Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Practitioner

The closing date is 15 March 2026

Job summary

Cambridge University Hospital Foundation Trust (CUH) is seeking highly skilled and compassionate individuals to join the new NHS Children and Young People's Gender Service (East of England) in the role of Mental Health Practitioner.

Based within the Paediatrics Department at CUH, the successful applicant will have extensive experience of delivering high quality, evidence-based assessments and care to children and young people. The post holder will provide and support with assessments, supervision and consultation to staff and be a source of clinical expertise to the MDT.

The Cass Review into gender services for children and young people has recommended that staff should maintain a broad clinical perspective by working across related NHS services in order to embed the care of children and young people with gender-related distress within a broader child and adolescent health context. In order to facilitate this, we encourage part-time applications from staff already working in other NHS or related services. We can also work with successful candidates applying for full-time roles to agree a job plan that includes a mix of gender service activity and activity in another clinical area.

The serviceoperatesMonday-Friday. Full or part-time (minimum 3 days per week)considered.

Please note this role is split over two locations, Cambridge and Newmarket.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work collaboratively to provide clinical risk and mental health assessment, formulation and contingency planning for children and young people presenting with mental health needs along with physical health needs presenting to the acute hospital.

The post holder will also work closely with the Consultant Psychiatrist and CUH colleagues to support the development of the mental health team within CUH, with a focus on the regional District General Hospitals from a point of view of teaching and training to staff within paediatrics to support children and young people who present with mental health needs to the acute hospital. The post holder will also be involved in teaching and training initiatives including debriefs and facilitating reflective practice sessions for general hospital staff within CUH.

The Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) will be able to use a range of brief solution focused interventions to empower patients, carers, families and colleagues in decision making and assist in identifying and referring on to a range of health and social care resources for support.

The MHP will work flexibly to support patients and colleagues and assist in care plans where appropriate and required. The MHP will foster an amicable working relationship with the wider Paediatric teams and work closely with other mental health and acute services and agencies, as required.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

Details

Date posted

05 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year p.a. pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

180-E-GS02

Job locations

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division E

Hills Road/Westbrooke House

Cambridge/Newmarket

CB2 0QQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:

- applied for a Graduate visa

- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment

- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment

This vacancy will close at midnight on 15.03.26

Interviews are due to be held on 02.04.26

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities

Job description

Job responsibilities

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:

- applied for a Graduate visa

- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment

- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment

This vacancy will close at midnight on 15.03.26

Interviews are due to be held on 02.04.26

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oMental Health Nurse/Social work/Occupational Therapy Qualification OR Registered Nurse with CAMHS Experience Or other HCPC-registered profession.
  • oCurrent NMC/HCPC Registration appropriate to the job role.
  • oLeadership qualification/training Advanced Nurse prescriber Qualification/or AMHP qualification
  • oQualification in Clinical Supervision
  • oPostgraduate training in Mental Health Practice/Psychological Therapy (e.g CBT/Systemic Family Therapy)
  • oEvidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

  • oClinical supervision qualification. Specific training in either family work or psychological approaches to helping young people.
  • oTeaching (clinical practice) qualification/certificate or equivalent experience.

Experience

Essential

  • oWillingness to engage in work with children, young people and families who require mental health services.
  • oExperience of working with children and young people presenting with mental health crisis or need.
  • oExperience of working in a setting relevant to CAMHS.
  • oExperience of risk assessment and Management.
  • oMulti-agency working/working across service interfaces.
  • oWorking within a multicultural framework.
  • oTeaching, training and/or supervision of junior staff.

Desirable

  • oClinical Leadership.

Knowledge

Essential

  • oAn understanding of the current integrated multi-agency models Used by agencies working with children, young people and their families, e.g. I-Thrive, Think Family, etc.
  • oKnowledge of current research and evidence based practice in clinical work relevant to the job role/Service.
  • oModels of care and treatment relevant to working with children and young people in mental health crisis.
  • oRelevant specialist clinical courses/training.
  • oEvidence of continuing professional development.
  • oSound knowledge of Mental Health Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act.
  • oDemonstrates desire to assist patients, carers, families, referrers and colleagues.

