Senior Wellbeing Practitioner - South-West Essex MHST
Go back NELFT North East London Foundation Trust
The closing date is 13 October 2025
At NELFT, we are the largest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our MHSTs deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions within educational settings, supporting children and young people aged 4 to 18 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. We also champion whole-school approaches to promote positive mental health across entire school communities.
Job summary
Our MHSTs deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions within educational settings, supporting children and young people aged 4 to 18 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. We champion whole-school approaches to promote positive mental health across school communities.
Integrated, Holistic Support
MHSTs work alongside existing school-based services – including counsellors, nurses, educational psychologists, and voluntary sector partners – to strengthen the support available for children and young people. For those with more complex needs, we provide a vital link to CAMHS services, ensuring timely access to the right care.
Who We\'re Looking For
We\'re seeking a passionate and experienced practitioner who is:
* A qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner/Children\'s Wellbeing Practitioner who is willing and committed to completing the SWP PgDip course starting in January 2026.
You must be fully registered with a relevant professional or regulatory body (BPS or BABCP) and have extensive clinical experience working with children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
Main duties of the job
As a valued member of our Mental Health Support Team (MHST), you\'ll play a key role in delivering high-quality mental health support to children and young people across schools and colleges in SW Essex. Your responsibilities will include:
Clinical Delivery & Support
* Delivering evidence-based interventions in schools
* Conducting comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, care planning, and reviews for children and young people
* Making referrals to specialist services and external agencies when needed
* Provision of high quality clinical supervision
* Working with schools to support the development of the Whole School Approach
Professional Practice
* Acting as an autonomous, registered practitioner, accountable for your own clinical decisions in line with your professional code of conduct and NELFT policies
* Supporting the transformation of children and young people\'s mental health as part of the NHS Long-Term Plan
Quality & Outcomes
* Routinely measuring clinical outcomes using Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs) to guide and improve practice
* Ensuring all care is delivered via NICE-compliant pathways.
Teamwork & Leadership
* Providing leadership, promoting initiative, creativity, and motivation
* Communicating complex clinical information effectively to ensure collaborative working
* Contributing to a positive team culture while working independently and collaboratively with other professionals and agencies
About us
Values 2025 - 2030: We are kind. We are respectful. We work together with our communities. These values are embedded in our culture at NELFT.
Induction and probation: New starters join on the first Monday of each month and undergo a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training, and equipment allocation. The induction is held at our head office in Rainham, Essex. This post is subject to a probationary period. High Cost Area Supplement applies (5% of basic salary, with a minimum of £1,303 and a maximum of £2,198 per annum, pro rata).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Join the South West Essex MHST covering Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay
The South-West Essex Mental Health Support Team delivers early intervention and prevention-focused mental health support across a wide geographical area. We are a multidisciplinary team committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in educational settings, valuing collaboration, compassion and continuous learning. Flexible working is supported in line with Trust policies.
Professional Development & Training
We actively encourage Continued Professional Development (CPD) and are committed to helping staff grow and progress. The successful candidate will undertake the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP) course starting in January 2026.
For full details, please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Certificates of Sponsorship Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, sponsorship may not be offered for all roles. Check eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, the High-Cost Area Supplement is not included.
Use of AI Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Successful completion of a graduate training (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy) or have completed a low intensity EMHP/CWP qualification
* To be eligible for registration as a full member of the appropriate professional body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, BABCP, BPS)
* Attended/willing to attend SWP course
Experience
Essential
* Experience of working with moderate presentations and neurodivergence
* At least 1 year as a registered practitioner delivering low intensity CBT-informed interventions
Desirable
* 2 years post qualification experience in children\'s mental health services
Travel
Essential
* To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
NELFT North East London Foundation Trust
Address
Phoenix House Basildon
Christopher Martin Road
Basildon
SS14 3EZ
Employer\'s website
https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/
£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum (pro rata)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
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