Senior Mental Health Practitioner

Overview We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) to join our Mid Essex MHSTs. You will deliver CBT interventions, lead Whole School Approach activities, support Education Mental Health Practitioners through supervision and guidance, develop school networks, deliver staff training, support group programmes, and co‑produce mental health resources. You will work closely with schools to embed MHST support, develop materials for interventions, and promote positive mental health across education communities. Regular travel between schools is required, so access to a car is desirable. Responsibilities The post holder will deliver brief, high‑quality CBT interventions to children and young people in schools and colleges, conducting assessments, offering early interventions, and measuring outcomes to ensure effective, evidence‑based practice. They will also support Whole School Approach activities, including workshops, groups, staff training and consultation, while promoting early identification of mental health needs. Working autonomously and in line with professional and Trust standards, the practitioner will plan and deliver care according to NICE guidelines, initiate referrals when needed, and provide clear information and psychoeducation to CYP and families. The role includes contributing to MHST leadership, supporting team culture, multidisciplinary working, audits, governance and sharing clinical knowledge. Administrative duties involve maintaining clinical records, managing caseloads, supporting agile working and collecting MHST data. The practitioner will engage in ongoing professional development, complete mandatory training, participate in appraisal, maintain clinical competencies, support new staff, contribute to training and assist in implementing new policies and initiatives. Qualifications Applicants should be CYPMHS clinicians undertaking or having completed CYP-PT CBT or SFP training, or registered professionals with a postgraduate diploma in evidence‑based psychological therapies. Strong CBT experience is essential. Additional Information All new starters join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and complete a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks at our head office in Rainham, Essex. This post is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless they are already within a probationary period or work as bank staff. The Mid Essex MHST is nominally based at Stapleford House, Chelmsford. As agile workers, the successful applicant will travel to various NELFT sites and educational settings across the MHST area. Although NELFT is a registered sponsor, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all roles. Applicants should check their eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system. Applications must be written by the applicant. Submissions generated by AI may be rejected, except where appropriate support is required for a declared disability. We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, and we have supportive policies for veterans, reservists and military spouses. Benefits A long‑standing and award‑winning approach to equality and diversity with supportive networks for ethnic minority staff, staff with disabilities or long‑term/chronic conditions and LGBT staff. A commitment to supporting colleagues to achieve a work‑life balance, through flexible working opportunities and support for working parents and carers. Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to our employee assistance programme, staff psychological support, individual wellbeing conversations and a network of health and wellbeing ambassadors. Flexible working arrangements, such as job share, part‑time hours or other flexible patterns. Find out more about NELFT careers and what makes our Trust a great place to work in this video. We are committed to supporting our employees holistically. #J-18808-Ljbffr