Mhst Senior Wellbeing Practitioner

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST). MHSTs will be based within schools, ensuring children and young people receive faster access to earlier mental health support. You will be one of the key team members in the setup and running of this new service. In this role you will support and provide a high-quality service to students (and their families) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

This will be done through the supervision and line management of Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), and through direct delivery of evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of young people referred to the service, utilising skills and knowledge of CBT and child and adolescent mental health practice, and knowledge of whole school approaches to mental health. This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards. Under the direction of the MHST Senior Clinician, be accountable and responsible for a defined clinical caseload. Provide screening, assessment, psychosocial formulations and interventions (e.g., psycho-educational interventions, guided self-help, CBT, solution focused work, systemic work and group support), and to measure outcomes for all interventions, for mild to moderate mental health difficulties in educational settings.

Provide a service that is comprehensive and accessible to the whole school community, targeting mild to moderate mental health problems in children and young people aged 4 to 19 years old. Provide a service that is equitable and non-discriminatory in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and disability or any other protected characteristic. Support professionals in making appropriate referrals and in carrying out the mental health aspects of their own roles. To liaise closely with other professionals including colleagues in the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service, Paediatricians, Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health services, School Counsellors, Childrens Services and other voluntary agencies.

Make appropriate referrals to other service providers in the statutory and voluntary sectors and redirect clients to other sources of appropriate support within the local community as required. To provide consultation as required to other professionals (such as Teachers and Family Workers) around mental health issues in children and young people in educational settings. Clinically develop the provision of group work for children/young people and training for teaching staff, to include training and mentoring EMHP colleagues in order to improve the quality of the group work and training that we deliver. To work creatively with other members of the team to create training packages for Teachers and support/awareness sessions for young people and parents/carers.

Develop a local knowledge of the locality and its services and facilities, particularly in relation to mental health issues. To deliver psychoeducation and support to parents/carers and Teachers, conveying formulations with sensitivity in easily understood language. To enhance emotional wellbeing and to promote or build resilience in children and young people through educational workshops, assemblies and PSHE lessons. Conduct risk assessments, prepare risk management plans and initiate appropriate action where indicated (including referrals to relevant secondary care services).

To actively contribute to team multi-disciplinary working. Demonstrate appropriate understanding of the legal and ethical issues in providing mental health care to children and/or adolescents. Demonstrate an understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act. The post holder will also understand Safeguarding Children and Adults and Child Protection procedures.