Children & Young People Practitioner (REC2055)

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. Today, we operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in respectme, suicide prevention, and physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

Post: Children and Young People’s Practitioner

Ref: REC2055

Location: South Ayrshire Primary and Secondary Schools

Hours: 15 hours - 7.5 hrs each day– 2 days per week

Salary: £32,329 to £36,593 – pro rata (Point 28 – Point 32)

Contract: Fixed Term – contract ends 31st March 2027

About the Role

The Children and Young People Practitioner will work across designated South Ayrshire Secondary schools to deliver individual support to young people who are experiencing low mood and anxiety. Within this role you will support, young people attending the designated secondary school who have been referred for support by school guidance staff. This will involve creating time and space by providing a ‘listening ear’ and helping them to identify and manage issues and barriers that affect their ability to live well.

The role also includes delivery capacity building workshops to pupils from P5 to S6, to school staff and to parent/carers across the whole of South Ayrshire, to build the mental health knowledge and skills of these groups through mental health capacity building workshops, training programmes, information sessions and resources.

The role will begin as 2 days per week but there is the possibility of additional working days across other SAMH Children and Young People projects.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for individuals with experience delivering individual support to young people around their mental health and wellbeing. They will also be experienced in workshop facilitation, training delivery and development. With exceptional communication skills and ability to manage own case load, the Children and Young People Practitioner will work flexibly to deliver the wide range of programmes on offer, whilst ensuring practice is of the highest quality at all times.

A driving licence and access to a car is desirable for this post.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

· Fully funded SVQ qualification to meet the conditions of your SSSC registration

· Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.

· Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

· 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)

· 4 public holidays (pro rata)

· 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)

· Team wellbeing budgets

· Workplace pension scheme

· Life Assurance policy

· Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date for applications will be 12 noon, Monday 5th October 2026

To apply please visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us

This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

SAMH is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to represent the communities we are here to support. We aim to have a truly diverse organisation – diversity of thought, background, experience and of all protected characteristics. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health problems and individuals from minority communities.

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