Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor within MHST

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Taunton is seeking a Senior Mental Health Practitioner/Supervisor to enhance mental health support for children. This role includes managing clinical caseloads, providing supervision for education professionals, and collaborating with schools and health services to improve outcomes. Candidates must possess qualifications in nursing, social work, or therapy, along with significant experience in child mental health. This position offers a unique blend of clinical and supervisory responsibilities dedicated to shaping positive futures for young people in Somerset.

Benefits

Access to continuous professional development

Supportive working environment

Opportunity to make a significant impact

Qualifications

• Registered with a relevant professional body.
• Experience working with children experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical assessment, treatment, and evaluation for children referred to MHST.
• Provide structured clinical supervision to Education Mental Health Practitioners.
• Offer expert consultation and advice to education staff.

Skills

Clinical supervision

Behaviour-focused techniques

Communication skills

Training delivery

Education

Qualification in nursing/social work/therapy

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor (SMHP) to join our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will hold a small clinical caseload of children and young people (CYP) with low to moderate mental health concerns, deliver early interventions in line with the CAMHS model, and provide up to 10 sessions per young person. You will also provide high‑quality clinical supervision to Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) and trainees, in line with university guidance, and be supported to complete the CYP‑IAPT Supervisory Course as part of your role. You will act as a key link between education settings and MHST, offering consultation, advice, signposting, and resources to support a whole‑school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with schools, GPs, social care, public health, and other partners, you will contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people across your locality.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Work: Deliver assessment, treatment, and evaluation for a small number of CYP referred to MHST, using a range of low‑intensity, evidence‑based interventions. Work in partnership with families, carers, and schools to develop and review care plans, ensuring that support is tailored to the needs of each young person.
• Supervision: Provide structured clinical supervision to EMHPs and trainees, ensuring adherence to supervision models taught through the CYP‑IAPT course. Support practitioners in their professional development and uphold high clinical standards.
• Consultation and Advice: Offer expert advice to education staff, helping them to identify mental health concerns early, respond effectively, and access appropriate support pathways. Share up‑to‑date resources, guidance, and signposting options.
• Partnership Working: Build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, GPs, social care, and voluntary sector partners, to ensure joined‑up care for CYP.
• Whole‑School Approach: Contribute to the development and delivery of initiatives that promote mental health and wellbeing across school communities.
• Service Development and Governance: Contribute to the development of clinical protocols, training packages, and evaluation tools. Participate in audits, service reviews, and governance activities to drive continuous improvement.
• Training and CPD: Maintain professional development through training, supervision, and reflective practice. Deliver training packages to schools and partner agencies on topics related to CYP mental health.
• Safeguarding: Act in line with safeguarding legislation and local procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is always prioritised.

This is an excellent opportunity to combine clinical practice, supervision, and partnership work to make a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.

Qualifications

Required qualifications and experience

• Qualification in nursing, social work, occupational or family therapy, child psychology, or equivalent field.
• Current core registration with a relevant professional body.
• Training in and/or substantial experience in the use of behaviour and/or brief/solution focused techniques with children and families.
• Evidence of previous and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.

Experience required

• Significant post‑qualifying experience of working with children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Previous experience in a children’s service, preferably including liaising and advice giving to referrers and clients at the point of entry to a service.
• Experience in facilitation or delivery of training.
• Experience and/or qualifications in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: Cognitive Therapy, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Behaviour Modification, Social Skills or Group Therapy, Family Therapy.
• Evidence of the ability to assist in supervising and guiding the administrative support dedicated to this post, and to work harmoniously with colleagues, clients and referrers under pressure in a multi‑disciplinary team setting.
• Ability to work both assertively and with awareness of one’s limitations; excellent telephone, face‑to‑face and written communication skills with children and young people, carers and referrers.
• Ability to travel around the county and outside the base frequently given the community‑based nature of this post.
• Ability to frequently work from home to complete administration and video meetings.

Desirable qualifications

• Qualification in CBT, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Behaviour Modification, Social Skills or Group Therapy.

Working for the MHST for 3 years has been both interesting and challenging. As a Health Visitor in background, I am not the typical SMHP but with listening skills and training in some CBT previously, the University’s Low Intensity Supervisors course developed my expertise alongside a supportive environment. Liaising with Mental Health Leads in schools, to identify Whole School Approaches, early interventions to children and their families, within the broader context of CAMHS has been enlightening. – JC

Would you like to work in one of the most desirable places within the UK? Working here in Somerset you can soak up all that the idyllic countryside has to offer with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone’s throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London. There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You get to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan – there is truly something for everyone!