Senior Education Mental Health Practitioner

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Salford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's Salford Thrive in Education MHST invites applications for a Mental Health Practitioner. You will work autonomously within education settings to deliver CBT-informed interventions for mild to moderate difficulties in children and young people, collaborating with families and carers.

Based in Salford and connected to a wider trust, you will liaise with schools and partner agencies, participate in supervision, and contribute to service development while

Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality mental health support to children and young people and involve families and carers.
• Carry out needs‑led assessments and provide therapeutic interventions.
• Provide consultation to schools and support Whole-School Approach to mental health.
• Take lead on identified service projects.

Job description

Salford 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. We work closely with partner agencies as part of the getting help offer for child mental health.

The team work within education settings, including colleges to improve the whole setting approach to mental health & emotional wellbeing. We deliver CBT informed interventions for mild to moderate mental health difficulties individually and in groups.

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. As the post holder, you 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 advise 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.

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.