Job summary Mental Health Support Team (MHST) Band 6 Senior Mental Health Support Team Practitioner (Senior EMHP/Senior CWP/Senior Mental Health Practitioner) Do you have a passion for early intervention? Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin MHSTs are looking for Senior Mental Health Support Team Practitioners to join our teams working within schools. We need Seniors who will be effective clinicians and team leads with, responsibilities for operational and clinical development, offering a strong contribution to our service delivery and growth. Are you a fully qualified EMHP or CWP or registered with a core profession (e.g. Social Work/OT/RMN), with significantpost qualification/post registration experience? Are you interested in working with children and young people at an early intervention stage to support their emotional/mental health and wellbeing? Are you able to assess and identify how best to work with children and young people where there may be more complex mental health needs? Do you enjoy working within a team, sharing your knowledge of how to support children and young people with colleagues inside and outside of the NHS, focused particularly on partnership working with schools? Are you keen to develop your clinical skills and offer evidence-based interventions? Are you able to support and supervise junior practitioners and lead and organise the activity of a team? If the answer is yes, we welcome your application Main duties of the job This role is to work as a senior practitioner in an exciting service. Two teams were established in 2020 and the MHST service has since expanded to five teams working with identified schools across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. We work closely as a service across all teams. MHSTs are working within schools, ensuring children and young people receive timely access to mental health support. You will be expected to lead the team, hold a clinical caseload, offer supervision to junior staff, be involved with the Whole School Approach, act as a senior practitioner within the team and when necessary and appropriate deputise for the Manager within your team. Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application. About us By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by Supporting your career development and progression. Excellent NHS Pension scheme Generous maternity, paternity, adoption leave Options for flexible working Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional annual leave. Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients. Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k Free car parking at all trust sites Free flu vaccination every year Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met) And more. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people. Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Date posted 05 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 301-KM-25-7022277 Job locations Severn Fields Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ Job description Job responsibilities Main duties and responsibilities To work as a senior member of the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) leading on the delivery of the service offer to the designated schools aligned to the team. Take responsibility for the management of a complex caseload, which includes, specialist assessment (within service specification), and care planning in conjunction with service user and carer, evaluation of individual treatment plans for CYP with mental health needs. Responsible for participating in the setting of quality standards, including the auditing, monitoring and reviewing of practice in line with current clinical guidance practice and policy. Assess patient's individual care needs, develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. Deliver a range of interventions in accordance with the agreed plan of care and Pathway guidance. Complete and contribute, where appropriate to robust risk assessments and risk management plans. Deliver and promote positive risk taking, where appropriate, to improve quality of life and maximise occupational performance/independence. Maintain an effective reporting system by observing and reporting verbally and in writing on patient condition To encourage and support service user and carer involvement and participation. To attend and contribute to MHST business and development forums. Utilise agreed outcome measures to review the effectiveness of interventions, as part of the care planning and evaluation process. Assist in ensuring that the aims and objectives of the service are fulfilled and to identify factors which may inhibit these from being achieved. The post holder will be required to work within their Code of Practice and professional guidelines. Maintain an up-to-date level of professional competence within the specific environment. To display effective networking skills, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with multi-professionals- within and external to Health departments. To support and lead clinical meetings along with other colleagues in the team. To offer supervision to colleagues within all MHST. Deliver consultation advice to education partners including signposting and referral to other services aimed at supporting children and young people. Provide case-by-case advice to school staff on more complex presentations in children/young people referred to the service. Support educational settings and MHST practitioners in developing and delivery of the whole school approach to include delivery of training/workshops and undertaking of audit processes to review continued implementation of the whole school approach. Provide a range of services and approaches as part of the Senior Practitioner role i.e. consultation, specialist advice, clinical supervision and support to those working with children such as those in primary care, health visitors, school nurses, teaching staff, residential staff, social workers, youth service etc. Research and Service Development Identify and highlight to the Service Managers and Senior colleagues relevant issues in relation to the needs for people and their carers; assessed using best practice evidence, in order that these are reflected in service planning, development and future provision. Develop efficient and relevant health promotion activities to promote health education and ensure that preventative approaches and interventions are used to maintain independence. Actively engage in the organisations clinical governance initiatives, for example to participate and lead in audit, clinical supervision and bringing critically evaluated evidence and research into practice. Participate in the development of the service to ensure clinical governance processes are actively implemented at team level. Human Resources and Training As required, supervise junior staff; provide clinical advice/supervision support, leadership and professional supervision, in line with Trust Policies. Support in the provision of formal and informal training of pre/post registration students, staff members, carers and service users. Participate in staff appraisal and performance reviews as identified. To participate, when required, in the recruitment, selection and induction of junior/support staff. Provide a learning environment to support students (multidisciplinary) undergoing