Join Barnardo's as a Mental Health & Wellbeing (MHWB) Support Worker
Make a real difference to children and young people experiencing mental health crises.
Barnardo's is delivering an innovative service across four Black Country Emergency Departments, providing holistic, non-clinical support to children, young people, and their families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team that bridges the gap between health, social care, and community support, helping children and young people access the right support at the right time.
About the Service (Fixed Term post is until March 2027 with a view to secure further funding)
The Mental Health & Wellbeing (MHWB) Support Worker team will be embedded within Emergency Departments and work closely alongside NHS services, including CAMHS Crisis Teams, to support children and young people presenting with mental health needs, including self-harm.
The service will operate across:
Russell's Hall Hospital, Dudley
Sandwell General Hospital
Walsall Manor Hospital
Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital
Working Pattern
Hours will be worked across a five-day week 9-5pm (pro rota)
Please note: this is not a 24-hour service.
Hours and working patterns can be discussed at interview – looking for either full time or part-time post - 37hrs pro rota (either 1 full-time post or 2 part-time posts)
Essential car user
The Opportunity
As an MHWB Support Worker, you will provide non-clinical, social care-focused mental health and wellbeing support to children, young people, and families.
You will play a vital role in ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard, advocating for them and working alongside professionals including:
- NHS practitioners
- CAMHS teams
- Schools and colleges
- Social workers
- Early Help services
- Voluntary and community organisations
This role is focused on preventing escalation, building resilience, strengthening family support networks, and improving outcomes for children and young people.
What You'll Do
Direct Support
- Work with children, young people, and families on a one-to-one and group basis.
- Complete assessments, action plans, safety plans, and risk assessments.
- Deliver short and medium-term interventions that promote resilience and emotional wellbeing.
- Support children and families to access appropriate community services.
- Advocate for children and young people to ensure their views and needs are represented.
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with Emergency Departments, CAMHS Crisis Teams, health professionals, schools, and community organisations.
- Develop robust referral pathways and discharge packages.
- Support smoother transitions from hospital to community-based services.
Safeguarding
- Apply safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Identify and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Ensure children and young people remain safe and supported.
Service Development
- Contribute to the development and growth of this exciting new Barnardo's service.
- Maintain accurate case records, reports, and performance monitoring data.
- Work towards service KPIs and outcome measures.
Our Aims
This innovative service has been designed to:
✔ Reduce pressure on Emergency Departments and Paediatric Wards.
✔ Reduce repeat attendances to Emergency Departments for mental health presentations, including self-harm.
✔ Support shorter hospital stays for children and young people admitted with mental health needs.
✔ Increase capacity within local CAMHS Crisis Teams.
✔ Improve access to community support and family services.
✔ Build long-term resilience for children, young people, and families.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and who can build trusting, supportive relationships.
Essential Knowledge & Qualifications
- Relevant qualification for practice (NVQ Level 4/5 or equivalent desirable).
- Understanding of issues affecting vulnerable children, young people, and families.
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
- Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and relevant legislation.
- Awareness of factors such as poverty, disability, disadvantage, and social exclusion.
Experience
- Experience of direct work with children, young people, and families.
- Experience of applying safeguarding and child protection procedures.
- Experience supporting individuals with complex needs and challenging circumstances.
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with children and young people.
- Strong report writing and case recording skills.
- Good IT and administrative skills.
- Ability to analyse situations and resolve problems.
- Excellent partnership-working and team-working skills.
- Ability to supervise or support colleagues where required.
Why Join Barnardo's?
Be part of an innovative and pioneering service.
Work alongside NHS and CAMHS professionals.
Receive management support and clinical supervision.
Help transform the experiences of children and young people in crisis.
Improve outcomes across Black Country hospital settings and local communities.
