Job summary
Dorset HealthCare is delighted to offer Trainee Children's Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) opportunities within our Children and Young People's Mental Health (CYPMH) Service.

This role sits within the developing Getting Help quadrant of our i-Thrive model, supporting children and young people experiencing common mental health difficulties through early intervention and evidence-based support.

We are looking for compassionate, motivated and resilient individuals who are committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families. You will join a supportive multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality care within an evolving service.

CYPMH Dorset - A Service in Transformation

CYPMH Dorset is entering an exciting period of growth, with investment enabling services to develop in line with Thrive principles. Posts are pan-Dorset and may initially support existing teams during transition. Future service delivery may include extended operating hours.

This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills, contribute to service development and help shape the future of children's mental health support.

Successful applicants will undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in Brief Evidence-Based Interventions for Children and Young People with Common Mental Health Problems at the University of Exeter, commencing January 2027. This 12-month employment-based programme combines academic study, supervised clinical practice and independent learning.

Interview date is 3rd August which will be held as an assessment day. Availability all day is required.

Main duties of the job
As a Trainee CWP, you will:

• Support early intervention and prevention for CYP mental health
• Undertake structured mental health assessments
• Deliver guided self-help and brief interventions under supervision
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency team
• Manage a supervised caseload in line with training expectations
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical records
• Engage fully with supervision, training and reflective practice
• Demonstrate commitment to evidence-based practice and service development

Start Date
Applicants must be available to commence employment in December 2026 to enable enrolment on the university programme starting in January 2027.

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Details
Date posted: 09 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 152-M179.26
Job locations: Forston Clinic, Herrison Road, Charlton down, Dorchester, DT2 9TB, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK for this role.

Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes, as the role requires travel across the community to ensure appointments can be offered to children, young people and families in accessible locations.

Person Specification
Educational / Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to undergraduate degree level
• Able to attend the formal training as required
• Able to complete academic components of the course

Desirable

• Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy

Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
• Computer literate
• Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
• Demonstrates an understanding of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and how it relates to this post

Desirable

• Experience of working in Primary Care Services
• Ability to manage own caseload and time
• Experience of working in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
• Experience of facilitating courses or groups and / or teaching experience

Personal Qualities / Aptitudes
Essential

• Ability to work under pressure to set deadlines and to work under own initiative
• Excellent telephone manner.
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

Additional Requirements
Essential

• High level of enthusiasm and motivation for the role
• Ability to use clinical supervision, self reflection and personal development positively and effectively

Desirable

• Fluent in languages other than English

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: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, Forston Clinic, Herrison Road, Charlton down, Dorchester, DT2 9TB, United Kingdom. Employer's website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact: CAMHS CBT Clinical Lead, Chloe Duffin, chloe.duffin@nhs.net, 01202646300.