Trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner

Passionate about children and young people’s mental health? Join us in making a real difference — we’re recruiting four full-time trainee roles in West Sussex starting January 2027.

Hours: 37.5 (Full Time)

Full Time Salary: £28,392 per annum

Contract: One year fixed term contract starting in January 2027

Location: Roles will work in the community and GP practices. Role will be assigned to specific locations but may need to have flexibility to be able to travel to sites across Rural North Chichester, Chichester, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Worthing, Shoreham and Southwick. You will also attend the University of Sussex, Falmer, multiple times per week throughout the course.

Holiday Entitlement: 25 days per year rising to 27 days after 2 years (pro-rata)

West Sussex Mind Values: Excellence, Equitable, Open, Together, Curious, Unstoppable

National Mind Excellence Awards 2025: Winner for Equality & Diversity; Highly Commended for Effective Services

Overview:

Ready to make a real difference in young lives? We’re offering an exciting chance to join West Sussex Mind as one of four full-time trainee Children’s Wellbeing Practitioners, starting in January 2027. This is more than just a job — it’s your opportunity to earn a nationally recognised NHS qualification while working hands-on in a passionate, values-driven mental health charity.

Whether you’ve recently completed a degree (2:2 or above) and have some experience with children, or you’re ready to pivot your career and follow your passion for helping others, this could be your next big step.

As a successful candidate, you will:

• Enrol in a graduate or postgraduate diploma at the University of Sussex, attending all university-based training in Falmer and progressing through all assessments.

• Train on the job with West Sussex Mind, delivering brief, evidence-based interventions and guided self-help to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges.

This is your chance to build a meaningful career — and change lives along the way

How to apply:

Please find below an application form, guidance notes and job description.

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September at 9:00am.

Interview date: Tuesday 20th October or Thursday 22nd October in person at our Southwick office, 45 Southwick St, Southwick, Brighton BN42 4TH

Please email completed applications to our People team.

To apply for this 1 year, fully funded, training role, you will need to meet the criteria to be eligible for 'home fees' at a university. Please check your fee status on the University of Sussex website. Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must therefore be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

All posts will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. If successfully shortlisted, you will attend a joint interview with the Assistant Professor from the University of Sussex and Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing Manager from West Sussex Mind.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time once we receive sufficient applications and encourage all interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

No agencies or CVs.

West Sussex Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships