Children and Young Peoples Wellbeing Practitioner Postgraduate Diploma

The overall aim of the programme is to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of evidence based, low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy informed interventions and parenting approaches informed by Social Learning Theory (SLT).  The programme will provide a balance between theoretical knowledge of these interventions and opportunity to integrate theory to clinical practice.

Specific programme aims are:

To familiarise trainees with the core principles of CYP Psychological Training service transformation, and for them to be able to apply these to their work with CYP and families.

To provide students with a thorough grounding in NHSE Workforce Training & Education’s curriculum for CYWP/CWP.

To develop trainees’ understanding and clinical competency in engaging, assessing and delivering the low intensity CBT informed clinical method and enable them to adapt their practice to work effectively with children and young people, with common mental health difficulties and their parents/carers and professionals.

To provide trainees with the foundations to establish a commitment to continuing professional development and becoming an evidence-based practitioner.

To provide trainees with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally recognised research environment, nationally recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.

You cannot apply directly to the training centre for this course.

All applicants need to demonstrate in their application the ability to work at postgraduate level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with some record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. A sufficient level of relevant experience of working with children and young people is required. We are looking for motivation and potential to develop in this role rather than lots of qualifications and experience. You do not have to have a degree to train as an CYWP.  Non-graduates are asked to submit a short essay prior to the course to demonstrate that they can work at the required academic level.

Successful candidates will be offered a full-time position with a mental health service provider funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level, with a starting salary projected to be based on the NHS AfC Band 5 scale once qualified.

We are training practitioners to work within culturally diverse areas of the North West and recognise that our trainee cohort is not always as diverse as the population it serves. We are very keen for this to change and therefore particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian & other Minority Ethnic candidates as well as applicants with a disability and men; all of whom are currently under-represented among CYWPs.

Please be aware that this is not just a taught training programme, if successful you will be required to give up your current job to take on this trainee role.

The taught part of the programme follows a national curriculum for Children’s Well Being Practitioner training and is delivered in the form of lectures, workshops and skills practice including regular role play.  There are approximately 60 days of teaching. Following the initial induction, attendance will mainly be two days a week on Thursday and Fridays over three terms. During the year there may be some occasional changes to teaching days. Tutorial support is provided termly.

Work is assessed throughout the year using a combination of methods.  These include formal marking of recordings of trainee clinical practice, written reflection on clinical work, case reports, presentations and final submission of a practice portfolio.

The CYWP roles will be advertised on NHS Jobs as a Band 4 Training Role any time between August to October *. 

* Please note this is an approximate timescale as these trainee posts are advertised by the recruiting services and we have no direct control over this as a training centre

To get an alert when this trainee post is advertised, you need to be registered with NHS Jobs. There you can create a search for this role in My Searches and be automatically notified when any Trainee CYWP posts are advertised.

If you have any queries regarding this course not covered in the information above or in the FAQ section of this website, please email the Programme lead: anne.moloney@gmmh.nhs.uk    In the Subject Line please write CYWP course enquiry and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

We are happy to answer questions related to the course itself, but unfortunately are unable to provide any general career advice.