Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP)- Mid Essex

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 Mid Essex MHSTs. 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.

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.

If you would like to find out further information, please contact the appointing manager.

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.

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In this role, there are valuable opportunities for continued professional development, including access to supervisor training. Applicants who do not already hold this qualification will be supported to complete it as part of their role.

For full details, please refer to the job description and person specification attached.