At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide evidence-based mental health interventions to children and families in diverse settings.
- Company: Join Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity dedicated to supporting young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, early finishes on Fridays, and free counselling.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health and wellbeing for children and families.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in therapeutic work with children and experience in community settings.
The predicted salary is between 48204 - 48204 £ per year.
Location: London.
Application deadline: Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Positions available: 1.
Vacancy type: Permanent/Full time.
Working hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00‑17:00).
Salary: £48,204 per annum FTE, plus 6% contributory pension scheme.
Job Summary: Exciting opportunity for an experienced mental health professional – make an impact today! Anna Freud is seeking a Child and Family Specialist to join our world‑leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families.
Our EDI commitment: We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience. We ask candidates to share their diversity dimensions with us to help us identify, tackle and prevent bias across the employee lifecycle. We believe a diverse workforce enhances our ability to support mental health and wellbeing, allowing us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and families we serve. As a Disability Confident employer, disabled candidates meeting our criteria are guaranteed an interview. Applications are submitted anonymously and assessed using a fair evaluation process based on the criteria set out in our job profiles.
What we offer: You will join a team of approximately 15 professionals passionate about making a meaningful impact in the field of clinical services. The Ealing SAFE Evolve team deliver interventions for young people and their families in the London Borough of Ealing. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact by addressing mental health needs and promoting resilience in diverse settings. We offer a range of staff benefits, including an all‑in‑one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme. We are proud to have staff‑led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.
What you’ll do: You will join an innovative intervention service delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Ealing. You will provide evidence‑based interventions to children and young people with moderate mental health needs, using approaches such as CBT, trauma‑informed and mentalisation models. You will deliver individual and group work with young people and parents/carers, joint work with professionals, and have supervisory responsibilities for Wellbeing Practitioners. You will also contribute to consultations and training for multi‑agency professionals, supporting a collaborative approach to mental health in schools and the community.
What you’ll bring: We are seeking a compassionate, skilled mental health practitioner with a strong foundation in therapeutic interventions and a commitment to supporting children, young people, and families within community‑based or school settings.
- Recognised qualification and experience in a core profession, including therapeutic work with children and adolescents.
- Experience in assessing and delivering interventions for children and young people in community or school settings, particularly complex cases.
- Knowledge and application of trauma‑informed and neurodiversity‑informed approaches, with a strong focus on safeguarding young people.
- Experience of working cross‑culturally, with the ability to consider cultural factors in clinical practice.
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to Wellbeing Practitioners.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
Key details: Hours: full‑time (35 hours per week): usual working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00‑17:00. Salary: £48,204 per annum FTE, plus 6% contributory pension scheme. Location: Greenford Service Centre (Oldfield Lane South, Ravenor Park, UB6 9LB), and occasionally at Anna Freud (4‑8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH). 3‑4 days per week working onsite at Greenford. Contract type: permanent.
Please email recruitment@annafreud.org with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post‑job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
Child & Family Mental Health Specialist employer: THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE
At Anna Freud, we pride ourselves on being a leading mental health charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, providing employees with unique opportunities for professional growth and impactful work in the community. With benefits like an all-in-one rewards platform, early finishes on Fridays, and free counselling services, we ensure our team feels valued and supported in their mission to promote mental wellbeing in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child & Family Mental Health Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mental health field, especially those connected to Anna Freud. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child and family mental health. Think about your experiences with therapeutic interventions and how you can showcase your skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for mental health! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your personal motivations for wanting to work in this field. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to supporting children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Anna Freud. Keep an eye on our site for updates and new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Child & Family Mental Health Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Child & Family Mental Health Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your therapeutic work with children and adolescents.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for mental health and supporting families! Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it helps us understand your commitment to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily grasp your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest evidence-based interventions for children and young people. Familiarise yourself with CBT, trauma-informed approaches, and neurodiversity-informed practices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for mental health shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to supporting children and families. This can help create a connection with the interviewers and show them why you're the right fit for their mission.
✨Cultural Sensitivity Matters
Given the diverse settings you'll be working in, be prepared to discuss how you consider cultural factors in your clinical practice. Think of examples where you've successfully worked cross-culturally and how that has informed your approach to mental health.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the specific challenges they face, or how they measure success in their interventions. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
