Job overview

NELFT is the largest providers of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our Southend, Essex and Thurrock services cover 144 schools currently. We currently cover 48% of secondary and primary school within Southend, Essex and Thurrock. 

The MHST deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions in educational settings for children experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties aged 4 to 18 years old. The teams also have a strong focus on whole school approaches to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people.

The Locality Clinical Lead will be responsible for the caseload management & supervision of MHST practitioners. The post holder will work with and support the MHST Operational Manager in developing teams across the locality to support the delivery of Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) skills and facilitate wider service transformation within the local children’s mental health system. The training, supervision and service experience will equip the MHST staff with the necessary knowledge, attitude and capabilities to operate effectively in an inclusive, value driven service.

This post requires the successful applicant to work agilely between NELFT sites and educational settings. The applicant to have the ability to work independently is an important factor. Some travel around the county is also expected. The nominated base for Mid Essex is Stapleford House in Chelmsford.

Main duties of the job

To oversee the assessment, formulation and intervention plans for children, young people (CYP) and families/carers being supported by the MHSTs drawing on a range of psychological theories and guided by evidence-based practice.

Working in partnership with schools to support CYP and families in the context of mild to moderate mental health difficulties, to work towards agreed goals.

To undertake accurate assessment of risk to self and others.

To be able to design, adapt and modify clinical materials (e.g. guided self-help interventions, group content) to meet the needs of different clinical populations for approval of the senior team (e.g. SEN, ASC).

Through close case management and supervision, escalate cases where the level of need becomes beyond scope, or more severe, ensuring adherence to other relevant elements of service delivery.

Provide a range of information and support to schools for evidence-based psychological treatments in a variety of medias.

To provide joint specialist mental health assessments and interventions for schools, parents, CYP with the EMHP supervisees. 

Demonstrating excellent leadership, communication and collaboration throughout the service.

To support the strategic and practical development of the MHST initiative within the service and wider children’s mental health system, under the direction of the Clinical Lead, Education Lead & Head of Service.

Working for our organisation

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment.  As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Certificates of Sponsorship

Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles.  Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points based system.