Job summary
Are you a qualified and experienced mental health professional, with a background working in child and adolescent services with relevant Mental Health professional registration?
We have a vacancy for an enthusiastic MHST Clinical & Team Lead to provide clinical oversight and leadership of our two established MHST's across Peterborough.
In this role you will lead your team in the provision of a high-quality early intervention service to pupils (and their families) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
You will lead the teams in delivering evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of young people referred to the service.
You will utilise your skills and knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and child and adolescent mental health practice, and knowledge of Whole School Approaches to mental health, in order to lead the MHST(s).
You will join a supportive service that already has five other Clinical and Team Leads, who have launched their MHST's so a ready support system is available. The MHST's sit within CCS NHS Trusts Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service.
Although Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the main theoretical model of the MHST's, and you will be expected to support the development of junior team members in their delivery of CBT informed guided self-help, diversity of clinical backgrounds is welcomed and encouraged.
The successful post holder will need experience of working within services that have utilised the CBT approach.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will implement the provision of a high-quality early intervention service to pupils (and their families) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
You will lead the team in delivering evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of young people referred to the service.
You will utilise your skills and knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and child and adolescent mental health practice, and knowledge of Whole School Approaches to mental health, in order to lead the MHST(s).
MHST's provide mental health and emotional wellbeing support to children and young people and their families and carers through schools and colleges. Each MHST supports a cluster of schools and colleges in a geographical locality, covering a population of around 8,000 children and young people.
"Should we receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 9th May 2025"
About us
Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.
There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff - who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.
If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
To provide, lead, manage and clinically supervise in an exciting new service which we will be delivering across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: the Mental Health Support Teams (MHST). MHSTs will be based within schools, ensuring children and young people receive faster access to earlier mental health support.
In this role you will implement the provision of a high quality Early Intervention service to students (and their families) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. You will lead the team in delivering evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of young people referred to the service. This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards. You will utilise your skills and knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and child and adolescent mental health practice, and knowledge of Whole School Approaches to mental health, in order to lead the MHST(s).
You will ensure the voice of the child/young person is pivotal in all aspects of clinical practice and development. Co-production will underpin the MHSTs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for the work of the MHSTs and will support them to deliver the service provision.
- Ensure needs-led, evidence based interventions from the MHSTs and, where relevant, other services, that support local and national priorities, policies and relevant clinical guidelines.
- Manage pathways and referral routes ensuring that the formal route for referring children/young people to Getting Help and Getting More Help is effective; communication and information sharing mechanisms are in place, and that working collaboratively with all relevant agencies (health, social care, locality teams, education and voluntary) creates smooth progression for children, young people and their families/ carers without unnecessary delay.
- Ensure accessible management information is regularly used for service improvement and reporting via SystemOne data sets and the EHWS database.
- To develop and present reporting of impact, outcomes, and feedback around the service as well as service productivity.
- To support with the roll out of further MHSTs within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- To be accountable as the Lead Clinician for the direct delivery of an effective MHST service and ensure this fits with the iThrive model across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- To be accountable as the Lead Clinician for the direct delivery of an effective MHST service and ensure this fits the iThrive model across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Develop an open culture; facilitated by research, development and best practice which enables staff to take critical and innovative approaches.
- Ensure the service is delivered in accordance with the contract and that all key performance indicators and outcomes are met and are presented and reported within agreed frameworks.
- To lead effectively, with enthusiasm and by example, within Trust principles (HEAR) via effective communication, service model and structures facilitating staff, stakeholder and service user involvement.
- To support schools for post-vention work in the event of deaths by suicide. To work in a collaborative way with other agencies to support education staff at this highly difficult time.
- Ensure that locality professionals are supported in guiding children, young people and their parents/carers to the resources available to meet their needs.
- Attend CCS NHS Trust performance meetings, where appropriate, to represent the service/clinical speciality.
- Responsible for the implementation of the delegated actions from service plans, through effective communication and briefings to staff and other stakeholders.
Communication - As the post holder will be working within the community, they will establish and maintain positive relationships with professionals, agencies, charities and teams who also provide services to children and/or adolescents in the community. These relationships are a key part of the role in which you will be representing CCS NHS Trust.
- The post holder will be able to clearly and effectively communicate highly complex or sensitive issues relating to the MHSTs work to a wide range of audiences, such as senior management, service users and their families/carers, schools and other professionals.
- Responsible for the management of complaints within HEAR Trust values.
- Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy in all communications
- To liaise closely with other professionals including colleagues in the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service, GPs, Paediatricians, Specialist CAMHS, school counsellors, Childrens Services, other voluntary agencies and UEA.
- Maintain key communication with:
MHST colleagues within the MHSTs and across the country as the service are developed.
The University of East Anglia (UEA), who are providing the training for EMHPs possibly contributing to teaching elements on the newly developed course.
School partners, including Head Teachers, Mental Health Champion/Lead, Teachers, SENCOs and Teaching Assistants.
Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service Clinical Lead and Team Leads, including Childrens Wellbeing Practitioners and Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioners.
CAMHS colleagues, including the Service Manager and SPA Clinical Lead, as well as the new YOUnited collaborative.
Social Care and Early Help Colleagues.
SEND colleagues, including Specialist Teachers and Educational Psychologists
Other Managers and Clinical staff
Budgetary Responsibility - Authorised signatory
- Required to hold and manage a budget.
People Management - To have lead responsibility for the effective management of staff (who may be from different clinical backgrounds) within the service, ensuring mechanisms are in place to provide strong and effective clinical and managerial leadership, advice, support and supervision.
- To provide clinical supervision and line management to the senior staff within the team.
- Propose and devise clinical policies, pathways and reports for the service that embed best clinical practice, working closely with stakeholders.
- The post holder will provide for development of staff, agree the annual service plan and set service objectives. They will ensure appraisals and supervisions are in place for the whole team.
- Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process
- To respond to daily issues faced by the service and ensure these are resolved as swiftly as possible.
- Ensure appropriate recording of meetings, supervisions and management actions and maintenance of personnel files.
Research & Development Activity - To lead and participate in regular audits, quarterly reporting, and research projects for the improvement of the teams clinical practice.
- To present findings and outcomes of the implementation of the MHST and support the continual improvement of the team and roll out of subsequent teams.
Clinical and Practice Governance - Participate fully in providing quality care in line with local and national guidelines e.g. NICE Guidance & Quality Standards relating to children and/or young people with mental health difficulties and social care difficulties
- Follow emergency/crisis care protocols when required.
- Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any client/family/staff records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.
- The post holder must lead and adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes
- The post holder must lead and adhere to infection control policies and procedures
- It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with the appropriate professional body, and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.
- Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
- The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required
- Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team
- Participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis
- The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
To provide, lead, manage and clinically supervise in an exciting new service which we will be delivering across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: the Mental Health Support Teams (MHST). MHSTs will be based within schools, ensuring children and young people receive faster access to earlier mental health support.
In this role you will implement the provision of a high quality Early Intervention service to students (and their families) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. You will lead the team in delivering evidence-based interventions to support the recovery of young people referred to the service. This work will be in accordance with clinical governance processes and professional standards. You will utilise your skills and knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and child and adolescent mental health practice, and knowledge of Whole School Approaches to mental health, in order to lead the MHST(s).
You will ensure the voice of the child/young person is pivotal in all aspects of clinical practice and development. Co-production will underpin the MHSTs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for the work of the MHSTs and will support them to deliver the service provision.
- Ensure needs-led, evidence based interventions from the MHSTs and, where relevant, other services, that support local and national priorities, policies and relevant clinical guidelines.
- Manage pathways and referral routes ensuring that the formal route for referring children/young people to Getting Help and Getting More Help is effective; communication and information sharing mechanisms are in place, and that working collaboratively with all relevant agencies (health, social care, locality teams, education and voluntary) creates smooth progression for children, young people and their families/ carers without unnecessary delay.
- Ensure accessible management information is regularly used for service improvement and reporting via SystemOne data sets and the EHWS database.
- To develop and present reporting of impact, outcomes, and feedback around the service as well as service productivity.
- To support with the roll out of further MHSTs within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- To be accountable as the Lead Clinician for the direct delivery of an effective MHST service and ensure this fits with the iThrive model across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- To be accountable as the Lead Clinician for the direct delivery of an effective MHST service and ensure this fits the iThrive model across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Develop an open culture; facilitated by research, development and best practice which enables staff to take critical and innovative approaches.
- Ensure the service is delivered in accordance with the contract and that all key performance indicators and outcomes are met and are presented and reported within agreed frameworks.
- To lead effectively, with enthusiasm and by example, within Trust principles (HEAR) via effective communication, service model and structures facilitating staff, stakeholder and service user involvement.
