Job summary
The Link is a Middlesbrough based professional mental health and emotional wellbeing provider. We provide therapeutic services to children, young people and families across the North East including Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees and Darlington. Our services include a wide range of workshops and training, therapeutic assessments, one to one therapeutic interventions including specialist therapies and Children and Young People Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) evidence-based therapies.
Main duties of the job
Successful applicants will complete an academic programme developed and delivered by Northumbria University during their first year in post, alongside providing evidence-based interventions with children, young people and parents as part of the service.
To enable this, all applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health.
The training programme for this post is due to start in January/ February 2026, is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within the University, independent self-guided study days and experience gained in mental health services.
During training, the post-holder will work under supervision to gain experience enabling them to gain the level of competence required to deliver high quality, evidence-based early interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.
On successful completion of training, the trainee will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and capabilities to work as a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist as autonomous and responsible practitioners within their scope of practice.
About us
Here at The Link, we recognise how important our employees are and we offer;
Generous annual leave entitlement
Great salaries with annual increase (subject to funding)
Competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
Additional Sick Pay scheme
Continued professional development
Additional length of service awards
Access to a wellness programme including 24 hour advice and support
Access to face to face, online and telephone counselling
Protected caseload
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is firstly a training role within CYP IAPT. The post-holder will work in The Link as part of a wider team of practitioners, delivering, with supervision, high-quality; brief outcome focused evidence-based interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. These may include psycho-education, self-help and work with presentation such as anxiety, low mood and anger.
The training and service experience will equip the post holder with the necessary knowledge, attitude and capabilities to operate effectively in an inclusive, value driven service. The post holder will attend all university based taught and self-directed study days required by Northumbria University (Higher Education Institute), as specified within the agreed national curriculum and work in the service for the remaining days of the week (3 days) using their newly developed skills as part of the service delivery model.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To provide, under supervision, assessment, including risk assessment, of children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
To support management of the waiting list playing a proactive role in prioritisation, assessment and signposting.
To work with families involved with social care liaising closely with Social Workers and other professionals working across Children, Young People and Family Services.
To select and deliver a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions for children, young people and families experiencing mild to moderate or moderate to severe mental health difficulties delivered in collaboration with the child, young person and family.
To work within CYP IAPT Delivering with and Delivering Well Values and Standards.
To work within the principles of CYP IAPT 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 explore and evaluate clinical treatment using evaluation tools, contributing to evidence-based practice.
Working in collaboration to support children, young people and families in the self-management of presenting difficulties.
Working in collaboration with children, young people and families to develop effective treatment plans and agreed outcomes.
To operate within the Service Referral to Discharge Protocols.
Through close case management and supervision, escalate cases where the level of need becomes beyond scope, or more severe, ensuring adherence to other relevant elements of service delivery.
Provide a range of information and support for evidence based psychological treatments. This may include guided self-help. This work may be face-to-face, by telephone or via other media.
Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall number of children and young people contacts offered, and sessions carried out per week in order to improve timely access and minimise waiting times.
Training and Supervision
Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post including practical, 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 competencies 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 organisation and third sector organisations on behalf of the child, young person or family.
To build effective working relationships with other local childrens mental health providers including statutory and third sector CaMHS and support the development of pathways of support.
Safeguarding
Responsible for safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people at all times 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 childs 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 Lamplight and in line with The Link Policies and Procedures.
To undertake relevant Continuing Professional Development as required for the purposes of continued professional accreditation or registration and as identified through The Links professional development and Appraisal system.
To undertake clinical supervision and case management as per The Links supervision policy and in line with the appropriate professional body - BABCP
To work within The Links GDPR and Information Governance policies and procedures.
To ensure a safe and secure working environment for self and others and to take action as necessary within Health and Safety and other guidelines.
To adhere to all The Links Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
To promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people using the service.
Other
Mapping/updating of existing local services for signposting and review/update existing service directory. Continue to welcome spotlight sessions for external providers during whole team meetings or attend their team meetings.
Engage caseload to increase effective stakeholder participation in service design and delivery and increase attendance at participation events/groups.
Regular promotion and marketing of childrens mental health, prevention and early intervention linking in with local/national campaigns
Work in partnership with The Link Charitable Trust
This job description is designed to identify principal responsibilities only. The post holder is required to be flexible in development of the role in accordance with changes in The Links organisational objectives and priorities.
**The work The Link CIC carries out within the social sector is very much a social approach, therefore to ensure safe working practises our organisation works hard to continuously monitor and review our delivery model and ensures our workers have a protected caseload at all times **
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is firstly a training role within CYP IAPT. The post-holder will work in The Link as part of a wider team of practitioners, delivering, with supervision, high-quality; brief outcome focused evidence-based interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. These may include psycho-education, self-help and work with presentation such as anxiety, low mood and anger.
