care leavers and unaccompanied asylum‑seeking young people (UASC), particularly those who are unlikely to meet Adult Mental Health thresholds or are disengaged from CAMHS. You will be based within our Onwards and Upwards Office, working closely with Social Workers, Personal Advisors and partner agencies to promote emotional wellbeing, stability and improved long‑term outcomes.
This is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. The salary will include an additional 10% Recruitment and Retention bonus.
Responsibilities- Embed Barnet’s mentalisation approach and the Anna Freud “Building Bridges” framework within the Onwards & Upwards service, strengthening multi‑agency relationships and promoting reflective, psychologically‑informed practice.
- Provide specialist clinical oversight to staff involved in transition planning for children in care and care‑experienced adults.
- Offer mental health consultations to Social Workers and Personal Advisors, supporting early identification of emerging mental health needs.
- Facilitate reflective team supervision, clinical consultations and risk formulation, building staff confidence and resilience when working with complexity.
- Coordinate and support appropriate referrals to mental health and community services.
- Provide specialist clinical input into Barnet’s Joint Transitions Tracking Panel.
- In discussion with the Assistant Head of Service, hold a small clinical caseload, ensuring direct clinical insight informs wider service practice.
- A strong grounding in trauma‑informed, mentalisation‑based and systemic practice.
- Experience working with care‑experienced adolescents, care leavers or young adults with complex mental health needs.
- Confidence providing clinical consultation, supervision and advice within multi‑disciplinary environments.
- A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across Children’s Services, Mental Health and Adult Social Care.
- A commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people as they transition into adulthood.
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in retirement and security for dependents.
- Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time.
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Employee well‑being training programmes including confidential employee assistance.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC) employer: Barnet Together Partnership
Barnet Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the vulnerable young people they serve. With generous benefits such as 31 days of annual leave, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and extensive training opportunities, staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Onwards & Upwards service provides a unique chance to engage in trauma-informed practices, ensuring that employees can contribute to positive outcomes for care-experienced young people in a dynamic and fulfilling environment.
Contact Details:
Barnet Together Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC)
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Barnet Together Partnership. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Barnet Together Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Barnet Together Partnership:Take some time to research Barnet Together Partnership and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnet Together Partnership
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Barnet Together Partnership's values and approach.