- To support schools for post-vention work in the event of deaths by suicide. To work in a collaborative way with other agencies to support education staff at this highly difficult time.
- Ensure that locality professionals are supported in guiding children, young people and their parents/carers to the resources available to meet their needs.
- Attend CCS NHS Trust performance meetings, where appropriate, to represent the service/clinical speciality.
- Responsible for the implementation of the delegated actions from service plans, through effective communication and briefings to staff and other stakeholders.
Communication - As the post holder will be working within the community, they will establish and maintain positive relationships with professionals, agencies, charities and teams who also provide services to children and/or adolescents in the community. These relationships are a key part of the role in which you will be representing CCS NHS Trust.
- The post holder will be able to clearly and effectively communicate highly complex or sensitive issues relating to the MHSTs work to a wide range of audiences, such as senior management, service users and their families/carers, schools and other professionals.
- Responsible for the management of complaints within HEAR Trust values.
- Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy in all communications
- To liaise closely with other professionals including colleagues in the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service, GPs, Paediatricians, Specialist CAMHS, school counsellors, Childrens Services, other voluntary agencies and UEA.
- Maintain key communication with:
MHST colleagues within the MHSTs and across the country as the service are developed.
The University of East Anglia (UEA), who are providing the training for EMHPs possibly contributing to teaching elements on the newly developed course.
School partners, including Head Teachers, Mental Health Champion/Lead, Teachers, SENCOs and Teaching Assistants.
Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service Clinical Lead and Team Leads, including Childrens Wellbeing Practitioners and Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioners.
CAMHS colleagues, including the Service Manager and SPA Clinical Lead, as well as the new YOUnited collaborative.
Social Care and Early Help Colleagues.
SEND colleagues, including Specialist Teachers and Educational Psychologists
Other Managers and Clinical staff
Budgetary Responsibility - Authorised signatory
- Required to hold and manage a budget.
People Management - To have lead responsibility for the effective management of staff (who may be from different clinical backgrounds) within the service, ensuring mechanisms are in place to provide strong and effective clinical and managerial leadership, advice, support and supervision.
- To provide clinical supervision and line management to the senior staff within the team.
- Propose and devise clinical policies, pathways and reports for the service that embed best clinical practice, working closely with stakeholders.
- The post holder will provide for development of staff, agree the annual service plan and set service objectives. They will ensure appraisals and supervisions are in place for the whole team.
- Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process
- To respond to daily issues faced by the service and ensure these are resolved as swiftly as possible.
- Ensure appropriate recording of meetings, supervisions and management actions and maintenance of personnel files.
Research & Development Activity - To lead and participate in regular audits, quarterly reporting, and research projects for the improvement of the teams clinical practice.
- To present findings and outcomes of the implementation of the MHST and support the continual improvement of the team and roll out of subsequent teams.
Clinical and Practice Governance - Participate fully in providing quality care in line with local and national guidelines e.g. NICE Guidance & Quality Standards relating to children and/or young people with mental health difficulties and social care difficulties
- Follow emergency/crisis care protocols when required.
- Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any client/family/staff records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies.
- The post holder must lead and adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes
- The post holder must lead and adhere to infection control policies and procedures
- It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with the appropriate professional body, and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.
- Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
- The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required
- Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team
- Participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis
- The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent
- Appropriate and valid UK professional registration
Desirable
- Supervisor qualification
- Leadership training / qualification
Experience
Essential
- Line management and Leadership experience within children's services
- Undertaking a clinical role at a specialist level
Desirable
- Experience of supporting young people in an educational setting
- Experience in supervising others to deliver clinical intervention
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health issues relating to Children and Young Peoples emotional development
- Knowledge of legislation related to children and/or adolescent's mental health and social care
Desirable
- Good knowledge of different outcome measures used in CYP settings
- Knowledge and understanding of the Green Paper; Transforming Children and Young People's Mental Health Provision
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent
- Appropriate and valid UK professional registration
Desirable
- Supervisor qualification
- Leadership training / qualification
Experience
Essential
- Line management and Leadership experience within children's services
- Undertaking a clinical role at a specialist level
Desirable
- Experience of supporting young people in an educational setting
- Experience in supervising others to deliver clinical intervention
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health issues relating to Children and Young Peoples emotional development
- Knowledge of legislation related to children and/or adolescent's mental health and social care
Desirable
- Good knowledge of different outcome measures used in CYP settings
- Knowledge and understanding of the Green Paper; Transforming Children and Young People's Mental Health Provision
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).