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Locum Band 5 Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioner (CAMHS) - Essex

* £28 per hour

* Mon-Fri, 37.5 hours per week

* Essex

* Must be able to drive and have access to own car

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Locum Band 5 Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioner to work with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team covering Harlow, Chelmsford, Basildon, Colchester, South End and Thurrock. The successful candidate will provide mental health support and interventions to children, adolescents, and their families in the community. This role involves the assessment, planning, and delivery of care to young people with a variety of mental health needs, working within a multidisciplinary team to promote emotional well-being and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Care Planning

* Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and adolescents with mental health concerns, using appropriate assessment tools and techniques.

* Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the young person, their family, and the multidisciplinary team.

* Identify and assess risk factors, ensuring the safety and well-being of young people under care.

* Provide psychoeducation to patients and families on mental health issues and coping strategies.

Therapeutic Interventions

* Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and family-based interventions.

* Support children and adolescents in managing anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, and other mental health challenges.

* Implement crisis interventions as needed and work with the team to ensure appropriate support in acute situations.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

* Work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, school counsellors, and other health professionals to ensure coordinated care for young people.

* Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences to discuss care plans and progress.

* Facilitate referrals to other healthcare or social services as needed.

Family and Community Engagement

* Collaborate with families and caregivers to offer support, guidance, and education on managing mental health conditions.

* Work with schools and community organizations to ensure a holistic approach to supporting young people’s mental health.

* Empower families and caregivers to participate actively in the care of the child or adolescent.

Documentation and Reporting

* Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of assessments, care plans, interventions, and progress.

* Ensure all documentation complies with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.

* Provide timely reports to supervisors and relevant stakeholders as required.

Health Promotion and Education

* Engage in health promotion activities aimed at improving mental health awareness in schools and community settings.

* Deliver mental health workshops and training sessions to young people, parents, and educators.

* Promote emotional well-being and early intervention strategies to prevent the escalation of mental health issues.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Degree in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, or a related mental health profession.

Registration with a relevant regulatory body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England).

A minimum of 1-2 years of post-qualification experience in mental health services, preferably within CAMHS.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with young people and their families.

Understanding of child and adolescent development and mental health conditions.

Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively.

Desirable

Experience working in a community mental health setting or with children and adolescents.

Additional training or certification in therapeutic interventions, such as CBT or family therapy.

Previous experience in a locum or temporary role