Mental Health Practitioner

Co-op Academies Trust; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Co-op Academies Trust is seeking an in-house Mental Health Practitioner to support students across Stoke and Staffordshire schools, delivering targeted interventions and developing staff capabilities. You will shape strategic mental health provision in partnership with the central Social Inclusion Director team, offering 1:1 support and group sessions to promote resilience and well-being.

The role involves working with primary, secondary, and special school settings, promoting collaboration, and

Qualifications

• Experience working with adolescents facing complex social and emotional challenges.
• Trauma-informed approach essential.
• Strong group facilitation and staff support/debriefing experience.
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset in therapy and consultation.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 therapeutic support for high-need students.
• Deliver group interventions for early intervention and transitions between primary and secondary phases.
• Upskill teaching and pastoral staff to maximise impact for students.

Skills

Adolescent work experience

Trauma-informed practice

Group facilitation

Staff coaching/debriefing

Solution-focused approach

Education

CBT Therapist

Counsellor

Psychotherapist

Mental Health Nurse

Job description

Are you a passionate and skilled Mental Health Practitioner dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our in-house Mental Health Practitioner across schools in the Stoke and Staffordshire area. This is an exciting opportunity to support students in Primary, Secondary and Special school settings, both delivering interventions and upskilling staff.

Our ambition is for the In-House Mental Health Practitioner to shape the strategic direction of our mental health provision, in partnership with the central Social Inclusion Director team. This vital role will provide therapeutic support to high-need students on a 1:1 basis, as well as group sessions for early intervention and to smooth transitions between Primary and Secondary phases.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

Sector-Leading Initiative

You will be at the forefront of a groundbreaking, sector-leading mental health initiative (and potentially also research) within Co-op Academies Trust. This isn't just a role; it's a chance to shape best practice nationally.

• Networking: You will join a supportive network of Mental Health Practitioners working in Co-op Academies Trust across the North of England, providing unparalleled opportunities for collaborative practice, shared learning, and professional development.

Supporting Staff to have Impact

We understand the emotional labour involved in supporting vulnerable and at-risk students. A key part of your role will be to upskill teaching and pastoral staff to maximise their capacity to help our young people.

• Coaching: We are looking for a practitioner who utilises a solution-focused approach to staff coaching, helping colleagues find practical, sustainable ways to manage challenges and build resilience.
• Facilitation: Convene discussions with staff around Mental Health First Aid and/or self care to address potential burnout that leads to staff turnover.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for individuals with the following essential qualities and experience:

• A recognised professional qualification and registration (e.g., CBT Therapist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Nurse).
• Experience in working effectively with adolescents, particularly those who are marginalised or facing complex social and emotional challenges.
• A compassionate, trauma-informed approach to practice.
• Strong group facilitation skills and experience in staff support/debriefing.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset in both therapeutic and consultative work.

If you have the passion, expertise, and drive to shape mental health provision and contribute to a sector-defining initiative across our Stoke and Staffordshire academies, we want to hear from you.

Closing Date: 9am on Friday 23rd October. Interviews are scheduled to take place onsite on Friday 6th November