The role of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Worker within the NHS is one of the most important and rewarding positions in healthcare. As a CAMHS professional, your core responsibility is to support children and young people with mental health difficulties, providing them with tailored interventions, therapeutic support, and care planning in collaboration with families, schools, and healthcare teams. This role plays a critical part in safeguarding and improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.
According to the latest NHS pay scales, CAMHS Workers typically start on Band 5 or Band 6 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay system. This translates to an annual salary ranging from around £28,000 to £37,000 for entry and experienced practitioners, while senior or specialist CAMHS Workers can progress further within Band 7 and beyond, earning £41,000 to £47,000 per year. Not only is this a stable and respected career path, but it also offers exceptional opportunities for professional development, training, and progression.
As someone who has been guiding professionals for over 25 years in building winning CVs and career strategies, I can tell you that having the right CV is absolutely essential. In the competitive NHS job market, where hundreds of applicants can be shortlisted for a single post, your CV must stand out instantly. Let’s explore how to create an interview-winning NHS CAMHS Worker CV template example that highlights your strengths, clinical skills, and compassionate approach.
Why your CAMHS CV matters
Your CV is not just a document – it is your professional story and your ticket to an interview. NHS recruiters typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning each CV, so it is vital that your CAMHS Worker CV is clear, structured, and tailored to the specific role. A well-crafted CV showcases your clinical expertise, your ability to work with vulnerable young people, and your commitment to safeguarding and holistic care. It also demonstrates that you understand the NHS values and are dedicated to continuous learning and development.
Key responsibilities of a CAMHS Worker to highlight on your CV
When writing your CV, ensure you reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of the CAMHS role, such as:
Conducting mental health assessments for children and young people.
Delivering therapeutic interventions such as CBT, DBT, or family therapy.
Developing care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Supporting crisis management and safeguarding procedures.
Liaising with schools, social services, and families to create joined-up care.
Recording and monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with NHS protocols.
Participating in supervision and contributing to service improvement.
Including these duties in your CV – backed up by evidence of experience and outcomes – will reassure hiring managers that you have the knowledge and skills required.
How to structure your NHS CAMHS Worker CV template
The strongest CAMHS CVs follow a clear and logical structure. I recommend the following format:
Professional Profile – A powerful opening statement summarising who you are, your years of experience, your clinical specialisms, and your motivation to work in CAMHS. This section should be written with energy and purpose, creating a compelling snapshot of your suitability.
Key Skills – A bullet point list of your strongest skills, tailored to CAMHS. Examples include: safeguarding expertise, risk assessment, child-centred therapeutic techniques, crisis intervention, multidisciplinary teamwork, and record-keeping accuracy.
Professional Experience – A detailed section covering your employment history in reverse chronological order. For each role, include your job title, organisation, dates, and bullet points outlining your achievements and responsibilities. Focus on quantifiable impact wherever possible. For example: “Delivered CBT sessions to 15 young people per week, achieving measurable improvements in mood and behaviour.”
Education and Training – List your degrees, diplomas, and professional qualifications. Highlight relevant training such as CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, or safeguarding courses.
Professional Memberships – If applicable, include memberships such as HCPC registration, NMC registration (if a nurse), or BABCP accreditation.
Additional Information – Briefly include any language skills, IT proficiency, or voluntary work relevant to child and adolescent mental health.
Advice for graduates entering CAMHS roles
If you are a recent psychology, nursing, or social work graduate aspiring to join NHS CAMHS, remember that employers understand you may not yet have extensive direct experience. Instead, emphasise:
Relevant university placements, research projects, or dissertations focusing on mental health.
Volunteer roles with children, youth services, or mental health charities.
Transferable skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and resilience.
A strong professional profile demonstrating your enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to a career in CAMHS.
Show that you are eager to learn and open to development. Highlighting your passion for helping young people will set you apart.
Advice for middle and senior management candidates
If you are applying for Band 7 or higher leadership positions within CAMHS, your CV should go beyond clinical practice and showcase your leadership, service improvement, and strategic impact. Include:
Experience in managing CAMHS teams or multidisciplinary groups.
Evidence of service transformation, innovation, or improved outcomes.
Contributions to policy development, audit, or clinical governance.
Mentoring and supervising junior staff.
Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively.
Remember, leadership roles require you to show not only your clinical credibility but also your ability to shape services, motivate teams, and uphold NHS standards at a higher level.
The do’s and don’ts of writing your CAMHS CV
Do’s
Do tailor your CV to every specific NHS CAMHS job description.
Do use strong action verbs such as “delivered,” “supported,” “implemented,” and “improved.”
Do keep your CV concise, ideally 2-3 pages maximum.
Do emphasise measurable results where possible (e.g., reduced crisis admissions by 20%).
Do align your CV with NHS values such as compassion, respect, and integrity.
Don’ts
Don’t use generic clichés like “hard-working” without evidence.
Don’t overload your CV with jargon or acronyms that may confuse HR staff.
Don’t include irrelevant jobs from years ago unless they add transferable skills.
Don’t neglect proofreading – spelling or grammar mistakes are unacceptable.
Don’t forget to adapt your CV for online applications, ensuring keywords match the job advert.
Final general tips for your NHS CAMHS Worker CV
Keep your formatting clean, professional, and consistent. Use clear headings, bullet points, and adequate spacing.
Write in an active, positive tone that shows confidence.
Avoid large blocks of text – make it easy for busy recruiters to scan quickly.
Ensure your contact details are up to date and professional (no quirky email addresses).
Always include a tailored covering letter alongside your CV when applying for NHS roles.
A closing word from Jerry Frempong, Career Coach
Crafting an interview-winning NHS CAMHS Worker CV template example is about more than listing your skills – it’s about presenting your journey, your passion, and your potential in the most impactful way. Over my 25+ years as a career coaching professional here in the UK, I have seen first-hand how the right CV can transform careers and open doors to life-changing opportunities.
If you are serious about securing your next NHS role, I invite you to take the next step. Let’s work together to polish your CV and LinkedIn profile so that you shine in front of NHS recruiters and hiring managers. I have helped thousands of healthcare professionals achieve interview success, and I would be honoured to help you do the same.
Book your personal CV and LinkedIn improvement session today here: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
