At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in schools with mental health interventions and workshops.
- Company: SAMH, Scotland's leading mental health charity since 1923.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, 30 days annual leave, and wellbeing days.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and promote mental wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and workshop facilitation required.
The predicted salary is between 32329 - 36593 £ per year.
Overview
Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland's national mental health charity. Today, we operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in respectme, suicide prevention, and physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH's policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.
About the Role
Location: Aberdeen
Hours: 37.5
Salary: £32,329 - £36,593 Pay point 28 - Pay Point 32 (Whilst this is a scale for progression, the starting salary is point 28)
Contract: Fixed Term August 2026 - August 2027
Responsibilities
You will be a Children and Young People (CYP) Practitioner within schools across Aberdeen City and will deliver a multi-faceted intervention, combining direct support, preventative interventions and capacity building:
- Programmes Include:
- Time for Me: Eight-session life skills programme supporting young people experiencing low mood/anxiety who are not eligible for specialist mental health services. The course helps participants understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It aims to support young people on a 1:1/group basis (depending on need) at the earliest opportunity to prevent further deterioration in their mental health.
- Listen and Link: which can be 2 to 8 sessions and support the young people in making connections with their local community to break down barriers and develop confidence and independence as well as offering strategies in supporting low mood/anxiety.
- Capacity Building: To strengthen young people's wider support network, CYP Practitioner will facilitate workshops for teachers, parents and carers. Additional age-appropriate workshops for children and young people will also be delivered to maximise reach and impact.
Support will primarily take place in schools during term time. 1:1 sessions will last up to one hour per week. Support can be offered in local community venues including the New Aberdeen Nook outside of term time. Capacity building workshops last approximately 90 minutes, with flexible scheduling to encourage participation, especially for adults. There is a facility for online sessions for parent/carers as required. The new CYP Practitioner will work closely with current CYP team members in the area to continue the positive support established over the last year.
You will have experience working 1 to 1 with young people and delivering workshops to children, young people and the adults they work and live with. Training in the specific programmes listed will be offered if you are not familiar with them.
What we are looking for
We are looking for individuals with experience delivering individual support and group work to young people around their mental health and wellbeing including the necessary qualifications as stated in the role profile. They will also be experienced in workshop facilitation, training delivery and development. With exceptional communication skills and ability to manage own case load, the Children and Young People Practitioner will work flexibly to deliver the wide range of programmes on offer, whilst ensuring practice is of the highest quality at all times. A driving licence and access to a car is desirable for this post.
What we will provide for you
You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include:
- Fully funded SVQ qualification to meet the conditions of your SSSC registration if required
- Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.
- Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions
- 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years' service (pro rata)
- 4 public holidays (pro rata)
- 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)
- Team wellbeing budgets
- Workplace pension scheme
- Life Assurance policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
Closing date for applications will be Monday 6th July 2026 12 noon. To apply please visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us. This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required. Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. SAMH is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to represent the communities we are here to support. We aim to have a truly diverse organisation - diversity of thought, background, experience and of all protected characteristics. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health problems and individuals from minority communities.
Children and Young People Practitioner (REC1967) - 477760 employer: Scottish Action for Mental Health
At SAMH, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of our communities. As a Children and Young People Practitioner in Aberdeen, you will benefit from comprehensive training, professional development opportunities, and a generous leave policy, all within a collaborative work culture that values diversity and personal growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying a fulfilling career in a respected charity.
Contact Details:
Scottish Action for Mental Health Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children and Young People Practitioner (REC1967) - 477760
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Scottish Action for Mental Health.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Scottish Action for Mental Health!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Scottish Action for Mental Health, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Scottish Action for Mental Health or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Children and Young People Practitioner (REC1967) - 477760
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Scottish Action for Mental Health:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Action for Mental Health! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Action for Mental Health
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
