About this role
Job summary
Fixed Term for 12 months Until 30-06-2027 due to funding
We are recruiting an Assistant Practitioner (Band 4) to join an innovative Wellbeing Hwb service, providing a same-day mental health response for children and young people experiencing emotional or psychological distress, alongside their parents or carers.
The Wellbeing Hwb is a young-person-friendly, non-clinical environment, designed to offer timely, relational support as an alternative to escalation or admission. Working closely with Registered Practitioners and the wider team, you will help children, young people and families make sense of what is happening for them, regain stability, and build confidence in managing distress using a "one at a time" approach.
The service operates on a shift-based rota, including daytime, evening and weekend working, to ensure responsive support when it is most needed.
Main duties of the job
You will play an important role in supporting children, young people and families within the Wellbeing Hwb, offering a warm, calm and compassionate welcome. You will explore what matters most to them, developing a clear understanding of their current needs and wellbeing.
Using observation, conversation and professional curiosity, you will continuously review emotional safety and respond appropriately, escalating concerns to a Registered Practitioner where needed.
You will deliver brief, evidence-informed interventions within your role, including solution-focused approaches, CBT-informed coping strategies and DBT-informed skills, helping young people manage distress, regulate emotions and build confidence.
You will support the development of practical, person-centred safety plans, identifying immediate sources of help. Working with Registered Practitioners, you will assist in planning next steps, including signposting or referrals to services such as CAMHS, education, primary care and voluntary organisations.
You will maintain accurate records, professional boundaries and a trauma-informed approach at all times. The role includes working within supervision and actively engaging in reflection and training to support ongoing development.
Work within delegated responsibilities and supervision frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, therapeutic relationships and a trauma-informed approach. Engage in supervision, reflection and training to support ongoing development.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff whoare able tocommunicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirementsduring the course ofyour employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 15/06/2026
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Level 4 vocational qualification in a relevant health care associated subject / Certificate in Higher Education Health Care Support Worker GCSE Maths and English Grade C or above or equivalent level 2 or above essential skills qualifications Evidence of continuing personal development relevant to the role in health care Able to demonstrate understanding of the HCSW Code of Conduct, All Wales Delegation guidelines and all Wales Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Governance Framework. Clinical knowledge which is relevant to the role. Demonstrates understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans. Demonstrates an understanding of the legislation related to Safeguarding e.g. adults/children, The Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards to keep adults within their care safe.
Desirable
Local knowledge of statutory and voluntary services Teaching or assessment qualification
Experience Essential
Previous experience of working with children and or young people within a health or social care setting. Experience of working within substance use services. Significant and recent experience of providing relevant clinical care. Interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to manage/diffuse challenging or threatening situations. Reviewing risk assessments;
Desirable
Experience of working within S CAMH's and/or adult mental health services Experience in a range of clinical skills For community roles: experience of providing care in a community or primary care setting.
Language Skills Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country 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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb
Carmarthen
SA31 3HF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)