Alliance Psychological Services Limited

Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner

The closing date is 02 November 2025

Job summary

Alliance are the leading independent provider of mental health and psychological wellbeing services across Teesside and the North-East.

Are you wanting to improve the lives of young people and families facing mental health difficulties and deliver support in a dynamic and creative childrens team? If so, we would love to hear from you as we have an exciting trainee opportunity available within Alliance.

Our Children, Young People, and Family Service provides support for childrens mental health on behalf of and in partnership with Northeast and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundations Trust (CAMHS) and other local organisations like Changing Futures North East (CFNE). Collectively we work together using the iThrive framework to improve mental health services and make them more accessible for children and young people in Tees Valley.

Our mission is to help families navigate the mental health system so they can get the right support when they need it. We want to make sure everyone gets the help they deserve for better outcomes.

If successful, you will be expected to complete a University application form for the CWP postgraduate training programme.

You must have right to work in the UK as we are currently unable to offer working visa opportunities.

Main duties of the job

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join our service as a Trainee Childrens Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP). This training role is designed for individuals passionate about supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children and young people.

As a trainee, you will deliver low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions while completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Studies in Community and Primary Care Environments at Northumbria University. You will be required to attend all university led taught and self-study sessions with the remainder of your time spent working within the service. Throughout your training you will receive structured support to help you apply your developing clinical skills in practice.

The role will be based at our Billingham site with travel required across Stockton, Hartlepool and Darlington where you will contribute to both the delivery and ongoing development of the service. You will work with children and young people whose mental and emotional wellbeing has been impacted by challenging life experiences helping them to build resilience and improve their overall well-being.

For an informal chat about any of these posts, please contact Kaye Hooker at CYPFamilies@alliancepsychology.com

Closing date: 2nd November 2025

Interviews: 12th November 2025 in person at our offices in Billingham

Interviews may have representation from young people and Northumbria University.

About us

Alliance offers first rate training and development opportunities, 38 days annual leave pro rata rising 1 day every 5 years of service (as well as the option to purchase additional annual leave) EAP health scheme including costs towards eye tests glasses, dental treatment, physio treatment and shopping discounts alongside a 3% contributory pension scheme. We also offer lots of health and wellbeing initiatives for our staff and promote flexible working for a positive work life balance.

Alliance has organisational responsibility for safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults within our service, part of this is to follow safer recruitment of staff for all appointments. It is also a requirement that all staff understand it is each persons individual responsibility and are committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.

An enhanced criminal records disclosure will be sought in the event of a successful application.

Alliance Psychological Services Limited is committed to promoting equal opportunities in our employment practice and service delivery. We are signatories to the Mindful Employers Charter. Alliance also has Investors in People status and is a Living Wage employer.

Please note we monitor the use of AI, if applicants have used it they should declare it.

AI-generated content may lack detail and not address key criteria outlined in the job description.

Personalisation is essential to convey individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£27,000 a year pro rata whilst training (£28,500 to £32,000 once qualified)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0163-25-0022

Job locations

Alliance Psychological Services Ltd

24 Yarm Road

Stockton-on-tees

Cleveland

TS18 3NA


The Pavillion

1 Belasis Court

Billingham

TS23 4AZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Undertake and successfully complete the CWP training/qualification Postgraduate Diploma.

Provision of evidence based, low intensity CBT based psychological therapies to children, young people and their families, both on a one-to-one and group basis.

Undertake regular scheduled clinical skills supervision and case management supervision to meet both the requirements of the service and the training course.

Working to support the mental health needs of children, young people and families

Working within a community and educational context

Complete comprehensive, psychosocial assessments and plan, implement and evaluate specialist packages of care.

Engage vulnerable and hard to reach groups

Follow safeguarding policies and procedures where required

Work at the complex interface between getting help and getting more help services.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

To work within Delivering with and Delivering Well Values and Standards

To work within the principles of CYPAPT ensuring the appropriate use of routine outcome monitoring tools

To make use of referral pathways following assessment for children, young people and families requiring other services, including statutory and voluntary agencies

To operate within the Service Referral to Discharge Protocols

Training and Supervision

Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post includingpractical, academic, and practice-based assessments.

Apply learning from the training Programme to practice.

Receive clinical supervision and case management weekly in relation to course work, competencies, and clinical work to meet the required standards.

Prepare and present case load information to supervisors and case managers within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the governance obligations of the trainee, supervisor and service are delivered.

Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in practice.

Work within the boundaries of service delivery and support to meet the requirements of the service needs.

Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competences and practice.

Partnership Working

To create and maintain effective working relationships with Headteachers, Deputy Heads, SENCOs, Pastoral Teams, mental health champions and wider teaching staff by providing advice and consultative support on emotional and mental health issues, and in relation to appropriate referral pathways for children, young people and families experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

To liaise effectively with other local providers, including statutory, voluntary sector organisations and on behalf of the child, young person, or family.

