Overview
Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor (SMHP) within the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. You will hold a small clinical caseload of children and young people (CYP) with low to moderate mental health concerns, deliver early interventions, provide up to 10 sessions per young person, and supervise Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) and trainees. You will also complete the CYP-IAPT Supervisory Course as part of the role and act as a key link between education settings and MHST to support a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Responsibilities
* Hold a small clinical caseload of CYP with low to moderate mental health needs, delivering short-term, evidence-based interventions.
* Provide regular case management supervision, clinical oversight, and skills training to EMHPs and trainees.
* Complete the CYP-IAPT supervisory course and apply supervision skills in practice.
* Act as the main point of contact between education settings and MHST, offering advice, consultation, and signposting to other services.
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with schools, GPs, social care, public health, and voluntary sector partners.
* Support the development and delivery of whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
* Participate in service evaluation, audit, and clinical governance to ensure high-quality provision.
* Maintain accurate records, reports, and statistical data in line with Trust and professional standards.
Job Description and Responsibilities
As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor within MHST, you will:
* Clinical Work – Deliver assessment, treatment, and evaluation for a small number of CYP referred to MHST, using a range of low-intensity, evidence-based interventions. Work with families, carers, and schools to develop and review care plans.
* Supervision – Provide structured clinical supervision to EMHPs and trainees, ensuring adherence to CYP-IAPT supervision models. Support practitioners in their professional development and uphold high clinical standards.
* Consultation and Advice – Offer expert advice to education staff, helping identify mental health concerns early, respond effectively, and access appropriate support pathways.
* Partnership Working – Build collaborative relationships with schools, GPs, social care, and voluntary sector partners to ensure joined-up care for CYP.
* Whole-School Approach – Contribute to initiatives that promote mental health and wellbeing across school communities.
* Service Development and Governance – Contribute to development of clinical protocols, training packages, and evaluation tools; participate in audits, service reviews, and governance activities.
* Training and CPD – Maintain professional development through training, supervision, and reflective practice; deliver training to schools and partner agencies on CYP mental health topics.
* Safeguarding – Act in line with safeguarding legislation and local procedures to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Qualifications
* Essential – Qualification in nursing, social work, occupational or family therapy, child psychology, or equivalent; current core registration with a relevant professional body; training in or substantial experience with behavioural and/or brief/solution-focused techniques with children and families; evidence of ongoing commitment to CPD.
* Desirable – Qualification in CBT/Counselling/Psychotherapy/Behaviour modification/Social skills or group therapy.
Experience
* Essential – Significant post-qualifying experience working with CYP with mental health difficulties; prior experience in a children's service involving liaison and advice to referrers and clients at entry to service.
* Desirable – Experience in facilitating or delivering training; experience and/or qualifications in Cognitive Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Behaviour Modification, Social Skills, or Group Therapy.
Essential Criteria
* Ability to supervise administrative support and work harmoniously with colleagues, clients, and referrers in a multi-disciplinary team.
* Strong communication skills with children, young people, carers, and referrers; ability to travel around the county and work from home to complete administration and video meetings.
Legal and Registration
* Disclosure and Barring Service Check – This post requires a DBS submission under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
* UK Registration – Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.
Details
Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Location: The Horizon Centre, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BY
Job location: The Horizon Centre; Bathpool; Taunton; Somerset
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