In line with the government’s priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, an exciting career opportunity has arisen for a Senior Wellbeing Practitioner to join our low intensity mental health workforce as part of Barnet’s Integrated Clinical Services (BICS).
Our multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) are made up of CWPs (Children and Young People’s Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners), EMHPs (Education Mental Health Practitioners), Psychologists, Systemic Psychotherapists, Integrative Psychotherapists, Creative Therapists and CBT Therapists. They deliver evidence based mental health interventions across education and community settings, provide consultation and advice, step up to specialist services where appropriate, and deliver workshops, groups and training across Family Services, education and community settings. Including supporting a whole school and college approach as part of delivering on the government’s Mental Health Support Teams in schools initiative (MHST) which is embedded into the BICS MDTs.
We are excited to be offering the opportunity to step into this development role, undertaking the two-year training course through UCL and the Anna Freud Centre alongside clinical work with one of the BICS MDTs linked to the West hub team. This role falls within the MHST component of BICS and will include opportunities to work as a link practitioner to an agreed number of schools and provide supervision to a trainee or qualified EMHP/CWP in line with the course requirements. As part of this role, there will be a requirement to travel between education/community settings and to/from the office where the team base is located.
This role forms part of the SWP training course awarded by Higher Education England and anyone applying also has to complete the UCL application (available on the UCL website) meeting criteria for eligibility. The role is being offered as a fixed term contract only to cover the length of the training.
Please note that appointment to a permanent, fully qualified role, is subject to successful completion of the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner PG Dip.
The Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP) role is for experienced EMHPs and CWPs to hone their clinical skills and to introduce them to supervisory and consultative experiences as they progress on their career. These posts are available for internal candidates only to encourage career progression while providing a high-quality service to children and young people.
SWPs report to Senior Clinical Practitioners who, while having their own caseload, are crucial to supporting the SWPs, practitioners and trainees with their respective goals for the year. Each MDT are overseen by Clinical Managers and supported by Practitioner Support Assistants and Assistant Psychologists.
SWPs will support the team in delivering the following (and therefore must be interested and comfortable in the below themselves):
- working with slightly more complex cases and mental health presentations;
- draw on new modalities in their interventions;
- gain introductory experience of providing supervision;
The post holders will have a flexible and collaborative approach and be curious about the development of preventative and early help strategies in the community. The post holder will have excellent communication and engagement skills and ensure that professionals, parents and children are engaged in learning and development of innovative interventions in their schools. They will carry a clinical caseload; assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating patient-centred care ensuring that they practice within their sphere of competence and knowledge.
Professional Membership/Qualification
Essential
Post-graduate level qualification in relevant therapeutic modality (CWP/EMHP).
The post holder will have or be in the process of gaining current UK professional registration or where appropriate to their profession.
- 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
Responsibilities
Senior Wellbeing Practitioner in London employer: Borough of Barnet
Barnet Education & Learning Service (BELS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, employees enjoy the flexibility of predominantly remote work while being part of a motivated team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. BELS also values diversity and equity, offering ongoing professional development opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for all staff.
