NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Mental Health Practitioner MHST
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Job Overview
At NELFT, we are proud to be the largest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our teams deliver evidence-based interventions in schools and colleges for children and young people aged 4-18, while also supporting Whole School Approaches to improve wellbeing across education settings. Working closely with school-based services and linking with CAMHS where needed, MHSTs play a vital role in strengthening mental health support for young people.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) to join our South-West Essex MHSTs (areas include Thurrock, Brentwood and Billericay, and Basildon). You will deliver CBT interventions, lead Whole School Approach activities, and support Education Mental Health Practitioners through supervision and guidance. The role also includes developing school networks, delivering staff training, supporting group programmes, and co-producing mental health resources.
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. Please read the job description for the essential criteria.
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.
Main Duties of the Job
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.
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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. Strong communication skills are required to build relationships with schools, internal teams, agencies, and families.
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.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT places a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, which will include mandatory training, systems training, and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office.
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Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement Fringe (Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood, Harlow, and Dartford only)
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £1,303 to a maximum of £2,198 p.a. pro rata for part-time).
Working for Us
Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.
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