At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health challenges through therapeutic interventions.
- Company: Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit dedicated to enhancing children's lives in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts on childcare.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds to foster an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and innovative team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised therapeutic qualification and at least three years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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About Us
Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.
Job Description
Brighter Futures for Children
About Us
Brighter Futures for Children is a not-for-profit company, owned by, but independent of, Reading Borough Council. Although we are independent, we are very much part of the Reading Family. Our people enjoy all of benefits as other Council employees including membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and continuous service.
We work closely with partners in the local community and key organisations including Reading Borough Council, policy, public health and voluntary groups. We are responsible for the delivery of childrens social care, early help & prevention, education services (including SEND). This also includes fostering and adoption, the Youth Offending Service and traded services with schools.
Our main aim is to protect and enhance the lives of the children of Reading. We help families find long-term solutions to ensure children lead happy, healthy and successful lives.
About The Team/role
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our well established team as a Primary Mental Health Worker. Our Primary Mental Health Team (PMHT) in Reading was set up in 2008 to offer early intervention for children and young people who are at risk of developing serious mental health problems. Since then, we have further evolved and are now essential in filling a gap between early intervention Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) and more specialist Getting More Help (CAMHS) services.
We are a diverse and experienced team of practitioners with a range of evidence informed therapeutic backgrounds. Our team is integrated with the strong, established, and stable Educational Psychology Service (EPS), led by the Acting Principal Educational Psychologist.
We provide psychological therapies in schools and colleges and include systemic ways of working with children aged 5-18. We work within the Thrive model and have close relationships with the wider mental health teams as well as the social work, family, and youth work teams within Brighter Futures for Children. We ensure that children receive support at the Getting Help level, therefore preventing escalation to higher services, and we are proud to make a difference in childrens lives. We offer therapeutic interventions that are impactful and that lead to significant changes.
Our Primary Mental Health Team is also an integral part of the School Links Project which provides regular mental health surgeries within schools.
Our team also offers a range of relevant mental health training to parents and professionals to increase mental health awareness and preventative strategies.
This is an exciting time to join our team as we are involved in new developments within the wider service. We are co-developing a specialist therapeutic fostering service to ensure our cared for (CLA) Reading children stay closer to home, with foster carers who are individually supported to provide for their needs and life experiences. We are also working on a new emotional health triage system, which will have Primary Mental health at its heart. This will ensure that Readings children and families receive a coordinated partnership emotional health offer, to support children to access the right help at the right time. If you want to be part of a service working in real partnership with others, transforming the system to improve outcomes for children and applying regional and national best practice, wed love to hear from you.
Our team is a very stable team, we work in a supportive environment and value our team members. We are looking for a qualified person to join our team as one of us is leaving for early retirement.
Essential Qualification/Experience
A recognised therapeutic qualification and a minimum of three years experience post qualifying.
We would additionally prefer candidates who have a core qualification, are registered with a professional body, and/or have many years of relevant therapeutic experience.
Candidates with applied knowledge of CBT, and therapeutic fostering would have an advantage.
For more information and a confidential discussion, please contact
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to be creative and focus on collaborative interventions that make a difference in childrens lives. We are innovative, child focussed, supportive, friendly, collaborative, and values driven.
We have high expectations for our children and young people and work in a relationship-based, child-centred manner to achieve the greatest impact in childrens lives.
A Competitive Salary, Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Relocation Scheme
- 26 days holiday plus public holidays (rising to 33 after 10 years service)
- Discounted Childcare (on site nursery)
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Season ticket loans.
- A range of local discounts
- Free parking
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme
We want Brighter Futures for Children to be a great place to work and to ensure that our children, young people and families are represented in leadership roles and positions of power. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our children, young people and families so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.
Asking for Adjustments
Brighter Futures for Children is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.
If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please let us know.
Closing date: Sunday 31st September 2025
Interview date: Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Interview type : Face to face at The Civic Office, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
We look forward to hearing from you!
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#J-18808-LjbffrPrimary Mental Health Worker in Derby employer: Reading Borough Council
Brighter Futures for Children is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With access to a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional development, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Reading, the organisation fosters a culture of inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Mental Health Worker in Derby
✨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 Reading Borough Council. 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 Reading Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Mental Health Worker in Derby
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 Reading Borough Council:Take some time to research Reading Borough Council 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 Reading Borough Council
✨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 Reading Borough Council's values and approach.
