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 Practitioner
Ref: REC1967
Location: Aberdeen
Hours: 37.5
Salary: £32,329 - £36,593 Pay point 28 – Pay Point 32
- Whilst this is a scale for progression, the starting salary is point 28
Contract: Fixed Term August 2026 – August 2027
About the Role
You will be a Children and Young People (CYP) Practitioner within schools across Aberdeen City and will deliver a multi-faceted intervention, combining direct support, preventative interventions and capacity building:
Programmes Include:
Time for Me: Eight-session life skills programme supporting young people experiencing low mood/anxiety who are not eligible for specialist mental health services. The course helps participants understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It aims to support young people on a 1:1/group basis (depending on need) at the earliest opportunity to prevent further deterioration in their mental health.
Listen and Link which can be 2 to 8 sessions and support the young people in making connections with their local community to break down barriers and develop confidence and independence as well as offering strategies in supporting low mood/anxiety.
Capacity Building: To strengthen young people’s wider support network, CYP Practitioner will facilitate workshops for teachers, parents and carers. Additional age-appropriate workshops for children and young people will also be delivered to maximise reach and impact.
Support will primarily take place in schools during term time. 1:1 sessions will last up to one hour per week. Support can be offered in local community venues including the New Aberdeen Nook outside of term time. Capacity building workshops last approximately 90 minutes, with flexible scheduling to encourage participation, especially for adults. There is a facility for online sessions for parent/carers as required.
The new CYP Practitioner will work closely with current CYP team members in the area to continue the positive support established over the last year.
You will have experience working 1 to 1 with young people and delivering workshops to children, young people and the adults they work and live with. Training in the specific programmes listed will be offered if you are not familiar with them.
What we are looking for:
We are looking for individuals with experience delivering individual support and group work to young people around their mental health and wellbeing including the necessary qualifications as stated in the role profile. 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 if required
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Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.
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Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions
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30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)
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4 public holidays (pro rata)
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2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)
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Team wellbeing budgets
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Workplace pension scheme
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Life Assurance policy
- Employee Assistance Programme
Closing date for applications will be Monday 6th July 2026 12 noon.
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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