Skills

Essential

  • oAssessing, formulating and working with children and young people (& their families) presenting in heightened state of distress.
  • oCommunicating (oral and written) complex/highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS.
  • oClinical risk assessment and Contingency planning/management plans.
  • oA positive approach and energy to working with young people and their families in promoting recovery and resilience.
  • oAble to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision.
  • oIT skills.
  • oAble to meet the service needs for mobility across the geographical area covered.
  • oWorks flexibly.
  • oMotivated, reliable and committed to team working with the ability to work autonomously.
  • oEmbrace opportunity to work in a new post and assist in developing the service.
  • oExcellent planning and organisational skills.
  • oValues opinions of others. Innovative and pioneering approach to new ways of working.

Additional Qualifications

Essential

  • oThe post holder must be willing to travel to various locations across the East of England geography as required.
  • oThere to assist patients, carers, families, referrers and colleagues.
  • oMotivated, reliable and committed to team working.
  • oEmbrace opportunity to work with local community, 3rd sector and other partners.
  • oValues opinions of others. Innovative and pioneering approach to new ways of working.
  • oThe ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together-safe, kind, excellent.
  • o Actively promote and value equality, diversity and inclusion, treating others with dignity and respect.
  • oCompliance with all Trust policies and procedures.
  • oEvidence of working as an effective team member.
  • oDemonstration of confidentiality.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oMental Health Nurse/Social work/Occupational Therapy Qualification OR Registered Nurse with CAMHS Experience Or other HCPC-registered profession.
  • oCurrent NMC/HCPC Registration appropriate to the job role.
  • oLeadership qualification/training Advanced Nurse prescriber Qualification/or AMHP qualification
  • oQualification in Clinical Supervision
  • oPostgraduate training in Mental Health Practice/Psychological Therapy (e.g CBT/Systemic Family Therapy)
  • oEvidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

  • oClinical supervision qualification. Specific training in either family work or psychological approaches to helping young people.
  • oTeaching (clinical practice) qualification/certificate or equivalent experience.

Experience

Essential

  • oWillingness to engage in work with children, young people and families who require mental health services.
  • oExperience of working with children and young people presenting with mental health crisis or need.
  • oExperience of working in a setting relevant to CAMHS.
  • oExperience of risk assessment and Management.
  • oMulti-agency working/working across service interfaces.
  • oWorking within a multicultural framework.
  • oTeaching, training and/or supervision of junior staff.

Desirable

  • oClinical Leadership.

Knowledge

Essential

  • oAn understanding of the current integrated multi-agency models Used by agencies working with children, young people and their families, e.g. I-Thrive, Think Family, etc.
  • oKnowledge of current research and evidence based practice in clinical work relevant to the job role/Service.
  • oModels of care and treatment relevant to working with children and young people in mental health crisis.
  • oRelevant specialist clinical courses/training.
  • oEvidence of continuing professional development.
  • oSound knowledge of Mental Health Act, Care Act, Mental Capacity Act.
  • oDemonstrates desire to assist patients, carers, families, referrers and colleagues.

Skills

Essential

  • oAssessing, formulating and working with children and young people (& their families) presenting in heightened state of distress.
  • oCommunicating (oral and written) complex/highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS.
  • oClinical risk assessment and Contingency planning/management plans.
  • oA positive approach and energy to working with young people and their families in promoting recovery and resilience.
  • oAble to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision.
  • oIT skills.
  • oAble to meet the service needs for mobility across the geographical area covered.
  • oWorks flexibly.
  • oMotivated, reliable and committed to team working with the ability to work autonomously.
  • oEmbrace opportunity to work in a new post and assist in developing the service.
  • oExcellent planning and organisational skills.
  • oValues opinions of others. Innovative and pioneering approach to new ways of working.

Additional Qualifications

Essential

  • oThe post holder must be willing to travel to various locations across the East of England geography as required.
  • oThere to assist patients, carers, families, referrers and colleagues.
  • oMotivated, reliable and committed to team working.
  • oEmbrace opportunity to work with local community, 3rd sector and other partners.
  • oValues opinions of others. Innovative and pioneering approach to new ways of working.
  • oThe ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together-safe, kind, excellent.
  • o Actively promote and value equality, diversity and inclusion, treating others with dignity and respect.
  • oCompliance with all Trust policies and procedures.
  • oEvidence of working as an effective team member.
  • oDemonstration of confidentiality.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division E

Hills Road/Westbrooke House

Cambridge/Newmarket

CB2 0QQ


Employer's website

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division E

Hills Road/Westbrooke House

Cambridge/Newmarket

CB2 0QQ


Employer's website

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Gender Service

Gender Service Lead

cuh.genderservice@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

05 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year p.a. pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

180-E-GS02

Job locations

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division E

Hills Road/Westbrooke House

Cambridge/Newmarket

CB2 0QQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)