Senior Mental Health Practitioner- CAMHS MHSTNHS

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Mental Health Practitioner (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 framework, and provide up to 10 sessions per young person.

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.

"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

Main duties of the job

Main duties

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

Job description

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

• 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.
• 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, and partnership work to make a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.