MHST Specialist Practitioner
Closing date: 18 May 2026
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 seeking a motivated and skilled practitioner to work within our project schools across Mansfield and Ashfield, 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.
Job responsibilities
The role of the Specialist Practitioner within the Mansfield & Ashfield 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.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), and 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Relevant Professional qualification (e.g. RMN, RN, HV, OT, clinical psychology, Social Worker at degree level or higher; teaching qualification)
* Registration with relevant professional body.
* Educated to Degree level.
* Qualification in therapeutic approaches with children and families e.g. CBT, systemic, solution focused, play therapy.
Experience
* Experience of multi‑agency work, in particular in schools.
* Skills and experience of working with children, young people and families around a range of emotional/mental health, behavioural and additional health or developmental needs.
* Experience of teaching groups of professionals and parents.
* Evidence of the ability to use and provide clinical supervision.
* Community experience, working in schools and with families.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of relevant legislation and documents pertaining to children (e.g. Children’s Act, Mental Health Act, NSF, Every Child Matters, Future in Mind).
* Knowledge and experience of provision of a holistic emotional/mental health assessment and of different models of therapy and interventions.
* Ability to manage a defined caseload if required.
* Organise own work schedule.
* Ability to maintain accurate case records in line with Trust policies and procedure.
* Ability to be an autonomous practitioner whilst being able to work as part of a multi‑agency locality team.
* Ability to use electronic data recording systems.
* Knowledge and application of behaviour programmes and support for parents of children with emotional health problems.
Skills
* Ability to identify training needs and prepare and deliver training for teachers, young people and their families.
* Ability to offer individual and group therapeutic interventions.
* Providing clinical supervision and mentorship to junior staff.
Contractual Requirements
* To work flexibly regarding location and hours.
* A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Physical Requirements
* Ability to work in the community and transport equipment from vehicle to place of work in the community (e.g. laptops, projectors, flip charts).
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a year (pro rata for part time)
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