Whole School Approach Practitioner MHST- CAMHS
The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Somerset is a collaborative partnership between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Young Somerset. Our Whole School Approach (WSA) Team works as an integral part of this service, supporting education settings to develop mentally healthy environments where children and young people can thrive.
We are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and proactive Whole School Approach Practitioner to join our team. In this role, you will support schools to embed a whole‑school approach to mental health, helping to reduce stigma, promote emotional wellbeing, and strengthen resilience in children and young people.
Working closely with school communities--including teaching professionals, pupils, parents/carers, volunteers and support staff--you will co‑develop resources, deliver workshops, and empower education settings to create inclusive, supportive environments.
You will also work collaboratively with CAMHS and a wide range of partners across the Early Intervention pathway, making this a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about improving outcomes for young people.
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in or alongside education settings, strong awareness of mental health, and a desire to drive positive change.
Main duties of the job
* Support the delivery of the Whole School Approach to mental health across MHST‑partnered schools in Somerset.
* Work in collaboration with the school community to reduce stigma, promote emotional wellbeing, and support children and young people to develop resilience and healthy coping skills.
* Develop and deliver high‑quality training, psychoeducation, and practical support sessions for school staff, students, parents/carers, and other professionals.
* Create, share, and maintain engaging mental health and wellbeing resources for use across education settings.
* Work closely with MHST colleagues, education staff, Early Intervention services, and key partners to ensure coordinated, joinedup support.
* Maintain accurate and timely records in line with Trust policies, including use of the Rio electronic patient record system.
* Support clinical or administrative audits and contribute to data collection and reporting requirements.
* Attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
* Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people at all times.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you will gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Job responsibilities
Communication and Relationships
* You will work closely with the Whole School Approach Coordinator, Clinical Lead for MHST, Team Managers, and all members of the CAMHS and MHST teams. Externally, you will build positive, collaborative relationships with children, young people, families/carers, school and college staff, social care, local authority services (including public health and educational psychology), and voluntary sector organisations such as Young Somerset.
Planning and Organisation
* You will prioritise your workload effectively, keep your diary up to date, maintain accurate records, and work in line with Trust policies including lone working and information governance.
Clinical Responsibilities
* Contribute to the delivery of evidence‑based approaches supporting the Whole School Approach within MHST schools.
* Conduct structured observations and maintain accurate documentation.
* Support schools in identifying mental health and emotional wellbeing needs and signposting to appropriate services where necessary.
* Work flexibly, creatively, and responsively to meet the needs of children, young people, families, and school partners.
* Evaluate and reflect on the impact of interventions, adjusting practice as needed.
Policy, Service Development & Research
* Participate in CAMHS clinical governance, multi‑agency meetings, and partnership projects.
* Support the development and ongoing improvement of the Whole School Approach strategy across the county.
* Engage in continuous professional development and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant policies, legislation, and best practice.
Supervision, Teaching & Training
* You will receive regular supervision and annual appraisal, contribute to teaching and training activities, and may support students on placement within the service.
Information & Administrative Responsibilities
* Create and share documents and resources for education partners.
* Ensure accurate, timely recordkeeping that meets Trust and statutory requirements.
Professional Standards
* You will maintain high standards of professional behaviour and safeguarding practice, adhere to Trust policies, participate in mandatory training, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and sustainable working environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Minimum requirement: NVQ3, HNC/NND equivalent or working towards GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above, or equivalent Evidence of relevant training.
* Training in Emotion Coaching or Tuning into Kids/TeensCare related qualification.
Experience
* Experience of working with children and young people, experience and understanding of Safeguarding Children and other relevant legislation and policies.
* Experience of working in a multi‑agency team and attending multidisciplinary meetings.
* Experience of facilitating and delivery of training to a range of audiences.
Additional Criteria
* Knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders in children and young people, and their impact on the client group and their families/carers. Knowledge of a wide range of evidence‑based treatment/therapeutic approaches.
* Knowledge of Emotion Coaching, understanding of low intensity CBT interventions.
* Knowledge of education settings and systems, including Whole school.
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 known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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