At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people through emotional well-being sessions and community resources.
- Company: The Children’s Society, dedicated to improving children's lives for over 140 years.
- Benefits: 36 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, free counselling, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's mental health during critical times.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and strong communication skills required.
Role based in Greater Manchester in Tameside at the Anthony Seddon Centre, Ashton. Salary £26,100-£29,855 per annum. 35 hours per week. Permanent with funding until 30 June 2027.
The Children’s Society has a vacancy for an Emotional Health & Wellbeing Practitioner within our Safe Zone Service Greater Manchester.
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- 36 days’ annual leave inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Provision to buy additional annual leave
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- We match up to 8% pension
- Free counselling service
- Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
- 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation
About the role: Safe Zones Service offers step-down crisis support to young people experiencing mental health crises. These Safe Zones are located in multiple locations, including Bolton, Wigan and Tameside. Access is initially by referral from the Mental health Liaison Team, CYP Crisis Team, and CAMHS.
Your role will be:
- Delivering 1-1 emotional well-being sessions, supporting young people to access self-help and support systems in the community, accessing services to contribute to individualised care-plans and packages.
The post holder must be available to work occasional shift patterns, this will include evening and weekend hours.
Skills:
- Ability to evaluate your current practice and reflect on training.
- Computer literate and able to navigate a data management system.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to develop good therapeutic relationships.
- Competent in undertaking risk assessments.
- Able to supervise other staff members, and encourage colleagues.
Work-based Knowledge:
- In-depth knowledge of mental health presentation in children and young people and the need for evidence-based intervention.
- Demonstrates a knowledge of how environmental factors impact mental health.
- Ability to demonstrate a knowledge of barriers preventing children and young people accessing mental health services.
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 23rd June 2026. Interviews: TBC.
The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role.
In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission – this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.
AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you – authenticity matters.
Safe Zones Practitioner in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have access to benefits such as a generous pension scheme, free counselling services, and opportunities to enhance your skills while working in a collaborative environment. Located in Washington, Tyne & Wear, this role offers flexibility and the chance to engage with your community, all while contributing to a vital cause.
