Job Summary
At NELFT, we're proud to be 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.
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
* a candidate who has already completed further training or is willing to complete the SWP postgraduate diploma
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.
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
Our Values 2025 - 2030. Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
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. Induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period.
Additional information
HN: This post also attracts High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £1,303 and a maximum payment of £2,198 per annum, pro rata for part-time).
Pay & Benefits
Band 6, £38,682 to £46,580 per annum (pro rata). Permanent contract. Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working.
Location
Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, SS14 3EZ
Job Description & Requirements
Join the South-West Essex MHST covering Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay. The South-West Essex MHST delivers early intervention and prevention-focused mental health support across a wide geographical area, including Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood and Billericay. We are a multidisciplinary team committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in educational settings. We value collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning, and support flexible working in line with Trust policies.
Professional Development & Training We actively encourage Continual Professional Development (CPD) and are committed to helping our staff grow. Successful candidates will either:
* Have completed (or are willing to complete) the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP) course or
* Have completed the CBT recruit to train or the systemic family therapy course
For full details, please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Certificates of Sponsorship Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Experience & Qualifications
Person Specification
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 or CYPIAPT Supervisor training
Experience
* 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 & Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS disclosure will be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship This is a Skilled Worker sponsorship role; applicants from the UK and overseas will be considered. See UK Visas and Immigration for details.
Employer details
NELFT North East London Foundation Trust, Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, SS14 3EZ; https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/
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