Overview
AtNELFT, we’re proud to be the largest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our services across Southend, Essex, and Thurrock support over 150 schools, delivering vital mental health care to children and young people aged 4 to 18. MHSTs offer evidence-based individual and group interventions within educational settings, helping children manage mild to moderate mental health challenges. We’re committed to whole-school approaches that foster lasting, positive mental health outcomes across communities.
We’re Growing — And We Want You on Our Team
Our North-East MHST is looking for passionate, qualified practitioners to join our service. If you hold a qualification in one of the following, we’d love to hear from you:
* Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)
* Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP)
Responsibilities
You’ll work in close partnership with schools, helping children and young people (CYP) aged 4–18 manage mild to moderate mental health difficulties. You’ll also support their families in building confidence and resilience through:
* 1:1 therapeutic sessions
* Group interventions
* Whole-school mental health initiatives
What You’ll Be Doing
* Delivering evidence-based interventions in primary, secondary, and higher education settings
* Conducting comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, care plans, and reviews
* Using Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs) and clinical tools to guide and improve practice
* Collaborating with schools to map and plan service delivery tailored to their needs
* Working alongside EMHPs/CWPs and Senior Mental Health Practitioners to support your development
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be a qualified EMHP or CWP, confident in working independently within your scope of practice, and experienced in supporting CYP in educational environments. You’ll bring compassion, clinical skill, and a collaborative spirit to everything you do.
You must be able to travel across Colchester, Clacton and Harwich (vehicle access required).
What We Offer
* A supportive, multidisciplinary team
* Opportunities for Continual Professional Development (CPD)
* Support to register with BABCP or BPS during your probationary period
* Flexible working options to support your wellbeing
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).
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place 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 meet the executive team, senior managers and attend drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Location & Travel
This post requires the successful applicant to work agilely between NELFT sites and educational settings. Some travel around the county is also expected. The nominated base for North East Essex is 900 The Crescent, Colchester.
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Ready to Apply? Here’s What You Need to Know
For full details about this role and what it’s like to work at North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), please refer to the attached job description and person specification. We strongly encourage you to use these documents to guide your application.
Important Information Before You Apply
Certificates of Sponsorship: While NELFT is a registered sponsor organisation, we are not able to offer sponsorship for all roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system before applying.
Use of AI in Applications: Your application should be written by you. While it’s okay to seek support (especially for declared disabilities), applications generated by AI tools may be rejected, as this document is a key part of our assessment process.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, please ensure you’ve addressed the following:
1. Have you completed the EMHP or CWP training course?
2. Please confirm the university where you completed your training.
3. Let us know which organisation you are seeking professional accreditation through.
If you have not completed the EMHP/CWP course or cannot provide evidence of this, unfortunately, you will not be shortlisted.
This advert closes on Friday 3 Oct 2025
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