CAMHS Mental Health Practitioner

Job description

Job summary

We are recruiting to 3 train fixed term 12-month roles involving 2 days per week on the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies with Children and Young People. We are offering three pathway trainings: Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy Pathway (1 place), Systemic family Practice Pathway (1 place), Learning Disability and Autism Pathway (1 place). The course will involve teaching and supervision in assessment, formulation and intervention (according to the pathway recruited to) on Thursdays and Fridays at the Psychological Therapies Training Centre at Prestwich Hospital. You will additionally have 3 days per week based at a one of our district CAMHS base providing a clinical service to families. Methods of service delivery within the community include individual case-work, contributing to MDT and group interventions, and joining the on-call risk rota (as appropriate). You will be required to work autonomously within professional guidelines and departmental policies and practices and will be required to liaise with professional networks.

Following successful completion of the course there will likely be opportunities for progression within the district service or wider MFT CAMHS.

Dependent on the banding at which candidates are recruited and the availability of funding beyond the 12-month duration of training there will be opportunities for discussion about future job roles and progression.

Main duties of the job

To formulate and implement plans for psychological therapeutic intervention within a chosen practice framework (CBT, Systemic or Early Years), working in clinic, home, community and educational settings where appropriate.

To exercise responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of clients.

To communicate highly complex condition-related or contentious or sensitive information where there may be significant barriers to acceptance and to manage ensuing difficult interpersonal situations in the interests of the patient's welfare.

To assist in developing existing pathways/services with colleagues and partner agencies.

To help plan, contribute and participate in, any team building process that may be seen as necessary to enhance the working efficiency of the service.

To attend departmental and specialist team meetings.

To receive regular clinical professional supervision from a clinical psychologist and other professional colleagues, where appropriate.

To take responsibility for continuing professional development and continue to gain wider post-qualification experience in service-related areas.

To take part in annual appraisal.

To utilise evidence-based literature and research to support effective practice.

To participate in evaluation of all clinical activity within the post and provide such information as required by the Head of Department for the purpose of service monitoring and evaluation.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Job description
Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• You must have a recognised qualification

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of working effectively with people with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of delivering low intensity interventions in a range of settings.
• Experience of assessing and managing risk: including safeguarding
• Experience of gathering clinical evidence, reports and information as part of signposting to other internal or external pathways.
• Experience of providing evidenced based assessments, formulations and treatment packages
• Experience of liaison and working with a range of other relevant agencies within a community model.
• Experience of caseload working within a multi-disciplinary mental health setting
• Experience of mentoring and supervision of others.
• Understanding of Clinical Governance and its' application within the role.

Desirable

• Experience of providing interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and their families
• Experience of working within CAMHS or as a mental health worker within a community/education setting.

Knowledge

Essential

• Up to date knowledge of child mental health and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practic
• Ability to manage complex situations effectively and deal with sensitive, diverse and contentious issues.
• The ability to assess, formulate and manage care appropriately, ensuring discharge is timely and planned.
• The ability to use assessment tools and outcome measures effectively and in collaboration with the child, young person and family
• To be able to function as a part of a multi-disciplinary community team and to liaise effectively with other agencies i.e., education, GP's, maintaining positive working relationships.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in all contact with disadvantaged groups.
• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures and of different ages.
• Good skills in communicating with children, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to cope with stressful interpersonal situations including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the case of highly emotive and distressing problems and the threat of verbal and physical abuse.
• The ability to reflect on and critically appraise the performance of self.
• To have the ability to manage own caseload.
• Ability to manage and organise own time and diary.
• The ability to follow policy and make proposals for change.
• The ability to work independently with the support of case management supervision.
• The ability to maintain clinical records both written and electronic

Desirable

• Experience of delivering training and /or group work.
• Demonstrable therapeutic skills
• IT competent
• Knowledge and understanding of the research process

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

• You must have a recognised qualification

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of working effectively with people with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of delivering low intensity interventions in a range of settings.
• Experience of assessing and managing risk: including safeguarding
• Experience of gathering clinical evidence, reports and information as part of signposting to other internal or external pathways.
• Experience of providing evidenced based assessments, formulations and treatment packages
• Experience of liaison and working with a range of other relevant agencies within a community model.
• Experience of caseload working within a multi-disciplinary mental health setting
• Experience of mentoring and supervision of others.
• Understanding of Clinical Governance and its' application within the role.

Desirable

• Experience of providing interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and their families
• Experience of working within CAMHS or as a mental health worker within a community/education setting.

Knowledge

Essential

• Up to date knowledge of child mental health and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practic
• Ability to manage complex situations effectively and deal with sensitive, diverse and contentious issues.
• The ability to assess, formulate and manage care appropriately, ensuring discharge is timely and planned.
• The ability to use assessment tools and outcome measures effectively and in collaboration with the child, young person and family
• To be able to function as a part of a multi-disciplinary community team and to liaise effectively with other agencies i.e., education, GP's, maintaining positive working relationships.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in all contact with disadvantaged groups.
• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures and of different ages.
• Good skills in communicating with children, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to cope with stressful interpersonal situations including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the case of highly emotive and distressing problems and the threat of verbal and physical abuse.
• The ability to reflect on and critically appraise the performance of self.
• To have the ability to manage own caseload.
• Ability to manage and organise own time and diary.
• The ability to follow policy and make proposals for change.
• The ability to work independently with the support of case management supervision.
• The ability to maintain clinical records both written and electronic

Desirable

• Experience of delivering training and /or group work.
• Demonstrable therapeutic skills
• IT competent
• Knowledge and understanding of the research process

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address

MFT CAMHS

Manchester, Salford and Trafford

M130JE

United Kingdom

Employer's website