The training and service experience will equip the post holder with the necessary knowledge, attitude and capabilities to operate effectively in an inclusive, value driven service. The post holder will attend all university based taught and self-directed study days required by Northumbria University (Higher Education Institute), as specified within the agreed national curriculum and work in the service for the remaining days of the week (3 days) using their newly developed skills as part of the service delivery model.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To provide, under supervision, assessment, including risk assessment, of children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
To support management of the waiting list playing a proactive role in prioritisation, assessment and signposting.
To work with families involved with social care liaising closely with Social Workers and other professionals working across Children, Young People and Family Services.
To select and deliver a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions for children, young people and families experiencing mild to moderate or moderate to severe mental health difficulties delivered in collaboration with the child, young person and family.
To work within CYP IAPT Delivering with and Delivering Well Values and Standards.
To work within the principles of CYP IAPT 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 explore and evaluate clinical treatment using evaluation tools, contributing to evidence-based practice.
Working in collaboration to support children, young people and families in the self-management of presenting difficulties.
Working in collaboration with children, young people and families to develop effective treatment plans and agreed outcomes.
To operate within the Service Referral to Discharge Protocols.
Through close case management and supervision, escalate cases where the level of need becomes beyond scope, or more severe, ensuring adherence to other relevant elements of service delivery.
Provide a range of information and support for evidence based psychological treatments. This may include guided self-help. This work may be face-to-face, by telephone or via other media.
Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall number of children and young people contacts offered, and sessions carried out per week in order to improve timely access and minimise waiting times.
Training and Supervision
Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post including practical, 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 competencies 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 organisation and third sector organisations on behalf of the child, young person or family.
To build effective working relationships with other local childrens mental health providers including statutory and third sector CaMHS and support the development of pathways of support.
Safeguarding
Responsible for safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people at all times 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 childs 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 Lamplight and in line with The Link Policies and Procedures.
To undertake relevant Continuing Professional Development as required for the purposes of continued professional accreditation or registration and as identified through The Links professional development and Appraisal system.
To undertake clinical supervision and case management as per The Links supervision policy and in line with the appropriate professional body - BABCP
To work within The Links GDPR and Information Governance policies and procedures.
To ensure a safe and secure working environment for self and others and to take action as necessary within Health and Safety and other guidelines.
To adhere to all The Links Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
To promote and value the rights, responsibilities and diversity of people using the service.
Other
Mapping/updating of existing local services for signposting and review/update existing service directory. Continue to welcome spotlight sessions for external providers during whole team meetings or attend their team meetings.
Engage caseload to increase effective stakeholder participation in service design and delivery and increase attendance at participation events/groups.
Regular promotion and marketing of childrens mental health, prevention and early intervention linking in with local/national campaigns
Work in partnership with The Link Charitable Trust
This job description is designed to identify principal responsibilities only. The post holder is required to be flexible in development of the role in accordance with changes in The Links organisational objectives and priorities.
**The work The Link CIC carries out within the social sector is very much a social approach, therefore to ensure safe working practises our organisation works hard to continuously monitor and review our delivery model and ensures our workers have a protected caseload at all times **
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- - Holds a Psychology or other Health/social care/youth related undergraduate degree (2:2 or above)
Desirable
- - Holds a recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychological Therapy
- - Holds a recognised membership of a relevant professional body (i.e. HCPC/BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
- - Is accredited with a relevant professional body (i.e. HCPC/BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
Therapeutic Practice
Essential
- - Demonstrates an understanding and ability to work with high-intensity CBT approaches and willing to support the implementation of The Link model and integrate within practice.
- - Demonstrates and 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
Experience
Essential
- - Experience of working with children and young people
- - Demonstrates an understanding of CYP IAPT
Desirable
- - Post qualification experience as a practising counsellor/psychological therapist
- - Demonstrates an understanding of The Link service, including referral pathways and criteria for access
- - Experience of working within a childrens mental health service
- - Experience of working within educational establishments
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- - Holds a Psychology or other Health/social care/youth related undergraduate degree (2:2 or above)
Desirable
- - Holds a recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychological Therapy
- - Holds a recognised membership of a relevant professional body (i.e. HCPC/BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
- - Is accredited with a relevant professional body (i.e. HCPC/BACP/BABCP/BAAT/UKCP/BPS)
Therapeutic Practice
Essential
- - Demonstrates an understanding and ability to work with high-intensity CBT approaches and willing to support the implementation of The Link model and integrate within practice.
- - Demonstrates and 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
Experience
Essential
- - Experience of working with children and young people
- - Demonstrates an understanding of CYP IAPT
Desirable
- - Post qualification experience as a practising counsellor/psychological therapist
- - Demonstrates an understanding of The Link service, including referral pathways and criteria for access
- - Experience of working within a childrens mental health service
- - Experience of working within educational establishments
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.
