MHST Senior Mental Health Practitioner

The successful candidate will have experience supporting children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties, alongside delivering CBT interventions for anxiety, low mood and behavioural difficulties in both individual and group settings. The role involves providing CBT interventions, leading Whole School Approach (WSA) initiatives, supervising Trainee and qualified EMHPs, and contributing to training, group programmes and resource development. We welcome applications from candidates who meet one of the following criteria: Hold a recognised qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through the Children and Young People's Psychological Training (CYP-PT) programme. Be a qualified Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP). Have secured a place on a Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP) training programme and be actively undertaking, and committed to completing, the qualification. The appointed candidate will be required to undertake the Supervision, The post holder will deliver brief, high-quality CBT interventions to CYP in schools and colleges, including assessments, early interventions, and outcome monitoring to ensure effective, evidence-based practice. They will support WSA activities such as workshops, groups, assemblies, staff training, and consultation, promoting early identification of mental health needs. Working autonomously and in line with professional and Trust standards, the practitioner will plan and deliver care in accordance with NICE guidelines, initiate referrals where required, and provide clear psychoeducation to CYP and families. They will also provide supervision and guidance to both Trainee EMHPs and qualified EMHPs. The role includes contributing to MHST leadership, supporting team culture, multidisciplinary working, audits, governance, and sharing clinical expertise. Administrative responsibilities include maintaining accurate clinical records, managing caseloads, supporting agile working, and collecting
Routine Outcome Measures (ROMs). Strong communication skills are essential to build relationships with schools, teams, partner agencies, and families. The practitioner will engage in ongoing professional development, complete mandatory training, participate in appraisals, maintain clinical competencies, support new staff, contribute to training, and assist in implementing new policies and initiatives., 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 at Goodmayes Hospital.
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.
Working for Us Joining #TeamNELFT means you'll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We're CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.
Interviews are scheduled to take place face-to-face on 11 September 2026. Candidates should be aware that, due to operational requirements, alternative interview dates are not available on this occasion.
For More Information and an informal conversation contact:
Melanie Kemp
Melanie.kemp@nelft.nhs.uk, 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 at Goodmayes Hospital.
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.
Working for Us Joining #TeamNELFT means you'll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We're CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.
The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.
Interviews are scheduled to take place face-to-face on 11 September 2026. Candidates should be aware that, due to operational requirements, alternative interview dates are not available on this occasion.

Children and Young Peoples Mental Health and Wellbeing Services PG Certificate if they do not already hold this qualification. This programme includes attendance at face-to-face university teaching sessions. Applicants must hold a Professional registration where applicable (e.g. HCPC, NMC, BPS or BABCP). Due to the size of the area we cover, access to a vehicle and the ability to travel efficiently across the county is essential.

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and community services for over 4.9 million people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and across Essex. We work to ensure our patients, their friends and family, feel confident that their health needs are well met. With an excellent reputation for research and development, our skilled health professionals are at the cutting edge of evidence-based innovation, opening up the possibilities for better ways of working and delivery of care.