Children & Young Person's Practitioner

We are looking for a passionate and motivated CYP Practitioner to join our team. In this role, you will provide early intervention and guided self-help support to children and young people aged 5-18 (and up to 25 for those with SEN) who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties.

You will work directly with children and young people in local schools, community venues and online, delivering both individual and group sessions that focus on building resilience, improving wellbeing and increasing understanding of mental health. The role also involves working on a targeted project supporting vulnerable CYP, giving you the opportunity to make a real difference to those most in need.

**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 participants.
- Gather participant feedback using internal feedback forms an