We are excited to be able to recruit a School Wellbeing Worker to a permanent 22.5 hour post. 

A degree in Mental Health, Social Work, Youth Work or Psychology and/or at least 3 years experience of working with children and young people with mental health needs in a healthcare, education or community setting is essential. You will need to demonstrate  your previous experience of working with children, young people and families with the aim of improving their emotional, mental health and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic service which is overseen by the Strategic Partnership for Emotional and Mental Health and delivered in partnership by City of York Council, Health and School Clusters. The aim of the project is to strengthen the emotional and mental health support arrangements for children and young people in universal school settings.

The priority of the role will be working with children and young people and school staff around emerging and developing mental health (MH) need. The role will involve providing schools with consultation, advice, training, direct work, in partnership with school staff, and increased communication with specialist CAMHS services.

Within the consultation process the successful candidate will deliver structured, problem solving consultation discussions with school pastoral leaders and SENCOs with a view to developing a shared plan of support and intervention around children and young people’s mental health need.

Your involvement in this shared plan could involve signposting, advice on MH strategies and resources, supporting a referral to specialist CAMHS, 1:1 and group work interventions or contribution to a bigger package of support with other agencies.

Your direct 1:1 and group work will be influenced and informed by evidence based interventions, using solution focused, CBT and DDP principles.  You should be able to demonstrate understanding of evidence based interventions and have experience in assessing/planning and contributing to individual care plans and packages of support. As a reflective practitioner you will access regular clinical supervision from Specialist CAMHS service.

Your understanding of integrated working and school based support systems along with excellent communication, time management and negotiation skills will also be essential in this role.

The successful applicant will be required to visit schools and settings within the City of York Council boundaries, some of which are not easily accessible by public transport. Therefore, a full and valid driving licence is desirable.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Laura McMurray at laura.mcmurray@york.gov.uk  or 07919304024 (between 23.11.23 and 30.11.23).

Closing date: Sunday 12 November 2023 at 12 midnight

Interview date: w/c 27 November 2023