training and assist new and junior members of staff, peers and other disciplines to develop professional competence. Systems and equipment Maintain timely data collection and regular inputting of information through the use of data collection systems e.g. daily diaries/RIO, Safeguard, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with legislation and Trust policy. Responsible for ensuring actions are carried out where safety alerts are issued regarding equipment. Decisions and judgements Facilitate the discharge or transition of the patient to other services where appropriate. Ensure that practice is evidence-based paying particular attention to the Trusts guidelines, policies, protocols and pathways. Be available for individual supervision with agreed clinical supervisor in line with Trust policies. Implement, review and maintain Trust Policies and Procedures and propose changes to working practices within the ward area. Communication and relationships Communicate sensitive diagnosis and treatment related information with patients, utilising highly developed communication skills to overcome barriers to understanding. Establish therapeutic relationships with service users, and implement evidence based therapeutic interventions with appropriate boundaries in accordance with professional code of conduct. Ensure that all members of the team, their colleagues, service users and appropriate others are informed/updated of changes involving current care plans, progress. Liaise with and advise service users and carers, schools and other statutory bodies and third sector agencies. Communicate sensitive information to carers and relatives. Use a range of communication styles and channels as appropriate to the task. General Responsible for the promotion of carer and service user involvement within the service and for its provision. Responsible for participation in the Trust appraisal process, identifying own/others mandatory professional, supervisory, personal development and training needs and in supporting the provision of induction, mentorship, appraisal and clinical supervision to colleagues as appropriate. Responsible for the effective utilisation of clinical/financial resources to ensure adequate clinical care is provided with a requirement that all incidents, which may compromise care, are reported immediately to a senior manager, and clinicians involved in their care as appropriate. Responsible for accessing and participating in clinical, managerial and caseload supervision. Responsible for understanding and meeting own professional responsibilities under Child Protection legislation and Adult Safeguarding policies. Physical demands of the job There is a frequent requirement for sitting in a restricted position for a substantial proportion of working time either with a child on the floor, in meetings, at a computer desk or while driving. Frequent use of road transportation to attend meetings in a range of settings. There will be a requirement for light physical effort to lift and transport resources or equipment to support service interventions or the delivery of resource packages dependent upon use of laptop, projectors, manuals etc. There will be movement between environments and settings requiring combination of sitting, standing, walking, and driving. Most challenging/difficult parts of the job The nature of the client group is such that the post holder will be required to concentrate when assessing / implementing programmes of care and will need to be able to address interruptions from other patients / staff as necessary. The post holder will be frequently exposed to emotional or distressing circumstances. The post holder will frequently be exposed to potential incidents of physical and non-physical assault. Job description Job responsibilities Main duties and responsibilities To work as a senior member of the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) leading on the delivery of the service offer to the designated schools aligned to the team. Take responsibility for the management of a complex caseload, which includes, specialist assessment (within service specification), and care planning in conjunction with service user and carer, evaluation of individual treatment plans for CYP with mental health needs. Responsible for participating in the setting of quality standards, including the auditing, monitoring and reviewing of practice in line with current clinical guidance practice and policy. Assess patient's individual care needs, develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. Deliver a range of interventions in accordance with the agreed plan of care and Pathway guidance. Complete and contribute, where appropriate to robust risk assessments and risk management plans. Deliver and promote positive risk taking, where appropriate, to improve quality of life and maximise occupational performance/independence. Maintain an effective reporting system by observing and reporting verbally and in writing on patient condition To encourage and support service user and carer involvement and participation. To attend and contribute to MHST business and development forums. Utilise agreed outcome measures to review the effectiveness of interventions, as part of the care planning and evaluation process. Assist in ensuring that the aims and objectives of the service are fulfilled and to identify factors which may inhibit these from being achieved. The post holder will be required to work within their Code of Practice and professional guidelines. Maintain an up-to-date level of professional competence within the specific environment. To display effective networking skills, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with multi-professionals- within and external to Health departments. To support and lead clinical meetings along with other colleagues in the team. To offer supervision to colleagues within all MHST. Deliver consultation advice to education partners including signposting and referral to other services aimed at supporting children and young people. Provide case-by-case advice to school staff on more complex presentations in children/young people referred to the service. Support educational settings and MHST practitioners in developing and delivery of the whole school approach to include delivery of training/workshops and undertaking of audit processes to review continued implementation of the whole school approach. Provide a range of services and approaches as part of the Senior Practitioner role i.e. consultation, specialist advice, clinical supervision and support to those working with children such as those in primary care, health visitors, school nurses, teaching staff, residential staff, social workers, youth service etc. Research and Service Development Identify and highlight to the Service Managers and Senior colleagues relevant issues in relation to the needs for people and their carers; assessed using best practice evidence, in order that these are reflected in service planning, development and future provision. Develop efficient and relevant health promotion activities to promote health education and ensure that preventative approaches and interventions are used to maintain independence. Actively engage in the organisations clinical governance initiatives, for example to participate and lead in audit, clinical supervision and bringing critically