At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower young minds and support their mental health journey.
- Company: Join Compass, a leading charity dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, life assurance, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's futures while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Mental Health Practitioner with experience in therapeutic interventions.
The predicted salary is between 32921 - 40347 £ per year.
Empowering young minds & changing futures. You are someone who cares deeply about making a difference not just for today, but for a young person’s entire future. You bring a blend of clinical expertise, compassion & creativity, ready to meet children & young people where they are and help them move forward with confidence. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing service in Central & West Lancashire, where your impact will help shape & develop support for children & young people.
You will need to be a qualified Mental Health Practitioner, confident in using therapeutic interventions like CBT or solution-focused techniques, and experienced in working with children, young people & families, especially those facing emotional or behavioural challenges. But it’s not just about what you know, it’s how you connect. You are a natural collaborator, able to build trusted relationships with schools, families & multi-agency partners, and you understand the power of early support in educational settings. Safeguarding, risk management & communication come naturally to you, not as tick boxes, but as vital tools for building trust & safety. You are reflective, adaptable & committed to learning, with the drive to grow professionally & the values to guide others through difficult moments with hope & respect.
If you are excited by the chance to work in an amazing supportive, forward-thinking team & to use your skills to help children & young people thrive - we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job:
- We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and skilled professional to join us as a Mental Health Practitioner.
- You will be passionate about improving mental health outcomes for children and young people, thrive in collaborative environments and be ready to make a real difference in educational settings.
Essential Criteria:
- Hold a relevant qualification such as EMHP, CYP IAPT, Registered Social Worker or Registered Mental Health Nurse.
- Experience delivering 1 to 1 therapeutic interventions with children, families and groups, including parenting programmes.
- Ability to assess mental health, evaluate risk and take appropriate action.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, education settings and capacity and consent, including Gillick competence.
- Experience supporting children with social, emotional or behavioural needs, including anxiety and mood disorders.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills with a proactive and team-focused approach.
Additional qualifications such as a teaching degree or Youth Mental Health First Aid are helpful but not essential. Experience in education or healthcare settings, working with vulnerable groups and delivering group interventions would strengthen your application.
If you are an Education Mental Health Practitioner, we would also love to see an application and welcome you to be part of a growing service where you can make a lasting difference.
About us:
Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.
All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks. We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.
We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.
Benefits:
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata).
- Life assurance at 2 x basic salary.
- Competitive contributory pension scheme.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression.
- Annual salary review.
Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!
Mental Health Practitioner in Preston employer: National health service
Compass is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering a supportive work culture in Central & West Lancashire. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive learning opportunities, a competitive pension scheme, and generous holiday allowances, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. Join a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, compassion, and the drive to create positive change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner in Preston
✨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 National health service. 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 National health service.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Practitioner in Preston
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 National health service:Take some time to research National health service 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 National health service
✨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 National health service's values and approach.
