Job summary
At NELFT, we're proud to be thelargest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England.
Our MHSTs deliverevidence-based individual and group interventionswithin educational settings, supporting children and young people aged4 to 18who are experiencingmild to moderate mental health difficulties. We also championwhole-school approachesto 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 toCAMHS 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 haveextensive 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
- Deliveringevidence-based interventions in schools
- Conductingcomprehensive 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 anautonomous, 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 theNHS Long-Term Plan
Quality & Outcomes - Routinely measuringclinical outcomes using Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs)to guide and improve practice
- Ensuring all care is delivered viaNICE-compliant pathways.
Teamwork & Leadership - Providing leadership, promotinginitiative, creativity, and motivation
- Communicating complex clinical information effectively to ensurecollaborative working
- Contributing to a positive team culture while working independently and collaboratively with other professionals and agencies
About us
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Join the South-West Essex MHST covering Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay
The South-West Essex Mental Health Support Team (MHST) delivers early intervention and prevention-focused mental health support across a wide geographical area, including Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay. Were a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in educational settings.
We pride ourselves on being afriendly, supportive teamthat values collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning. We understand the importance of ahealthy work-life balance, and we welcomeflexible working applicationsin line with Trust policies.
Professional Development & Training We actively encourageContinual Professional Development (CPD)and are committed to helping our staff grow and progress. Successful candidates will either:
- Have completed (or are willing to complete) the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP)course or
- Have completed the CBT recruit to train or the systemic family therapy course
For full details, please refer to the job description and person specificationattached.
Certificates of SponsorshipAlthough we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AIPlease see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Join the South-West Essex MHST covering Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay
The South-West Essex Mental Health Support Team (MHST) delivers early intervention and prevention-focused mental health support across a wide geographical area, including Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood and Billericay. Were a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to improving the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in educational settings.
We pride ourselves on being afriendly, supportive teamthat values collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning. We understand the importance of ahealthy work-life balance, and we welcomeflexible working applicationsin line with Trust policies.
Professional Development & Training We actively encourageContinual Professional Development (CPD)and are committed to helping our staff grow and progress. Successful candidates will either:
- Have completed (or are willing to complete) the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP)course or
- Have completed the CBT recruit to train or the systemic family therapy course
For full details, please refer to the job description and person specificationattached.
Certificates of SponsorshipAlthough we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AIPlease see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Successful completion of a graduate training (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy) or have completed a low intensity EMHP/CWP Qualification.
- To be eligible for registration as a full member of the appropriate professional body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, BABCP, BPS)
- Attended/willing to attend SWP course or CYPIAPT Supervisor training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with moderate presentations and neurodivergence.
- at least 1 year as a registered practitioner delivering low intensity CBT-informed interventions
Desirable
- 2 years post qualification experience in children's mental health services
Travel
Essential
- To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Successful completion of a graduate training (e.g. nursing, social work, occupational therapy) or have completed a low intensity EMHP/CWP Qualification.
- To be eligible for registration as a full member of the appropriate professional body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, BABCP, BPS)
- Attended/willing to attend SWP course or CYPIAPT Supervisor training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with moderate presentations and neurodivergence.
- at least 1 year as a registered practitioner delivering low intensity CBT-informed interventions
Desirable
- 2 years post qualification experience in children's mental health services
Travel
Essential
- To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
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.
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.
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).
