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 outcomes for vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive work culture that values diversity and promotes work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your clinical skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified mental health practitioner with experience in trauma-informed care and multi-disciplinary collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 € per year.
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.
As Senior Clinical Practitioner, you will:
- 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.
You will be a qualified and experienced mental health practitioner with:
- 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.
What we offer:
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your 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 programs including confidential employee assistance.
How to apply:
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Charlotte.Virag@Barnet.gov.uk.
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. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview.
Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert.
Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC) in London employer: Borough of Barnet
Barnet Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, staff can access extensive training opportunities and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. The Onwards & Upwards service provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of care-experienced young people, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in mental health practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and social care sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Barnet Council and their Onwards & Upwards service thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in trauma-informed practice. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, especially those that highlight your experience with care-experienced young people. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate your clinical oversight and collaborative approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates – we’ll be in touch if you’re shortlisted, so check that inbox regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Clinical Practitioner - Onwards & Upwards (12 months FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you understand what Barnet Council is looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out the application form, make sure to include specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in trauma-informed and mentalisation-based practice. We want to see how your background aligns with the role!
Be Authentic:While it might be tempting to use AI tools for assistance, remember to keep your application genuine. All statements should reflect your own experiences and insights. Authenticity goes a long way in making a strong impression!
Apply Through Our Website:Once you're ready, head over to our website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Don’t forget to check your email regularly for updates on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in trauma-informed and mentalisation-based practices. Brush up on the Anna Freud 'Building Bridges' framework, as it’s crucial for this role. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show your expertise and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with care-experienced young people or those with complex mental health needs. Highlight how you’ve successfully collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams and provided clinical oversight. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the Onwards & Upwards service. Inquire about their current challenges or how they measure success in supporting young people. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see how you’ll fit into their team culture. Share your passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and your collaborative approach to working with others.
