School Mental Health Programme Lead

Academics; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics is seeking a Mental Health Programme Manager in West Sussex to lead a whole-school mental health and wellbeing strategy across primary and secondary settings. You will design and deliver targeted interventions, assess young people's needs, and coordinate referrals to CAMHS, working closely with families, senior leaders and external professionals.

The role requires RMN registration or a background in social work, experience with safeguarding and trauma-informed practice, and the ability

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health, psychology or therapeutic support.
• RMN registration or background in Social Work.
• Experience working with vulnerable children and young people.
• Ability to lead and develop mental health programmes.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, SEND and trauma‑informed practice.
• Experience with multi‑agency working and external referrals.
• Confident delivering assessments, interventions and staff training.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a whole-school mental health and wellbeing strategy.
• Deliver targeted 1:1 and group interventions for vulnerable pupils.
• Conduct mental health assessments and develop tailored support plans.
• Support pupils at risk of exclusion or disengagement.
• Embed trauma-informed approaches across SEND and pastoral practice.
• Coordinate referrals to CAMHS and external mental health services.
• Work closely with families, senior leaders and external professionals.
• Lead staff training and mental health awareness initiatives.
• Promote early intervention, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate clinical and safeguarding records.

Skills

Mental health background

RMN qualification

Social work background

Vulnerable children experience

Leadership skills

Multi-agency collaboration

Staff training

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

RMN registration

Social Work background

Job description

Academics is seeking a Mental Health Programme Manager in West Sussex to lead a whole-school mental health and wellbeing strategy across primary and secondary settings. You will design and deliver targeted interventions, assess young people's needs, and coordinate referrals to CAMHS, working closely with families, senior leaders and external professionals.

The role requires RMN registration or a background in social work, experience with safeguarding and trauma-informed practice, and the ability