Senior Mental Health Practitioner - CAMHS MHST

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Mental Health Practitioner / Supervisor (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 model, and provide up to 10 sessions per young person. You will also provide high-quality clinical supervision to Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) and trainees, in line with university guidance, and be supported to complete the CYP-IAPT Supervisory Course as part of your role.

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.

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

Provide regular case management supervision, clinical oversight, and skills training to EMHPs and trainees.

Successfully complete theCYP-IAPT supervisory course and apply supervision skills in practice.

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.

"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

Would you like to work in one of the most desirable places within the UK?

Working here in Somerset you can soak up all that the idyllic countryside has to offer with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You get to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!

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

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.

Supervision - Provide structured clinical supervision to EMHPs and trainees, ensuring adherence to supervision models taught through the CYP-IAPT course. Support practitioners in their professional development and uphold high clinical standards.

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…