Mental Health Practitioner (Leaving Care)

Manchester Mind believes in the power of listening and of being heard, because better understanding of mental health benefits everyone. 

We are working to increase access to mental health support for care leavers. Working in collaboration with Manchester City Council, this role will be part of the Staying Close team, developing a service for young people age 16-25 who are stepping across from residential homes and/or released from custody; developing their pathway to independence. The service will offer a range of practical and emotional support.

Position:   Mental Health Practitioner (Leaving Care)

Salary:      £32,271 per annum 

Hours:      35 hours per week until March 31st 2027 

                 (extension possible dependent upon funding)

Base:        Victoria House/community and home-based as required 

Reporting to: Manchester Mind CYP and Counselling Services Manager

The skills and knowledge that are important to us are:

• A relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Counselling or Youth & Community Work (at graduate level).
• At least two years’ experience working with young people aged 16-25 in the care system and/or youth work (ESSENTIAL).
• Experience in providing effective short-term and long-term support to young people who are under stress/have mental health difficulties.
• Ability to engage with young people individually using creative and imaginative methods and processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and to create kind relationships with colleagues, partners, volunteers, staff and young people that lead to people feeling accepted, understood and able to contribute.

You can download the application documents from the box on the right.

The closing date for applications will be 10am on Monday 12th October 2026 and interviews will take place on Tuesday 20th October 2026 at Victoria House.

Manchester Mind is striving to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Manchester Mind sees it as a positive advantage if you have experience of mental health issues and/or have used mental health services, or had experience of volunteering.