At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's mental health through evidence-based interventions and community engagement.
- Company: Join Ormiston Families, a leader in child wellbeing support for over 45 years.
- Benefits: Earn £25,147 per annum with training at University College London and career development.
- Other info: Flexible role with travel across Norfolk & Waveney and to London for training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable qualifications.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and passion for improving mental health required.
The predicted salary is between 25147 - 25147 £ per year.
The salary for this post is £25,147 per annum, based on 37.5 hours per week. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term training post, starting in January 2027.
Location: Norwich Hub (with travel across Norfolk & Waveney and to Anna Freud, London for training)
At Ormiston Families, we believe everyone in the East of England deserves to feel happier, stronger and understood. For more than 45 years, we’ve been supporting children, young people and families to overcome challenges, improve emotional wellbeing and build brighter futures. Everything we do is rooted in our values of collaboration, compassion and effectiveness, and we’re proud to work alongside people rather than simply for them, creating lasting change through trusted relationships, early intervention and evidence-based support.
Our people are at the heart of our success. We know that when our colleagues feel valued, supported, and empowered, they can make the greatest difference to the lives of others. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive, develop and feel proud of the impact they make. Whether you’re working directly with families or supporting our services behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that shares a common purpose: helping children, young people and families build resilience, strengthen connections and create positive, lasting change in their communities.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where your skills, ideas and compassion can genuinely transform lives, we’d love you to join us.
Our Supporting Smiles service provides professional mental health support to children and young people across Norfolk and Waveney through our therapeutic pathways and Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner teams. Our service’s name, Supporting Smiles, was co-created with input from the children and families we support. We are part of Norfolk & Waveney’s Children and Young People’s Alliance, an integrated mental health service network guided by the THRIVE principles, ensuring support is needs-led, accessible, outcome-informed, and promotes shared decision-making, partnership working, and proactive prevention.
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates who are:
- Passionate about improving children’s and young people’s mental health.
- Committed to evidence-based practice, accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
- Able to study and write at postgraduate level (degree-level qualification required).
- Flexible and willing to travel across Norfolk & Waveney and to London for training.
- Experienced in working with children/young people in a mental health or related setting (desirable).
The post holder will undertake training at University College London alongside working in service for Supporting Smiles. They will be taught to deliver evidence-based guided self-help interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. They will also be taught how to deliver interventions in the community, for example, participation activities, training, and group delivery. The post holder will use their newly developed skills to support children and young people referred to the service, and trainees will receive supervision to support their professional development and will be expected to actively engage local communities.
As a trainee, you will:
- Assess and deliver, under supervision, outcome-focused, evidence-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties within the community.
- Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post, including practical, academic and practice-based assessments.
- Gain a UCL Postgraduate Diploma in Child Wellbeing Practice upon successful completion.
Applicants will need to be ready to start work in early to mid-January 2027, and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date. Shortlisted candidates will also need to submit an application form to UCL for a place on the Diploma in Child Wellbeing Practice. The application form details are in the CWP Recruitment Pack and will need to be completed at the same time as your application for a post.
Closing Date: 9am, Friday 9th October 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Ormiston Families is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are an equal opportunities employer; we value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (X2) – Supporting Smiles in Norwich employer: Ormiston
Ormiston Families is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across Essex. With a strong emphasis on community support, our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us to be part of a passionate team that prioritises well-being and offers unique opportunities to make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (X2) – Supporting Smiles in Norwich
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Ormiston, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (X2) – Supporting Smiles with Ormiston!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (X2) – Supporting Smiles in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Ormiston and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Ormiston:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Ormiston unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Ormiston, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Ormiston.
