Mental Health Practitioner Manchester Thrive in Education

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization is seeking a Mental Health Practitioner in Manchester. You will provide direct interventions for young people with mental health difficulties and support schools in developing their mental health strategies. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant qualification and have experience working in child mental health. This position offers a collaborative working environment and opportunities for professional development, with a competitive salary range of £38,682 to £46,580 per year.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered/accredited with a professional body.
• Experience in community mental health with children and young people.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based interventions to children and young people.
• Conduct detailed assessments and create care plans.
• Liaise with schools and community partners for mental health support.

Skills

Knowledge of child mental health

Evidence-based practice

Therapeutic skills

Communication skills

IT competency

Education

Recognised qualification in mental health

Qualifications in Psychological Therapies (CBT/SFT/IPT)

Job description

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Practitioner - Manchester Thrive in Education

The closing date is 24 December 2025

Manchester Thrive in Education is a Mental Health Support Team (MHST) developed as part of the national project to increase access to psychological support in education settings for children & young people. The service was established in 2020 and works closely with partner agencies as part of the getting help offer for child mental health.

The team works within education settings, including colleges, to improve the whole setting approach to mental health & emotional wellbeing. Practitioners deliver CBT informed interventions for mild to moderate mental health difficulties individually and in groups. We are an innovative team involved in a variety of exciting projects across the city including Neurodiversity in Schools and the Alternative Provision targeted task force.

Main duties of the job

As an autonomous practitioner you will play a key part in the delivery of high‑quality service provision that promotes and improves the mental health and well‑being of children and young people, their families, and carers. In an education‑based team you will provide direct intervention for young people presenting with mild/moderate mental health difficulties within professional practice guidelines and a structured supervision framework. The post holder will be required to adapt to and undertake different or new duties in line with professional and service developments.

Within a systemic and holistic framework, you will undertake needs‑led, evidence‑based, skilled assessments and provide therapeutic interventions, ensuring this is done evidencing shared decision‑making and partnership working with children and young people, their families and carers.

As part of working together you will offer quality consultation and advice to schools and support schools in developing their Whole School Approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing. You will actively liaise and support robust partnership working arrangements between MHST and community partners. You will undertake lead responsibilities for specific projects in the service.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward‑thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working – empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job – it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that you’re even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, you’ll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information you’ll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application: Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU – for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application – especially personal statements and responses to role‑specific questions – is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Diversity Matters: MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Registration/Accreditation

• You must be registered/accredited (or, if EMHP/CWP, in the process of becoming accredited) with a professional body: e.g. NMC, SW England, UKCP, HCPC, BABCP, BPS

Qualifications

• You must have a recognised qualification: Recognised qualifications are: EMHP/CYWP/SWP, Registered Nursing: RMN/RSCN/RNMH, Social Work (CQSW/DipSW), Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, or Other relevant accreditable qualification
• Qualifications in Psychological Therapies e.g. CBT / SFT/ IPT

Experience

• Proven experience of working effectively with people with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of assessing and managing risk: including safeguarding.
• Experience of developing and providing evidence-based assessments, formulations, and care plans.
• Experience of liaison and working with a range of other relevant agencies and professionals.
• Experience of autonomously managing a caseload within a service.
• Experience of mentoring and supervision of others.
• Understanding of the principles of Clinical Governance and a willingness to follow Trust Policy and Procedures
• Experience of working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
• Experience of providing interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and their families
• Community mental health experience.

Knowledge Skills & Ability

• Up to date knowledge of child mental health and relevant legislation.
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practice.
• The ability to assess, formulate and manage care appropriately, ensuring discharge is timely.
• The ability to use assessment tools and outcome measures / ROMs effectively and in collaboration with the child, young person, and family.
• To be able to function as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and to liaise effectively with other agencies i.e., education, GP's, maintaining positive working relationships.
• The ability to reflect on and critically appraise own practice
• To have the ability to manage own caseload.
• Ability to manage and organise own time and diary.
• The ability to follow policy and make proposals for change.
• The ability to work independently with the support of clinical and management supervision.
• The ability to maintain clinical records both written and electronic.
• Experience of delivering training
• Demonstrable therapeutic skills
• IT competent
• Knowledge and understanding of the research process

Personal Attributes

• A commitment to undertake further relevant training and self-directed study.
• Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required.
• Ability to travel across the MFT footprint

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.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester Thrive in Education

The Millenium Powerhouse 140 Raby St Moss Side

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-MCH-7613637*

Job locations

Manchester Thrive in Education

The Millenium Powerhouse 140 Raby St Moss Side