Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Team Lead

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridgeshire); Ely; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridgeshire) is seeking an experienced Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Team Lead to drive operational leadership and service development for children and young people. The role focuses on leading a multidisciplinary team, shaping early intervention services and delivering KPI targets within a fixed-term/secondment arrangement.

You will work with the Service Manager to deliver service transformation, coordinate MHST initiatives

Qualifications

• Registered professional with an appropriate body (e.g. NMC/HCPC).
• Post-registration training in NICE-recommended interventions.
• Evidence of training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and registration.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to EHWP Team and support Service Manager in strategic priorities.
• Coordinate development and implementation of MHSTs and future service models.
• Lead and balance service delivery with development and implementation projects.
• Oversee MHST project programme and balance delivery with expansion of teams.
• Lead on KPI/targets and drive improvements in access to mental health support for children and families.
• Respond to organisational changes with effective staff supervision and communication.

Skills

Leadership/Coaching

Mental health assessment

Outcomes data reporting

Staff consultation

Staff training delivery

Education

NMC/HCPC registration

Post-registration NICE interventions training

Evidence-based practice training

Professional body registration

Job description

Main area Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Team Grade Band 7 Contract 12 months (Fixed Term/Secondment ending January/February 2029) Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (9-5 Monday to Friday) Job ref 448-CCYP-8398353

Employer East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust (Cambridgeshire) Employer type NHS Site Princess of Wales Hospital & The Trust Head Office St Ives PE27 4LG Town Ely Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum, pro-rata Salary period Yearly Closing 10/11/2026 23:59 Interview date 16/11/2026

Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Team Lead

Band 7

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust delivers expert healthcare in people’s homes, community hospitals and local settings across the East of England.

Our nurses, therapists, clinicians, support teams and partners work together to provide coordinated care that supports independence, recovery and wellbeing. We believe people are best cared for close to home, in the communities where they live and belong.

By combining professional expertise with strong local relationships, we help people stay well, feel supported and access the right care at the right time. Expert healthcare, close to home, trusted by our communities.

Different ideas, experiences and backgrounds make us stronger and more creative and applications from all walks of life are welcomed. Our processes ensure that all applicants are treated fairly at every stage of the recruitment process.

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust is committed to creating a modern and inclusive work environment. We actively promote flexible working opportunities where possible to meet the needs and wishes of our workforce and maintain and improve their wellbeing. We also offer flexible working patterns and we would encourage you to discuss this with the recruiting manager before or during the application process if this would interest you.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and can help us deliver outstanding care in our local community.

Before applying for this vacancy, please make sure you’re familiar with ongoing GOV.uk sponsorship eligibility criteria which will impact the organisations ability to provide sponsorship, whether this is currently or in the future.

Please note, our selection processes are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right values and skills. Please be advised that the use of AI in applications is monitored. We remain watchful of candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn’t accurately reflect their skills.

Please note all new starters will be subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Job overview

Are you an experienced professional passionate about making a real difference to children and young people?

Join our Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner team as a Team Lead and play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality early intervention services.

Working alongside the Service Manager, you will provide operational leadership, support service development and transformation projects, and help drive positive outcomes for children, young people and their families. This is an exciting opportunity to influence service delivery, lead a skilled multi-disciplinary team, and contribute to a nationally recognised early intervention programme.

We are looking for a motivated and innovative professional who thrives in a collaborative environment where evidence-based practice, creativity and new ways of working are actively encouraged.

This role is ideal for someone seeking to broaden their leadership experience while helping to achieve KPI/targets and expand access to mental health support for young people when they need it most.

Should we receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 5 November 2026

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide operational management and clinical leadership to the team whilst supporting the Service Manager in the delivery of strategic priorities, service developments and transformation projects across the service.

A key responsibility of the role will be to coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of the emerging service models, including the establishment of future Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), predominately within the Cambridgeshire area.

