Job summaryWe are looking for an enthusiastic, suitably qualified and experienced person with the ability, commitment and passion to support children and young people with their mental health. Professionals registered as a social worker / Occupational Therapy / equivalent can also apply.
Working within Children & Young Peoples Mental Health East (CYMPH East), the Primary Mental Health Practitioner will be a professionally registered practitioner who has experience in Children's Mental Health. The Mental Health Practitioner works both as an independent professional and, within a multi-disciplinary framework taking into account the THRIVE approach to intervention.
Main duties of the jobThe Primary Mental Health Practitioner will provide specialist support, advice and training within Primary Care Networks, thus aiding recognition of child and adolescent mental health disorders at an early stage and advising on strategies for interventions. The post holder will play a major role in establishing links, education and communication within Primary Care Networks.
The Mental Health Practitioner will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing direct work to children and young people and their carers / families. The post holder will also be responsible for providing advice, consultation and education to other mental health professionals within CYPMH East.
The Primary Mental Health Practitioner will develop and explore under supervision new and innovative ways of working directly with children, families and professionals prior to a referral to the specialist complex teams promoting early help and enabling them to seek help and advice in order to address the early manifestation of mental health difficulties.
About usLSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.
Explore our full wellbeing offer here: Keeping our workforce well
DetailsDate posted 18 September 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 6
Salary £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Per Annum Pro Rata
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full-time, Part-time
Reference number 351-BAY1090-ZK
Job locations Burnley General Teaching Hospital, Burnley, BB10 2PQ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesFor more information about this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Registration as RMN/QSW/DipSW/BSc OT or relevant professional qualification.
- Evidence of experience in Childrens or Adult Mental Health Service provision.
KnowledgeEssential- Knowledge of child and adolescent development and the role of the family in supporting children and young people's emotional well-being.
- Knowledge of systems and contexts in which children and young people likely live
- Knowledge of an understanding of mental health difficulties experienced by children and young people.
ExperienceEssential- Experience of working with children and young people and their family.
- Experience of working in a MDT.
- Experience of working with young people or adults that present with risky mental health presentations or behaviour.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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