Drawing on advanced clinical expertise, the Specialist Practitioner will play a service-wide role within the Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST), offering specialist knowledge and guidance to MHST colleagues, educational staff, and other stakeholders. In addition, it is essential that this role interplays with key system partners/services who support Children and Young People (CYP) with neurodevelopmental and ADHD behaviours. Their focus will be on enhancing understanding and effective responses to the needs of children and young people who present with neurodevelopmental challenges and/or behavioural communication.
The post holder will support with the implementation of evidence-based practices for children and young people with neurodiverse needs. They will work in collaboration with specialist services to ensure that children and young people receive high-quality support from the right service, at the right time.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle during work hours are essential requirements for this role.
Standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Requests for flexible working will be considered in line with organisational policy.
Contact Details: Jessica Walford, Clinical Lead for Mental Health Support Teams in Schools, jessica.walford@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide clinical leadership within the Mental Health Support Teams, using advanced assessment skills to inform care planning, referrals, and interventions. They will play a key role in developing and delivering a system-wide neurodevelopmental inclusion offer across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, supporting children and young people with or without formal diagnoses.
They will design and implement an integrated, evidence-based pathway covering prevention, early intervention, assessment, and access to specialist services, working closely with partner agencies and community services. The post includes delivering training, supervision, and consultation to MHST staff and education professionals, alongside supporting complex cases through joint appointments.
The post holder will contribute to service development, ensure high-quality standards through audits and KPIs, and support effective referrals to specialist services. They will also work directly with children and families, deliver school-based workshops, and oversee care provision within the SEND offer. Operational responsibilities include staff support, supervision, and leadership duties, promoting safe and effective service delivery. A strong focus on evidence-based practice, safeguarding, and inter-agency collaboration underpins this role.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details.
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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