Job overview

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. Your responsibilities will include:

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

Working for our organisation

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. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period.

At NELFT, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects and supports the diverse communities we serve. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen local employment and deliver high-quality, person-centered care, we will prioritise applications from individuals living in our local boroughs and surrounding areas.

High Cost Area Supplement - Fringe

This post also attracts payment for 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 t