Alongside their Team Manager responsibilities, the post holder will maintain oversight of the MHST project programme, balancing operational service delivery with the successful development and implementation of new teams.

This role is time limited due to the changing service delivery model across the service and this team are expected to remain in place until January/February 2029-2030.

The role will support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Team (EHWP) support key professionals, including Education, Social Care and Health. The EHWP is part of the ‘Getting Advice’ quadrants of the iThrive model implemented across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The iThrive model provides an integrated approach to the delivery of person-centred and needs-led services for children, young people and families.

Working for our organisation

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.

Please be aware that East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust will never ask applicants to pay fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including job applications, sponsorship arrangements, or employment offers. All recruitment communications and job applications should only be made through our official careers website and published contact details.

If you receive a suspicious job offer or recruitment-related communication, do not make any payments, share personal information, or provide identity documents. We encourage you to report the matter to your local police or relevant law enforcement agency. Any concerns relating to potential recruitment fraud should also be reported to our Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) as soon as possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Work with the Service Manager to develop and deliver the EHWP Specification and Key Performance Indicators.

To work with the Service Manager in the design of new initiatives and projects, including research and pilots.

Lead and coordinate, planning and implementation of a defined programme of service development and transformation work in line with organisational and service priorities.

Oversee the development and establishment of the new MHST teams within the Cambridgeshire area

To be responsible for the delivery of identified work packages / work streams (e.g. training).

To prepare and deliver regular progress reports.

To effectively line manage staff and support the induction of new members of the team.

Provide visible leadership and support staff throughout periods of service transformation and organisational change.

Develop and implement plans to support staff affected by service redesign and transition arrangements

Ensure clear, timely and sensitive communication with staff regarding service developments, future workforce arrangements and organisational decisions

Support staff wellbeing, engagement and retention, recognising and responding to the impact of change on individuals.

Provide supervision, identify training, development and career progression opportunities to support staff in preparing for future roles and service opportunities.

Foster a positive team culture, maintaining morale, motivation and performance during periods of uncertainty and change.

Ensure that the formal route for referring children and young people to ‘Getting Help’ and ‘Getting More Help’ is effective and does not cause unnecessary delays in the pathway; 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.

Ensure that needs-led, evidence-based interventions provided to children, young people and their families / carers and, where relevant, other services, support local and national priorities, policies and relevant clinical guidelines.

Work collaboratively with all relevant agencies to ensure that the services for children and young people with emotional health and wellbeing needs are coordinated and address their individual needs, providing a holistic approach.

Ensure the ‘voice of the child/young person’ is pivotal in all aspects of clinical practice and development.

Communication

Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with the EHWS staff, senior managers and other key stakeholders.

Report and present information in a variety of different formats, tailored to meet the needs and expectations of different audiences.

Complete investigations and investigate complaints.

Maintain excellent relationships with stakeholders and partner organisations

Establish effective working relationships so that the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people is promoted.

Effective communication on complex issues to a wide range of audiences, including senior management level and children, young people and families.

Responsible for the implementation of the delegated actions from service plans, through effective communication and briefings to staff and other stakeholders.

Budgetary Responsibility

The post holder will be required to authorise mileage and expenses for those whom they line manage

People Management

Responsible for day-to-day supervision and management of staff within the EHWP Team (e.g. responsibility for: grievance, disciplinary, appraisal, appointing panel member at recruitment, reviewing work performance and progress, work allocation and checking)

Development of staff

Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) process

To implement Trust HR policies and procedures as and when appropriate, as well as maintain staff systems such as expenses/sickness.

Research & Development Activity

To utilise theory, evidence-based literature and research to support evidence-based practice in individual work and work with other team members.

Participate in clinical and other audits as required.

Ensure that management information is readily accessible and regularly used for service improvement.

The post holder will continually employ the use of evaluation of impact measures contributing to quarterly reviews of service, increase prevention, early intervention and access to effective support.

Clinical and Practice Governance

Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of GDPR

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 adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes

The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures

It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with a 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 EEC NHS Trust.

