MHST Locality Clinical Lead

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) is one of the largest providers of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in England. We are currently going through a significant expansion of the team in North East Essex and we will be supporting all mainstream education provisions by January 2028. We are therefore seeking to increase and diversify our Clinical Leadership team and welcome applications from a range of backgrounds across both mental health and education.

The Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) deliver evidence-based interventions for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Our work includes both individual and group interventions delivered within educational settings, alongside a strong commitment to developing whole-school approaches that promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The North East Essex MHST serves a large geographical area, covering Colchester and Tendring. As an early intervention and prevention service, we are passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and their families through timely, evidence-based support.

We are a friendly, supportive, and multidisciplinary team made up of professionals from a variety of backgrounds. We value collaboration, innovation, and maintaining high standards of care, while fostering a positive and inclusive working environment.

At NELFT, we recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and welcome flexible working requests in line with Trust policies. We are committed to the professional development of our staff and actively encourage Continual Professional Development (CPD), providing opportunities for growth, learning, and career progression.

Above all, we are a welcoming and dedicated team, working together to make a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people across our communities.

The Locality Clinical Lead should:

• Have a current and in date professional registration with a regulatory body (e.g. ACP, UKCP, HCPC, BABCP)
• Have substantial experience (more than 2 years, post qualification) working therapeutically with children and families with mental health needs.
• In depth knowledge and experience of evidence-based practice with children and families (including CBT).
• Experience of providing and receiving supervision (including CBT-informed practice).
• Clinical experience and in-depth understanding of effective use of routine outcome measures.
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of early intervention and prevention including low intensity support for emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties in an education context.
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions for low mood, self‑harm, anxiety and common behaviour difficulties in young children in education settings.
• Knowledge and understanding of whole school approaches to emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Experience of providing consultation in education settings.
• Experience of service development and multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working.
• Hold evidence of ongoing continuing professional development in a relevant subject.
• Leadership and supervision experience.

Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.

The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We…