Cyp (Children & Young Person's) Practitioner

North Kent Mind is recruiting a CYP Practitioner to deliver early intervention mental health support to children and young people aged 5-18 across Medway and North Kent (Gravesham, Dartford & Swanley).

The role includes delivering **individual guided self-help support**, **group sessions**, and **psychoeducational workshops**, primarily in schools, with some work in community venues and online. You’ll need to be confident working 1:1 and in groups, with strong communication skills and a passion for supporting young people.

This is a 22.5-hour role, with delivery hours between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Working days will be agreed based on school need and your availability.

If you’re looking to make a real difference as part of a values-led, supportive team, we would love to hear from you

**Purpose of Post**

CYP Practitioners are responsible for providing early intervention and guided self-help support to children and young people (CYP) aged 5-18, and up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), experiencing mild to moderate mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties. Practitioners will work across various settings, including schools, community venues and using digital platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams) to deliver individual and group sessions focused on building resilience, improving wellbeing and increasing understanding of mental health.

The elements which overall comprise North Kent Mind’s CYP Service are:
1. Psychoeducational presentations

2. Group support sessions

3. Individual support sessions

4. Project development and research

5. Networking and partnership working

6. Project management

7. Service monitoring and evaluation

*CYP Practitioners are deployed in elements 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 above.

CYP Practitioners may bring particular skills in group facilitation, individual wellbeing support, life coaching, therapeutic interventions (including creative approaches to wellbeing) or experience of working with children and young people in a variety of settings. The role contributes to the development, planning and delivery of North Kent Mind’s CYP service provision and supports our mission to promote positive mental health.

**Structure of the Post**

CYP Practitioners report to the CYP Service Manager and receive regular supervision and training. They will be provided with structured resources and materials for session delivery, including evidence-based tools aligned with national guidance (e.g. i-THRIVE, NICE).

This is an all-year-round role, primarily aligned with school term times, as most delivery takes place in educational settings. CYP Practitioners will typically be assigned to fixed school(s) or projects to support consistency and relationship-building, but may also contribute to other areas of delivery based on service need. During school holidays or quieter periods, practitioners may support wider service activities such as resource development, triage, digital delivery, or project-based work.

Delivery occurs across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, and Medway, with the main office base located in Medway. Travel costs incurred as a result of the workload beyond the usual distance to the office are reclaimable as expenses in line with policies and procedures.

**A: DUTIES OF THE POSTS: GENERAL**

1. To work within a framework which:

- Abides by all the policies of North Kent Mind, including Equal Opportunities, Confidentiality, Health and Safety, Information Governance, GDPR.
- Promotes Social Inclusion, Empowerment, Well-being and the Recovery Model
- Respects, encourages and builds on individual clients’ coping strategies, skills and autonomy.
- Maintains good liaison with any other outside agencies as is necessary
- Promotes good joint working, links and cross-referral with all North Kent Mind colleagues.

2. To participate in supervision and appraisal.

3. To attend staff meeting and service team meetings.

4. To attend training/meetings and some annual events as required.

5. To undertake any other duties which the CEO or Board of Trustees may, from time to time, reasonably delegate or assign.

**B. DUTIES OF THE POSTS: SPECIFIC**

North Kent Mind CYP Practitioners will:
**Group Work / Presentations**
- Deliver psychoeducational group sessions (typically 45-60 minutes), using approved templates from the shared resource folder or developing bespoke materials tailored to presenting needs.
- Use standardised outcome measures, e.g. Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), Child Outcome Rating Scale (CORS), to monitor impact.
- Prepare, set up and tidy session environments.
- Facilitate groups on themes such as anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and wellbeing.
- Record attendance and session delivery on the digital case management system (Lamplight).
- Provide signposting and follow-up support as required.
- Manage any emotional distress or safeguarding concerns during sessions in line with internal policy.
- Tailor sessions appropriately to the age and needs of participan