The closing date is 3rd Sep 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) 11th September
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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
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
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.
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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.
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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.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
Qualification in nursing, social work, occupational or family therapy, child psychology, or equivalent field.
Current core registration with a relevant professional body.
To have training in and/or substantial experience in the use of behaviour and or brief/solution focused techniques with children and families.
Evidence of previous and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.
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Desirable
Qualification in CBT/ Counselling / psychotherapy / behaviour modification / social skills or group therapy
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Experience
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Essential
Significant post-qualifying experience of working with children and young people with mental health difficulties
Previous experience in a children's service which preferably includes liaising and advice giving to referrers and clients at the point of entry to a service.
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Desirable
Experience in facilitation or delivery of training
Experience and/or qualifications in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: Cognitive Therapy/Counselling/Psychotherapy; Behaviour Modification; Social Skills or Group Therapy; Family Therapy.
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
Evidence of the ability to assist in supervising, and guiding the administrative support dedicated to this post, and to work harmoniously with colleague's, clients and referrers under pressure in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
Ability to work both assertively and with awareness of one's limitations; excellent telephone, face to face and written communication skills with children and young people, carers and referrers.
Ability to travel around the county and outside base frequently given the community based nature of this post.
Ability to frequently work from home to complete administration and video meetings.
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
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UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
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For help with your application, contact:
Pip Snow
[email protected]
01823368481
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 6
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Salary
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£39959.00 to £48117.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Part-Time, Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-5232
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Job locations
The Horizon Centre
Bathpool
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8BY
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