evaluated evidence and research into practice. Participate in the development of the service to ensure clinical governance processes are actively implemented at team level. Human Resources and Training As required, supervise junior staff; provide clinical advice/supervision support, leadership and professional supervision, in line with Trust Policies. Support in the provision of formal and informal training of pre/post registration students, staff members, carers and service users. Participate in staff appraisal and performance reviews as identified. To participate, when required, in the recruitment, selection and induction of junior/support staff. Provide a learning environment to support students (multidisciplinary) undergoing training and assist new and junior members of staff, peers and other disciplines to develop professional competence. Systems and equipment Maintain timely data collection and regular inputting of information through the use of data collection systems e.g. daily diaries/RIO, Safeguard, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with legislation and Trust policy. Responsible for ensuring actions are carried out where safety alerts are issued regarding equipment. Decisions and judgements Facilitate the discharge or transition of the patient to other services where appropriate. Ensure that practice is evidence-based paying particular attention to the Trusts guidelines, policies, protocols and pathways. Be available for individual supervision with agreed clinical supervisor in line with Trust policies. Implement, review and maintain Trust Policies and Procedures and propose changes to working practices within the ward area. Communication and relationships Communicate sensitive diagnosis and treatment related information with patients, utilising highly developed communication skills to overcome barriers to understanding. Establish therapeutic relationships with service users, and implement evidence based therapeutic interventions with appropriate boundaries in accordance with professional code of conduct. Ensure that all members of the team, their colleagues, service users and appropriate others are informed/updated of changes involving current care plans, progress. Liaise with and advise service users and carers, schools and other statutory bodies and third sector agencies. Communicate sensitive information to carers and relatives. Use a range of communication styles and channels as appropriate to the task. General Responsible for the promotion of carer and service user involvement within the service and for its provision. Responsible for participation in the Trust appraisal process, identifying own/others mandatory professional, supervisory, personal development and training needs and in supporting the provision of induction, mentorship, appraisal and clinical supervision to colleagues as appropriate. Responsible for the effective utilisation of clinical/financial resources to ensure adequate clinical care is provided with a requirement that all incidents, which may compromise care, are reported immediately to a senior manager, and clinicians involved in their care as appropriate. Responsible for accessing and participating in clinical, managerial and caseload supervision. Responsible for understanding and meeting own professional responsibilities under Child Protection legislation and Adult Safeguarding policies. Physical demands of the job There is a frequent requirement for sitting in a restricted position for a substantial proportion of working time either with a child on the floor, in meetings, at a computer desk or while driving. Frequent use of road transportation to attend meetings in a range of settings. There will be a requirement for light physical effort to lift and transport resources or equipment to support service interventions or the delivery of resource packages dependent upon use of laptop, projectors, manuals etc. There will be movement between environments and settings requiring combination of sitting, standing, walking, and driving. Most challenging/difficult parts of the job The nature of the client group is such that the post holder will be required to concentrate when assessing / implementing programmes of care and will need to be able to address interruptions from other patients / staff as necessary. The post holder will be frequently exposed to emotional or distressing circumstances. The post holder will frequently be exposed to potential incidents of physical and non-physical assault. Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential Professional clinical qualification - RMN/OT/CWP/Social Worker or EMHP with significant post qualifying experience Current Professional Registration - We understand registration for CWP/EMHP is a new process, so at the time of advertising, it may not be possible for the candidate to be registered (if an EMHP/CWP), but there is the expectation that you will register as soon as is possible. Desirable Post Graduate or other approved qualification in supervision for EMHPs/CWPs EXPERIENCE Essential Extensive post qualifying / registration experience in mental health care including mental health assessment and risk assessment Use of therapeutic interventions within mental health settings i.e. 1:1, counselling, family therapy and group work Experience of assessing, planning, co-ordinating and managing CYP with mental health problems in a community setting Desirable Experience of working in or closely with education settings SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Essential Skilled in the assessment of clinical risk and developing and communicating appropriate risk management plan Skills of assessing, planning and evaluating care, for CYP with mental health needs Desirable Responsibility for supporting and/or supervising trainee EMHPs/CWPs or other clinical staff Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential Professional clinical qualification - RMN/OT/CWP/Social Worker or EMHP with significant post qualifying experience Current Professional Registration - We understand registration for CWP/EMHP is a new process, so at the time of advertising, it may not be possible for the candidate to be registered (if an EMHP/CWP), but there is the expectation that you will register as soon as is possible. Desirable Post Graduate or other approved qualification in supervision for EMHPs/CWPs EXPERIENCE Essential Extensive post qualifying / registration experience in mental health care including mental health assessment and risk assessment Use of therapeutic interventions within mental health settings i.e. 1:1, counselling, family therapy and group work Experience of assessing, planning, co-ordinating and managing CYP with mental health problems in a community setting Desirable Experience of working in or closely with education settings SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Essential Skilled in the assessment of clinical risk and developing and communicating appropriate risk management plan Skills of assessing, planning and evaluating care, for CYP with mental health needs Desirable Responsibility for supporting and/or supervising trainee EMHPs/CWPs or other clinical staff 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Address Severn Fields Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ Employer's website https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)