Community Practitioner

Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and enthusiastic community practitioner who is interested in undertaking training in a psychological therapy: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. This recruit to train post will initially involve the post holder competing the diploma in CBT at Northumbria University for the first year. Following this, you will be a member of the Children's Mental Health assessment and Treatment Pathway in Sunderland CYPS to work with children and young people with complex mental health needs and deliver CBT .

You will be central to the coordination and delivery of assessments and treatment, working closely with families, schools, and multi-agency partners to ensure timely, child-centred, and evidence-based care.

We're looking for someone who is:

• A registered health or social care professional (e.g. mental health or learning disability nurse, OT, Social Worker.)
• Experienced in working with children, young people, and families
• Confident in assessing developmental, behavioural, or emotional needs
• Skilled in multi-agency working and collaborative practice
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage a busy caseload, including concise and timely completion of documentation.
• Compassionate, child-focused, and committed to improving outcomes

For the diploma essential criteria for the University includes -

Experience in working with children and young people

Degree level qualification

Training and specialist CBT supervision will be provided.

Main duties of the job

• Coordinating and contributing to mental health assessment and interventions, working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Offering evidence based interventions, particularly CBT.
• Providing clear, compassionate communication with parents, carers, and professionals
• Participating in MDT discussions and formulation meetings
• Contributing to service development and quality improvement initiatives

About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Sunderland Children and Young People's Service is a well-established, multi-disciplinary community team providing high-quality support to children, young people, and families.You will be joining a friendly, supportive team that includes professionals from nursing, Psychology and Psychiatry. We work collaboratively, drawing on a wide range of expertise to deliver holistic, child-centred care. Regular supervision, peer support, and opportunities for joint working are embedded in our culture, and we actively encourage professional development and reflective practice.

Job responsibilities
Our service values innovation, compassion, and teamwork. We are committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families. We welcome practitioners who share our enthusiasm for highquality, inclusive, and evidenceinformed practice.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 29th September 2026

Closing date : 13th October 2026

We welcome your application.

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
• Mentor Training.
• Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation.
• Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post.
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.

Desirable

• Post Registration Qualifications in Psychological Interventions
• Experience of working within a community team.
• Non-Medical Prescribing

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.

Desirable

• Understanding mental health presentations and interventions.

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
• Ability to adapt within a changing environment.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Desirable

• Clinical Leadership.
• Training & Induction of staff.
• Delegation skills.
• Debriefing skills.
• Teaching/Presentation skills.

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.