MHST Locality Clinical Lead

Job summary

Join the North East Essex Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

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.

Main duties of the jobHave 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, selfharm, 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.

About us

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and community services for over 4.9 million people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and across Essex.

We work to ensure our patients, their friends and family, feel confident that their health needs are well met. With an excellent reputation for research and development, our skilled health professionals are at the cutting edge of evidence-based innovation, opening up the possibilities for better ways of working and delivery of care.

Details Date posted
12 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 8aSalary
57,528 to 64,750 a year

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference numberNDD-002285

Job locations

The Crescent, Colchester Colchester Essex CO4 9YQ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

About the North East Essex MHSTThe 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.

Why Join Us?

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…