MHST Senior Clinician and Supervisor

NHS; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Colchester seeks a Senior Clinician and Supervisor to enhance mental health support for children and young people in educational settings. The role involves managing a caseload, delivering evidence-based interventions, and supervising junior staff. Ideal candidates will have relevant professional registration and a passion for mental health in schools. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction training

Participation in professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered Clinical/Counseling Psychologist or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions.

Responsibilities

• Hold a caseload with assessments and care plans.
• Co-produce training and deliver interventions in schools.
• Provide clinical supervision and caseload management.

Skills

Workshop delivery skills

Education

PgDip level training/experience in psychological interventions

CYP PT PgCert in supervision of EMHPs/CWPs

Job description

MHST Senior Clinician and Supervisor

Closing date: 17 November 2025

Join the leading provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. At NELFT, we are the largest provider of MHSTs in England, supporting schools across Southend, Essex, and Thurrock, with services that cover 48% of all primary and secondary schools in the region.

Our MHSTs deliver evidence‑based individual and group interventions within educational settings, supporting children and young people aged 4 to 18 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. We champion whole‑school approaches to promote positive mental health across entire school communities.

Main Duties of the Job

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Mental Health Practitioner with current UK professional registration to join our expanding MHST.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a senior clinical role, supporting children and young people across educational settings while helping shape the future of mental health care in schools.

As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner, you will:

• Hold a caseload of children and young people (CYP) with mild to moderate mental health difficulties, completing assessments, risk assessments and creating collaboration care plans.
• Work in partnership with schools, families and partner agencies to co‑produce training materials and deliver whole‑school interventions.
• Be enrolled on the EMHP Supervisors Course (if not already completed) – fully funded as part of the MHST programme.
• Support the Locality Clinical Lead with formulation, treatment planning and management strategies.
• Provide caseload management and clinical supervision to junior and trainee staff.
• Work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team within your locality and across other MHSTs in Essex.
• Demonstrate the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.

This is a rewarding role where you'll be part of a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to early intervention and prevention in children's mental health. You'll have the opportunity to lead, mentor and innovate, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

About Us

NELFT places great importance on welcoming and inducting new starters. All new starters join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake up to two weeks of comprehensive induction including mandatory training, systems training and equipment allocation. New starters also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend drop‑in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes.

Probationary period: This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless currently halfway through one or a bank member of staff.

Certificates of Sponsorship: We are a registered sponsor organisation but cannot offer sponsorship for all roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system.

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Clinician and Supervisor works closely with the MHST Clinical Lead, MHST Operational Manager and other clinical colleagues/partner agencies. The role is predominantly supervisory, but the post holder will deliver clinical interventions, both targeted and under the Whole School Approach, to maintain professional registrations and continue to develop. Remaining current in evidence‑based interventions and having a good working knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is essential. Supervisors are key to service development, ensuring our service is inclusive and contributing to research and development of MHSTs nationally.

Please see person specification and job description for full details and responsibilities required for this role.

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) programmes may lead to application rejection. Applicants seeking support for declared disability may use appropriate assistance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered/Accredited Clinical/Counselling Psychologist, Family Therapist, Drama Therapist, Art Psychotherapist, CBT Therapist, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, IPT‑a therapist or Qualified and registered RMN/RGN, Health Visitor, with at least a PgDip level of training/experience in delivering evidence‑based psychological interventions.
• Completed or currently undertaking a CYP PT PgCert in supervision of EMHPs/CWPs.

Skills

• Experience of and ability to deliver workshops to professionals, young people and/or parents/carers.

Other

• Be able to travel efficiently throughout the area.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify no previous criminal convictions.

Address

North East Essex (covering Colchester and Tendring)

Job Locations

North East Essex (covering Colchester and Tendring)

Reference Number

395-EC262-25-A