Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The CAMHS Specialist Practitioner will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary Single Point of Access (SPA) Team, providing specialist mental health expertise in the screening, triage, and processing of referrals into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The post holder will deliver timely and effective consultation, psychoeducation, safety advice, risk management support, and emotional containment to children, young people, their families/carers, and professionals, ensuring that individuals are directed to the most appropriate service based on clinical need and evidence-based decision making.

The role requires a skilled and experienced practitioner with the ability to identify, triage, and formulate a wide range of emotional, mental health, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental presentations. The post holder will utilise clinical expertise to provide brief evidence-based interventions and advice, predominantly via telephone and virtual communication methods, while identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, risk presentations, and urgent mental health needs.

Working within a multi-agency framework, the practitioner will collaborate closely with a range of partner agencies, including Social Care, Educational Settings, Health Services, Acute Hospitals, Community Providers, Voluntary Sector Organisations, and Adult Mental Health Services. Through effective partnership working, the post holder will ensure that referrals are triaged holistically and that children and young people receive timely access to the most appropriate support, intervention, or assessment.

The CAMHS SPA Specialist Practitioner will play a key role in enhancing access to mental health provision for children and young people where there is a clinical indication for CAMHS involvement. Using a formulation-informed and needs-led approach, the post holder will contribute to timely assessment, decision making, and care pathway allocation, ensuring that interventions are delivered within a collaborative, child-centred, and multi-agency framework. Clinical decision making will be informed by the THRIVE Framework, supporting the delivery of the right care, at the right time, by the right service.

The post holder will maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of CAMHS treatment pathways, NICE guidance, research, and evidence-based interventions. They will apply this knowledge to support high-quality clinical decision making, consultation, and signposting, ensuring that children, young people, and families receive appropriate support and guidance at the earliest opportunity.

Developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with partner agencies is an essential aspect of the role. The practitioner will actively promote integrated working practices, challenge stigma associated with mental health services, and advocate for a compassionate, inclusive, and accessible approach to care. They will support children, young people, and families to exercise choice and flexibility wherever possible, ensuring that service delivery aligns with individual needs, strengths, and preferences.

The post holder will consistently promote the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families, demonstrating professional accountability, sound clinical judgement, and a commitment to safeguarding. They will act as a professional representative of the wider CAMHS service, contributing positively to team functioning, service development, and the continuous improvement of clinical practice across the organisation.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £20.00 (standard) or £41.00 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment. 
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £15 per year applies.

A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.