Primary mental health worker

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Primary Mental Health Worker

The closing date is 30 June 2026

The Primary Mental Health Worker (PMHW) will provide specialist mental health support, consultation, advice, and direct assessment and intervention to children and young people within the locality. The role also involves training stakeholders across the Primary Care Network and supporting early identification of emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.

The PMHW will develop partnerships within the locality, support the implementation of the THRIVE framework, deliver brief therapeutic interventions using the ACBI model, conduct psychosocial assessments, provide consultation to professionals and families, and contribute to service development initiatives improving access to mental health support for children, young people and their families.

Main duties of the job

Provide assessment, formulation and delivery of evidence-based interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Work autonomously within defined protocols, offering timely support to prevent escalation to specialist CAMHS services. Engage in close multi‑agency working with families, schools and partner services, including consultation, advice and training to education staff. Adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective service delivery.

Support the wider team in managing demand, improving access, and maintaining service performance. This is a fixed‑term post providing maternity leave cover, ensuring continuity of care for children and young people accessing the service.

EEO and Diversity

We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification and training in either: Registered Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy

Knowledge

• Ability to think systemically and holistically
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of children and young people's emotional and mental health

Experience

• Experience of working post qualified in a child and adolescent mental health team or equivalent
• Able to work autonomously with confidence in own abilities and knowledge
• Experience and evidence of working with childhood emotional and psychological development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year (Pro Rata)