Job Description

Job Summary

Lifewell Southwest is seeking qualified and compassionate Band 6 clinicians to join our expanding Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Early Help Pathway as a CAMHS Liaison Practitioner. This is a rewarding opportunity for experienced professionals looking to make a real impact in the lives of children, young people, and their families.

As a named liaison for local schools and community services, you will offer consultation, advice, early assessments, and brief interventions (up to 8 sessions) under the I-THRIVE framework. The focus of this role is on prevention, early identification, and resilience building in children and young people’s mental health.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the named Early Help CAMHS Liaison for schools and services in the locality.

• Deliver consultations, advice, and signposting for children and young people with emerging mental health concerns.

• Carry out mental health assessments and coordinate short-term, evidence-based interventions.

• Deliver group work, parenting programmer, and training sessions for schools and community organizations.

• Liaise with the Children’s Gateway to screen referrals and ensure young people receive the right support at the right time.

• Represent CAMHS at multi-agency meetings such as EHAT, SEND, CIN, and child protection conferences.

• Use outcome measures and routine monitoring (ROMs) to evaluate interventions.

• Maintain clear, accurate records in line with professional standards.

• Actively contribute to the CAMHS Advice and Support Line.

• Participate in supervision, clinical governance, service audits, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Support and line manage junior staff as required.

• Champion a person-centered, collaborative approach to care planning.

About the Organization

Lifewell Southwest is an award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health and social care across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon. We are driven by values of kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration.

Our focus is on early intervention and recovery, ensuring people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. We invest in our staff through strong CPD pathways, leadership development, and career progression opportunities.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Professional qualification in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, or Social Work.

• Current registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., NMC, HCPC).

• Post-registration experience in children and young people’s mental health or equivalent.

Desirable Qualifications

• Postgraduate training in children’s mental health (e.g., CBT, DBT, systemic practice).

• Clinical supervision and assessor qualifications.

Experience (Essential)

• Experience working with children and young people with mental health difficulties.

• Skilled in conducting mental health and risk assessments.

• Experience of multi-agency working.

• Ability to manage a caseload autonomously.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in CAMHS or Early Help settings.

• Supervising students or junior staff.

Skills and Knowledge (Essential)

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to priorities and work under pressure.

• Familiarity with legislation and policies related to children’s mental health.

• Understanding of the I-THRIVE model and early intervention approaches.

Desirable Skills

• Proficiency with IT systems and digital health records.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel across the Plymouth area.

• Flexibility to work across a 7-day service, including evenings if required.

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Safeguarding & Disclosure

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Applicants are also required to understand and comply with local and national safeguarding policies.

Apply now if you’re a proactive, passionate clinician ready to contribute to the emotional wellbeing of children and young people, and want to be part of an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking team.