Visa Note for International Applicants
While this employer offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates, all international applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants should familiarize themselves with UK Visas and Immigration requirements. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from any country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants over 18 years old are also subject to this requirement.
Job Overview
We are excited to offer an opportunity to join CAIST, our under 18’s Crisis Service as an Assistant Practitioner supporting young people and their families across Norfolk and Waveney. This role provides a unique opportunity to work creatively with children and families while enjoying flexible working arrangements. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people, this could be the perfect position for you.
About CAIST
The CAIST (Crisis, Assessment & Intensive Support Team) service is a vibrant and dynamic service that has 3 teams based across Norfolk & Waveney service, operating 7 days a week. The service is commissioned for 08:00-20:00 daily. The team offers community-based intensive support to children & young people and their families, establishing trusting therapeutic relationships to reduce risks when children may be experiencing high levels of distress.
Our Mission
CAIST aims to help children and young people avoid Tier 4 hospital admission and, when required, expedite safe and effective discharge. We work hard to ensure that vulnerable young people receive the right support at the right time in their community. Our team has recently been recognized through our Quality and Safety Review Process as being a responsive and collaborative service with a positive, inclusive culture.
Location and Travel Requirements
This role will be based predominantly in Norwich with travel to local surrounding areas. There is an expectation of occasional support to bases in Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth, which means you will need to travel independently between our sites. The ability to travel efficiently and safely is essential for this position to ensure continuity of care across our service areas.
Key Responsibilities
You will offer direct clinical work including individual brief interventions and intensive support with children under 18 years who have presented in crisis, alongside their families and carers where appropriate. The role involves working collaboratively with other mental health services and social care teams to support the needs of young people effectively. You will function as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.
Person Specification – Qualifications
Essential qualifications for this role include the Care certificate or a relevant equivalent, along with a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or an apprenticeship in Health & Social Care/mental health at Level 5. These qualifications demonstrate your preparedness for the responsibilities involved in supporting vulnerable young people in crisis situations.
Person Specification – Experience
Essential experience requirements include working with Service Users with mental health needs, experience within a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and working knowledge and understanding of the CPA (Care Programme Approach) process. Previous experience in mental health settings will be highly valuable, though we welcome applications from those with transferable skills from other clinical backgrounds.
Person Specification – Knowledge
Essential knowledge areas include Risk Assessment methodologies, comprehensive Understanding of Mental Health issues, and familiarity with the CPA process. These knowledge areas are critical for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the young people in our care while providing appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Working Environment
The CAIST team has been recognized as having a positive, inclusive culture with shared vision and objectives. Feedback from young people and families has identified CAIST as an accessible and flexible service that prioritizes service user collaboration and shared decision making. We promote an environment of mutual respect, compassion, integrity, and collaborative working.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and aim to attract and retain candidates who are compassionate and committed to our trust values. It is important that all staff share our values and core beliefs, and those of the NHS Constitution. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our team.
Application Requirements
As part of your application, you must answer the following question in 500 words or less at the beginning of the supporting information section on your application form: “How may you need to differentiate your treatment offer for young people accessing our under 18s crisis service to meet their needs?” Applications that do not follow this guideline will not be considered for shortlisting.
Important Application Note
Please note that if you use a Hotmail, MSN or Yahoo email account, you will need to check your junk mail regularly as these email providers will divert any communication from this Trust/NHS JOBS straight into your junk inbox. Ensure you have access to all communications throughout the application process.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all roles working with vulnerable individuals.
Employer Information
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust is an accredited Disability Confident Employer, demonstrating our commitment to supporting disabled people in employment. The trust serves communities across Norfolk and Suffolk, providing comprehensive mental health services to people of all ages. We value our staff and strive to create a supportive working environment.
Professional Development
We believe in continuous professional development and support our staff in enhancing their skills and knowledge. As an Assistant Practitioner with CAIST, you will have opportunities to develop your expertise in crisis intervention, child and adolescent mental health, and multidisciplinary working practices.
Supporting Documents
The full Job Description and Person Specification for this role are available as supporting documents with this vacancy. Please review these documents carefully to ensure your application reflects the qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience needed for this position. The documents provide detailed information about key accountabilities and requirements.
Salary and Benefits
This position is offered on a permanent, full-time contract with flexible working opportunities. The salary range is £27,485 to £30,162 per annum, paid according to the Agenda for Change pay scheme. The role is Band 4, with annual increments based on satisfactory performance and completion of required competencies.
How to Apply
Apply Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website. For international applicants specifically, we recommend taking the following steps before applying: 1) Verify your eligibility for UK visa sponsorship with the employer, 2) Prepare required criminal record certificates from any countries where you have resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years, 3) Ensure all qualifications are properly documented and translated if necessary, 4) Contact the hiring manager at [email protected] with any questions about the application process or visa requirements. Applications must be submitted by 05 January 2026 to be considered.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Clair Szemis (Clinical Team Leader) at [email protected]. The employer’s website is https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx where you can find additional information about the trust and our services. Please refer to the reference number 246-GYW7544397-A when making inquiries about this position.
Privacy Notice
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust’s privacy notice can be viewed at https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Privacy-Policy.aspx. This document outlines how your personal information will be handled during the recruitment process and your rights as an applicant. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks including reference verification and right to work in the UK documentation.
