Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP)- Mid Essex

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in Chelmsford seeks a Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) for its Mid Essex team. The selected candidate will provide CBT interventions to schools, support mental health practitioners, and enhance educational mental health resources. A strong background in CBT and relevant qualifications are essential. Opportunities for professional growth and flexible working arrangements are offered, aiming to strengthen mental health support for children and young people across educational settings.

Qualifications

• CYPMHS clinicians currently undertaking or completed CYP-PT CBT or SFP training.
• Registered professionals with a postgraduate diploma in delivering evidence-based psychological therapies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver CBT interventions and lead Whole School Approach activities.
• Support Education Mental Health Practitioners through supervision and guidance.
• Develop school networks and promote positive mental health.

Skills

CBT experience

Communication skills

Supervision skills

Knowledge of neurodivergence

Education

Postgraduate diploma in evidence-based psychological interventions

Job description

Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) - Mid Essex

The closing date is 17 December 2025

At NELFT, we are proud to be the largest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our teams deliver evidence-based interventions in schools and colleges for children and young people aged 4-18, while also supporting Whole School Approaches to improve wellbeing across education settings. Working closely with school-based services and linking with CAMHS where needed, MHSTs play a vital role in strengthening mental health support for young people.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP) to join our Mid Essex MHSTs. You will deliver CBT interventions, lead Whole School Approach activities, and support Education Mental Health Practitioners through supervision and guidance. The role also includes developing school networks, delivering staff training, supporting group programmes, and co‑producing mental health resources.

Applicants should be CYPMHS clinicians undertaking or having completed CYP‑PT CBT or SFP training, or registered professionals with a postgraduate diploma in evidence‑based psychological therapies. Strong CBT experience is essential.

You will work closely with schools to embed MHST support, develop materials for interventions, and promote positive mental health across education communities. Regular travel between schools is required, so access to a car is desirable.

If you would like to find out further information, please contact the appointing manager.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will deliver brief, high‑quality CBT interventions to children and young people in schools and colleges, conducting assessments, offering early interventions, and measuring outcomes to ensure effective, evidence‑based practice. They also support Whole School Approach activities, including workshops, groups, staff training, and consultation, while promoting early identification of mental health needs.

Working autonomously and in line with professional and Trust standards, the practitioner will plan and deliver care according to NICE guidelines, initiate referrals when needed, and provide clear information and psychoeducation to CYP and families.

The role includes contributing to MHST leadership, supporting team culture, multidisciplinary working, audits, governance, and sharing clinical knowledge. Administrative duties involve maintaining clinical records, managing caseloads, supporting agile working, and collecting MHST data. Strong communication skills are required to build relationships with schools, internal teams, agencies, and families.

The practitioner will engage in ongoing professional development, complete mandatory training, participate in appraisal, maintain clinical competencies, support new staff, contribute to training, and assist in implementing new policies and initiatives.

About us

Starting with NELFT All new starters join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and complete a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory and systems training, equipment allocation, and opportunities to meet the executive team and senior managers. Induction takes place at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period This post is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless they are already within a probationary period or work as bank staff.

Base The Mid Essex MHST is nominally based at Stapleford House, Chelmsford. As agile workers, the successful applicant will travel to various NELFT sites and educational settings across the MHST area.

Certificates of Sponsorship Although NELFT is a registered sponsor, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all roles. Applicants should check their eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system.

Use of AI Applications must be written by the applicant. Submissions generated by AI may be rejected, except where appropriate support is required for a declared disability.

Job responsibilities

In this role, there are valuable opportunities for continued professional development, including access to supervisor training. Applicants who do not already hold this qualification will be supported to complete it as part of their role.

For full details, please refer to the job description and person specification attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Appropriate qualification to be a senior CYPMHS clinician. Currently undertaking or completed the CYP PT CBT or SFP course.
• Qualified and registered RMN/RGN, Health Visitor and completed further training/experience at minimum PgDip level in delivering evidence‑based psychological interventions.

Experience

• Experience of the delivery of CBT‑ or systemically‑informed therapeutic interventions to children, young people, or their families, including as a trainee.
• Experience of working with moderate presentations and neurodivergence.
• Experience of delivering CBT‑informed supervision. Supervising CYPMHS clinicians and trainees.
• 2 years post qualification experience in children's mental health services.

Knowledge

• High level knowledge of the theory and practice of psychological interventions including low‑intensity CBT interventions.

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.

Address

Mid Essex MHST (Covering Braintree, Chelmsford & Maldon areas)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

395-EC372-25-A

Job locations

Mid Essex MHST (Covering Braintree, Chelmsford & Maldon areas)

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year (pro rata) plus HCA's