The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required

Participate in clinical supervision on a regular basis

The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.

Ensure that professionals are supported in guiding children, young people and their parents/carers to the resources available to meet their needs.

Enable appropriate advice, signposting and support with intervention to be provided to children and young to reduce inappropriate referral and waiting and that the recommendation is based on best evidence-based practice

Work with practitioners from a wide range of disciplines in order to upskill, develop confidence and build capacity in supporting children and young people with emotional health issues.

Enhance staff confidence in managing difficulties appropriately within respective settings via training, consultation and support.

Ensure that any additional vulnerability or inequality suffered by children and young people (e.g. learning disability, victim of child sexual exploitation, children looked after) is properly considered when identifying appropriate interventions with locality professionals.

Work collaboratively with other agencies in the health and social care system to ensure regular case reviews to ensure effective progress through the care pathway.

Ensure that children and young people’s physical health and social needs are considered alongside their emotional health needs.

To be accountable to the Service Manager for the direct delivery of an effective EHWP Team

Keep up to date with your Continuing Professional Development (CPD), complete your annual appraisal and support your colleagues in their CPD and appraisal needs.

Participate in clinical and management supervision as per Trust policy.

Ensure appropriate recording of meetings, supervision and maintenance of clinical records.

To develop skills in the area of professional post-graduate teaching, training and consultation, and provide consultation to other staff, as appropriate.

Information Technology

To use a computer as necessary for clinical work, including literature searches, word processing, developing and maintaining training packs and information leaflets.

Inputting data, emailing, report writing and other tasks as necessary for the efficient running of the service and/or training needs.

Contribute data for accessible management information for service improvement and reporting via System One data sets, suitable technology/ systems development and in compliance with Trust Information Governance (and all relevant legislation) standards

Quality and Patient Safety

Maintain awareness of and execute responsibilities with regard to the safeguarding children and adults’ agenda, confidentiality, Trust and professional training requirements, data protection and sharing, information governance, risk management and reporting and all relevant legislation and Trust and local policy.

To ensure day to day practice reflects the highest standards of governance, clinical effectiveness, safety and patient experience.

To ensure monitoring of quality and compliance with standards is demonstrable within the service on an ongoing basis.

To be aware of the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients/ clients, visitors and staff.

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

• Recognised Professional Qualification (i.e. Registered Mental Health Nurse; Registered Children’s Nurse; Registered General Nurse; Registered Learning Disability Nurse; Practitioner Psychologist, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist)
• Post registration training in evidence-based interventions recommended by NICE
• Registered with a Professional Body (e.g. NMC; HCPC)
• Evidence of training in an evidence based therapeutic approach / model

Experience

• Experience of managing a team, to include team performance, quality, recruitment and staffing issues. Post‑qualifying experience of working with children, young people and families with common mental health problems.
• Experience of formulation and treatment of children and young people with mental health difficulties
• Experience of multidisciplinary and multi‑agency working and co‑working assessments and treatment
• Good knowledge of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Understanding of iTHRIVE
• Experience of working within the Education system
• Experience of supporting staff through periods of organisational change and service redesign

Knowledge & Skills

• Leadership, management and / or coaching skills
• Skills in the assessment of mental health factors for children young people and their parents.
• Ability to develop, manage and lead on outcomes data and data reporting for the service
• Evidence of delivering consultation to staff groups
• Evidence of developing and delivering training

Equal Opportunities - We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. Additionally, people with disabilities that fall under the Disability Confident Scheme will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification). All sites are Smoke Free.

If you need this application in an offline format, please let us know.
Immigration Status – East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust is a diverse employer and welcomes all job applications. However, potential applicants should note that although the Trust is registered with the Home Office as a sponsor organisation for migrant workers, sponsorship can only be offered against eligible roles. If you are an applicant from outside the UK and do not already hold a self‑gained right to work, we recommend you check the Home Office eligibility requirements before making an application.

Please note: Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for some job