Senior Mental Health Practitioner - CAMHS MHST

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor (SMHP) to join our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

This is a varied and rewarding role, where you will hold a small clinical caseload of children and young people (CYP) with low to moderate mental health concerns, deliver early interventions in line with the CAMHS model, and provide up to 10 sessions per young person. You will also provide high-quality clinical supervision to Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) and trainees, in line with university guidance, and be supported to complete the CYP-IAPT Supervisory Course as part of your role.

You will act as a key link between education settings and MHST, offering consultation, advice, signposting, and resources to support a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with schools, GPs, social care, public health, and other partners, you will contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people across your locality.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

• Hold a small clinical caseload of CYP with low to moderate mental health needs, delivering short-term, evidence-based interventions.

• Provide regular case management supervision, clinical oversight, and skills training to EMHPs and trainees.

• Successfully complete the CYP-IAPT supervisory course and apply supervision skills in practice.

• Act as a main point of contact between education settings and MHST, offering advice, consultation, and signposting to other services.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with schools, GPs, social care, public health, and voluntary sector partners.

• Support the development and delivery of whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

• Participate in service evaluation, audit, and clinical governance to ensure high-quality provision.

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and statistical data in line with Trust and professional standards.

About us

"Working for the MHST for 3 years has been both interesting and challenging. As a Health Visitor in background, I am not the typical SMHP but with listening skills and training in some CBT previously, the University's Low Intensity Supervisors course developed my expertise alongside a supportive environment. Liaising with Mental Health Leads in schools, to identify Whole School Approaches, early interventions to children and their families, within the broader context of CAMHS has been enlightening." - JC

Would you like to work in one of the most desirable places within the UK?

Working here in Somerset you can soak up all that the idyllic countryside has to offer with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You get to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description

As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor within MHST, you will:

• Clinical Work - Deliver assessment, treatment, and evaluation for a small number of CYP referred to MHST, using a range of low-intensity, evidence-based interventions. Work in partnership with families, carers, and schools to develop and review care plans, ensuring that support is tailored to the needs of each young person.

• Supervision - Provide structured clinical supervision to EMHPs and trainees, ensuring adherence to supervision models taught through the CYP-IAPT course. Support practitioners in their professional development and uphold high clinical standards.

• Consultation and Advice - Offer expert advice to education staff, helping them to identify mental health concerns early, respond effectively, and access appropriate support pathways. Share up-to-date resources, guidance, and signposting options.

• Partnership Working - Build collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, GPs, social care, and voluntary sector partners, to ensure joined-up care for CYP.

• Whole-School Approach - Contribute to the development and delivery of initiatives that promote mental health and wellbeing across school communities.

• Service Development and Governance - Contribute to the development of clinical protocols, training packages, and evaluation tools. Participate in audits, service reviews, and governance activities to drive continuous improvement.

• Training and CPD - Maintain professional development through training, supervision, and reflective practice. Deliver training packages to schools and partner agencies on topics related to CYP mental health.

• Safeguarding - Act in line with safeguarding legislation and local procedures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is always prioritised.

This is an excellent opportunity to combine clinical practice, supervision, and partnership work to make a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Qualification in nursing, social work, occupational or family therapy, child psychology, or equivalent field.

Current core registration with a relevant professional body.

To have training in and/or substantial experience in the use of behaviour and or brief/solution focused techniques with children and families.

Evidence of previous and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable

Qualification in CBT/ Counselling / psychotherapy / behaviour modification / social skills or group therapy

Experience

Essential

Significant post-qualifying experience of working with children and young people with mental health difficulties

Previous experience in a children's service which preferably includes liaising and advice giving to referrers and clients at the point of entry to a service.

Desirable

Experience in facilitation or delivery of training

Experience and/or qualifications in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: Cognitive Therapy/Counselling/Psychotherapy; Behaviour Modification; Social Skills or Group Therapy; Family Therapy.

Additional Criteria

Essential

Evidence of the ability to assist in supervising, and guiding the administrative support dedicated to this post, and to work harmoniously with colleague's, clients and referrers under pressure in a multi-disciplinary team setting.

Ability to work both assertively and with awareness of one's limitations; excellent telephone, face to face and written communication skills with children and young people, carers and referrers.

Ability to travel around the county and outside base frequently given the community based nature of this post.

Ability to frequently work from home to complete administration and video meetings.

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.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Pip Snow

Phillippa.Snow@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

01823368481