To build effective working relationships with other local children's mental health providers including CaMHS and support the development of pathways of support.

Safeguarding

Responsible for safeguarding children and always promoting the welfare of children and young people and operating within local policies and procedures.

Under guidance and support taking appropriate safeguarding action to protect children and young people at risk of significant harm.

Under guidance and supervision to identify and support families in accessing Early Help Services

To share appropriate information with parents/carers or other agencies regarding the child's wellbeing and progress keeping within the boundaries of Confidentiality and Information sharing protocols.

A Professional and Ethical Service

To maintain appropriate clinical notes and records on a Patient Management System (IAPTUS) and in line with Alliance policies and procedures

To undertake relevant Continuing Professional Development as required for the purposes of continued professional accreditation or registration and as identified through Alliances professional development and Appraisal System.

To undertake clinical supervision and case management as per Alliance supervision policy and in line with the appropriate professional body BABCP/BPS

To work within Data Protection Act 1998 and Alliance Information Governance policies and procedures

To ensure a safe and secure working environment for self and others and to act as necessary within Health and Safety and other guidelines.

To adhere to all Alliance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

To promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people using the Service.

This job description is designed to identify principal responsibilities only. The post holder is required to be flexible in developing the role in accordance with changes in Alliances organisational objectives and priorities.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Undertake and successfully complete the CWP training/qualification Postgraduate Diploma.

Provision of evidence based, low intensity CBT based psychological therapies to children, young people and their families, both on a one-to-one and group basis.

Undertake regular scheduled clinical skills supervision and case management supervision to meet both the requirements of the service and the training course.

Working to support the mental health needs of children, young people and families

Working within a community and educational context

Complete comprehensive, psychosocial assessments and plan, implement and evaluate specialist packages of care.

Engage vulnerable and hard to reach groups

Follow safeguarding policies and procedures where required

Work at the complex interface between getting help and getting more help services.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

To work within Delivering with and Delivering Well Values and Standards

To work within the principles of CYPAPT ensuring the appropriate use of routine outcome monitoring tools

To make use of referral pathways following assessment for children, young people and families requiring other services, including statutory and voluntary agencies

To operate within the Service Referral to Discharge Protocols

Training and Supervision

Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post includingpractical, academic, and practice-based assessments.

Apply learning from the training Programme to practice.

Receive clinical supervision and case management weekly in relation to course work, competencies, and clinical work to meet the required standards.

Prepare and present case load information to supervisors and case managers within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the governance obligations of the trainee, supervisor and service are delivered.

Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in practice.

Work within the boundaries of service delivery and support to meet the requirements of the service needs.

Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competences and practice.

Partnership Working

To create and maintain effective working relationships with Headteachers, Deputy Heads, SENCOs, Pastoral Teams, mental health champions and wider teaching staff by providing advice and consultative support on emotional and mental health issues, and in relation to appropriate referral pathways for children, young people and families experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

To liaise effectively with other local providers, including statutory, voluntary sector organisations and on behalf of the child, young person, or family.

To build effective working relationships with other local children's mental health providers including CaMHS and support the development of pathways of support.

Safeguarding

Responsible for safeguarding children and always promoting the welfare of children and young people and operating within local policies and procedures.

Under guidance and support taking appropriate safeguarding action to protect children and young people at risk of significant harm.

Under guidance and supervision to identify and support families in accessing Early Help Services

To share appropriate information with parents/carers or other agencies regarding the child's wellbeing and progress keeping within the boundaries of Confidentiality and Information sharing protocols.

A Professional and Ethical Service

To maintain appropriate clinical notes and records on a Patient Management System (IAPTUS) and in line with Alliance policies and procedures

To undertake relevant Continuing Professional Development as required for the purposes of continued professional accreditation or registration and as identified through Alliances professional development and Appraisal System.

To undertake clinical supervision and case management as per Alliance supervision policy and in line with the appropriate professional body BABCP/BPS

To work within Data Protection Act 1998 and Alliance Information Governance policies and procedures

To ensure a safe and secure working environment for self and others and to act as necessary within Health and Safety and other guidelines.

To adhere to all Alliance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

To promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people using the Service.

This job description is designed to identify principal responsibilities only. The post holder is required to be flexible in developing the role in accordance with changes in Alliances organisational objectives and priorities.

