Mental Health Practitioner

Job Overview

The Locality Clinical Lead is an experienced Mental Health Practitioner with a UK Professional Registration, responsible for senior clinical leadership within the Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). The role involves holding a clinical caseload, supervising junior staff and trainee EMHPs, and supporting whole‑school mental health initiatives.

• Hold a clinical caseload and supervise junior staff and trainee EMHPs.
• Work alongside partner agencies to develop and co‑produce training materials.
• Support the delivery of whole‑school approach models for mental health.
• Provide and receive supervision, including CBT‑informed practice.
• Use routine outcome measures to monitor and inform practice.
• Consult in education settings and contribute to service development.
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency working.
• Maintain ongoing professional development and share best practice.

• Current and in‑date professional registration with a regulatory body (e.g., ACP, UKCP, HCPC, BABCP).
• Substantial therapeutic experience (more than 2 years post‑qualification) working with children and families with mental health needs.
• In‑depth knowledge of evidence‑based practice with children and families, including CBT.
• Experience of providing and receiving supervision, including CBT‑informed practice.
• Clinical experience and understanding of effective use of routine outcome measures.
• Enthusiasm for early intervention and prevention, including low‑intensity support in education settings.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based interventions for low mood, self‑harm, anxiety and common behavioural difficulties in young children in educational contexts.
• Knowledge and understanding of whole‑school approaches to emotional wellbeing and mental health.
• Experience of providing consultation in education settings and working multi‑disciplinarily.
• Service development experience with multi‑agency collaboration.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD relevant to the role.
• Completed the Supervisors Course (fundamental requirement).

• Equity, diversity and inclusion: supportive networks for ethnic minority staff, staff with disabilities or long‑term conditions, and LGBT staff.
• Work‑life balance: flexible working options, support for working parents and carers, and recognition as a Top 10 Family Friendly Employer.
• Health and wellbeing support: employee assistance programme, staff psychological support, individual wellbeing conversations and a network of health ambassadors.
• Additional flexibility for job share, part‑time hours or other arrangements.

The Trust is a registered sponsor but sponsorship is not available for all roles. Applicants should check eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system. The High‑Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) is not included when calculating basic salary for sponsorship.

Acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process is governed by an attached policy.

The Trust recognises the contribution of the Armed Forces community. It has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, achieved Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, and offers guaranteed interview schemes for veterans, reservists and military spouses. Reservists receive additional leave for annual camp.

• We are kind.
• We are respectful.
• We work together with our communities.

All new starters begin on the first Monday of each month and undertake up to two weeks of induction, which includes mandatory training, systems training and equipment allocation. The induction takes place at the head office in Goodmayes, Essex, where new starters meet the executive team and attend drop‑in sessions on engagement, health, wellbeing and key processes. The post is subject to a probationary period.

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) provides community and mental healthcare services to adults and children across North East London and Essex. We are CQC rated Good and strive for Outstanding. The Trust has a strong focus on equality and diversity, health and wellbeing, and staff development. It has been recognised as a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, a Working Families Top 10 Employer for five consecutive years, and a Carers UK Level 1 Accredited employer.

Staff receive comprehensive CPD opportunities and are encouraged to grow and progress within the Trust.

To learn more about NELFT careers and the role, view the introductory video at