Support Worker, Family Advocacy & Support Services

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.

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

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)

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Apply safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Identify and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Ensure children and young people remain safe and supported.

• 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.

• 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.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people and who can build trusting, supportive relationships.

• 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 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.

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and young people.
• Strong report writing and case recording…