Person Specification

Other Skills and Qualities

Essential

  • Demonstrates an understanding and ability to work with low-intensity CBT approaches and willing to support the implementation of Alliance model and integrate within practice.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of assessment and risk
  • Shows a willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of both service, children, young people and families and university requirements.
  • Ability to work with an agreed caseload and manage agreed targets and performance measures
  • Demonstrates an understanding of childrens mental health
  • Demonstrates a willingness to undertake clinical supervision and case management
  • Shows responsibility for continuous professional development
  • A clear understanding of local policies and procedures and commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people
  • Under supervision demonstrates a willingness to challenge assumptions and practice and with guidance can provide alternative and creative solutions
  • Demonstrates commitment to deliver high quality services
  • Demonstrates an ability to effectively build and manage relationships with referrers both within schools and community
  • Strong working relationships with community and school leadership teams
  • Demonstrates a consistently positive attitude to working within Alliance
  • Demonstrates willingness to work collaboratively with children, young people and families
  • Has the willingness under supervision to develop good therapeutic relationships with children, young people and families
  • Ability to work within a dynamic and developing service
  • Demonstration of self-motivation and motivation of others
  • Ability to work confidently and competently under pressure
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written and the ability to understand and respond to requirements of different audiences
  • Shares information, skills and practice when required
  • Excellent case recording, report writing and case presentation skills
  • Demonstrates competency in using Microsoft Office
  • Experience in using data base systems to record sessions and notes

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with children and young people in a psychological capacity (emotional health and wellbeing)
  • Demonstrates an understanding of CYP IAPT

Desirable

  • Demonstrates an understanding of Alliance children young people and families service including referral pathways and criteria for access
  • Experience of working within a childrens mental health service
  • Experience of working within educational establishments
  • Post qualification experience as a practicing counsellor/psychological therapist

Qualifications

Essential

  • Attainment of a first degree or equivalent academic level 6 qualification (e.g., Grad Certificate/Grad Diploma)

Desirable

  • Holds a recognised qualification in counselling or psychological therapy
  • Holds a recognised membership of a relevant professional body (i.e., BACP/BABCP BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
  • Is accredited with a relevant professional body (i.e., BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
Person Specification

Other Skills and Qualities

Essential

  • Demonstrates an understanding and ability to work with low-intensity CBT approaches and willing to support the implementation of Alliance model and integrate within practice.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of assessment and risk
  • Shows a willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of both service, children, young people and families and university requirements.
  • Ability to work with an agreed caseload and manage agreed targets and performance measures
  • Demonstrates an understanding of childrens mental health
  • Demonstrates a willingness to undertake clinical supervision and case management
  • Shows responsibility for continuous professional development
  • A clear understanding of local policies and procedures and commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people
  • Under supervision demonstrates a willingness to challenge assumptions and practice and with guidance can provide alternative and creative solutions
  • Demonstrates commitment to deliver high quality services
  • Demonstrates an ability to effectively build and manage relationships with referrers both within schools and community
  • Strong working relationships with community and school leadership teams
  • Demonstrates a consistently positive attitude to working within Alliance
  • Demonstrates willingness to work collaboratively with children, young people and families
  • Has the willingness under supervision to develop good therapeutic relationships with children, young people and families
  • Ability to work within a dynamic and developing service
  • Demonstration of self-motivation and motivation of others
  • Ability to work confidently and competently under pressure
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written and the ability to understand and respond to requirements of different audiences
  • Shares information, skills and practice when required
  • Excellent case recording, report writing and case presentation skills
  • Demonstrates competency in using Microsoft Office
  • Experience in using data base systems to record sessions and notes

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with children and young people in a psychological capacity (emotional health and wellbeing)
  • Demonstrates an understanding of CYP IAPT

Desirable

  • Demonstrates an understanding of Alliance children young people and families service including referral pathways and criteria for access
  • Experience of working within a childrens mental health service
  • Experience of working within educational establishments
  • Post qualification experience as a practicing counsellor/psychological therapist

Qualifications

Essential

  • Attainment of a first degree or equivalent academic level 6 qualification (e.g., Grad Certificate/Grad Diploma)

Desirable

  • Holds a recognised qualification in counselling or psychological therapy
  • Holds a recognised membership of a relevant professional body (i.e., BACP/BABCP BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
  • Is accredited with a relevant professional body (i.e., BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Alliance Psychological Services Limited

Address

Alliance Psychological Services Ltd

24 Yarm Road

Stockton-on-tees

Cleveland

TS18 3NA


Employer's website

https://www.alliancepsychology.com/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Alliance Psychological Services Limited

Address

Alliance Psychological Services Ltd

24 Yarm Road

Stockton-on-tees

Cleveland

TS18 3NA


Employer's website

https://www.alliancepsychology.com/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Kaye Hooker

CYPFamilies@alliancepsychology.com

01642352747

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£27,000 a year pro rata whilst training (£28,500 to £32,000 once qualified)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0163-25-0022

Job locations

Alliance Psychological Services Ltd

24 Yarm Road

Stockton-on-tees

Cleveland

TS18 3NA


The Pavillion

1 Belasis Court

Billingham

TS23 4AZ


Supporting documents

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