MHST Specialist Practitioner

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing Mental Health Support Team (MHST), delivered as a joint initiative between health and education.

We are pleased to offer a 37.5‑hour‑per‑week Specialist Practitioner role within the Bassetlaw locality.

We are seeking a motivated and skilled practitioner to work within our project schools across Bassetlaw, delivering early intervention support and evidence-based treatment to children and young people.

The MHST works closely with staff in education settings to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for pupils, their families, and school communities. As part of this role, you will develop strong partnerships with schools to support the early identification of need and ensure timely, effective interventions.

Main duties of the job

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) is a new and evolving service which is available in certain schools in the Nottinghamshire areas. Nottinghamshire Healthcare have been a trailblazer site for the Mental Health Support Team project and hosted the first operational MHST nationally in December 2019.

We are an early intervention wellbeing service aimed at providing support for children young people and families around low-level emotional wellbeing needs, such as anxiety, low mood, managing emotions, and sleep. We link in directly with Nottinghamshire CAMHS teams and provide 'in school' sessions to promote a positive mental health.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The role of the Specialist Practitioner within the Bassetlaw area will include one‑to‑one work with children and young people. You may also have opportunities to contribute to the whole school approach, providing advice, guidance and support to education staff to promote positive mental health across school communities.

Interventions delivered will be brief, early‑intervention focused, and designed to meet the emerging emotional and wellbeing needs of pupils.

Each participating school signed up to access the MHST service will have a designated Mental Health Lead who can refer directly into the service. You will work closely with these leads as part of supporting the development of a sustainable whole-school approach to mental health.

You will collaborate with a wide range of agencies to ensure high‑quality, joined‑up support is provided. Working alongside junior team members, you will help deliver parent sessions, wellbeing groups and individual support. The role also includes participation in duty responsibilities and facilitating school-based drop‑ins.

To be considered, you must be a Registered Nurse, hold a DipSW or equivalent social work qualification (CSS, CQSW, degree in social work), or be an Allied Health Professional registered with the HCPC.

You must also have experience of delivering therapeutic work to children, young people and families with emotional or mental health difficulties within a CAMHS setting. Experience of working within educational settings in a similar capacity is desirable.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use is required for this post. Reasonable adjustments will be made in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The MHSTs operate across Nottinghamshire, with bases assigned in each locality. The main base for the team is Highbury Hospital, Nottingham, NG6 9DR.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.