NELFT is the largest provider of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. Our Southend, Essex and Thurrock services cover 144 schools currently, encompassing 48% of secondary and primary schools within these areas.
The MHST delivers evidence-based individual and group interventions in educational settings for children experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties aged 4 to 18 years. The teams 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 and 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 EMHP skills and facilitate wider service transformation within the local children's mental health system. 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 ability to work independently is an important factor, and some travel around the county is 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 supported by the MHSTs, drawing on a range of psychological theories and guided by evidence-based practice.
- Work in partnership with schools to support CYP and families in the context of mild to moderate mental health difficulties, working towards agreed goals.
- Undertake accurate assessments of risk to self and others.
- 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 relevant elements of service delivery.
- Provide a range of information and support to schools for evidence-based psychological treatments in various media.
- Provide joint specialist mental health assessments and interventions for schools, parents, and CYP with the EMHP supervisees.
- Demonstrate excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration throughout the service.
- 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, and Head of Service.
About us
NELFT places 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, including mandatory training, systems training, and the allocation of equipment. New starters will have the opportunity to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend 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 currently partway 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) programs are used, 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The MHST covers a large geographical area incorporating the districts of Braintree, Chelmsford, and Maldon. We are an early intervention and prevention evidence-based service, and as a team, we are supportive and passionate about what we deliver. We are a friendly team of professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds. We recognize the need for a healthy work-life balance and will consider flexible working applications in line with the trust policies and processes. We encourage Continual Professional Development (CPD) and are keen to support our staff to grow and progress.
Please review the attached job description and specification for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Hold a current and in-date core professional registration in Clinical/Educational/Counselling Psychologist, CBT Therapist, or Family Therapist.
* Professional training in an evidence-based therapeutic approach applicable to working with children, young people, and families.
Experience
Essential
* High-level knowledge of the theory and practice of evidence-based psychological interventions including CBT and experience in responding to safeguarding concerns.
* Minimum two years post-qualification experience with experience supervising CYPMHS clinicians and trainees.
* Experience working with children, young people, and their parents/carers presenting with a range of mental health difficulties and challenging behavior to provide assessment, formulation, and treatment.
Desirable
* Experience of working with other agencies outside of the NHS, e.g., schools.
* Experience of whole school approaches to emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Knowledge
Essential
* Effectively manage a clinical caseload, complete outcomes measures routinely, and update clinical records in line with team, service, and Trust requirements.
* Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health, education, the Children Act, and Child Protection.
Skills
Essential
* Ability to form good working relationships and work flexibly with others in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency settings.
* Ability to apply psychological theory to understand complex interpersonal/organizational situations and guide actions.
* Ability to effectively and safely manage waiting lists in line with service demands and expectations.
Desirable
* Proficient in using Systmone.
Other
Essential
* To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area.
Employer details
Employer name
NELFT North East London Foundation Trust
Address
Mid Essex (covers Braintree, Chelmsford & Maldon area)
Chelmsford
CM2 0QX
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