Senior Mental Health Practitioner

Job Description

Do you want to make a difference to children and young people’s Mental Health?

East Sussex County Council is seeking Senior Mental Health Practitioners to join Me & My Mind, our growing Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), delivering early intervention and Whole School Approaches (WSA) to mental health across primary, secondary, post 16, alternative provision and special schools.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a varied, influential role, combining clinical practice, supervision, school partnership working and service development, as part of a well established, supportive and multi‑disciplinary service.

As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner, you will play a key role in delivering the core functions of the MHST by:

• Providing clinical, managerial and case supervision to Educational Mental Health Practitioners and trainees
• Holding a small caseload, delivering evidence‑based one‑to‑one and group interventions for children and young people with moderate mental health needs
• Acting as a key link practitioner for a group of schools, supporting referrals, consultation, advice and signposting
• Promoting and embedding a whole school approach to mental health through workshops, training and staff consultation
• Working collaboratively with education colleagues, families and partner agencies to develop responsive and effective mental health provision
• Contributing to service development, innovation and evaluation, using outcome measures and school feedback

What we’re looking for

You will be a qualified and registered mental health professional, such as a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist, PWP, CWP, CBT or low‑intensity practitioner with two years post‑qualification experience, with:

• Experience supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties
• Confidence in clinical risk assessment and decision‑making
• Experience of delivering evidence‑based interventions
• Experience of providing clinical and/or managerial supervision
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across education and health settings
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to promoting positive outcomes for CYP and families

A leadership or supervision qualification is desirable (or a willingness to undertake one if appointed).

Additional information

• The role requires travel across East Sussex (a driving licence or ability to meet travel requirements is essential)
• This post involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to relevant safeguarding checks
• Base and area of work is to be confirmed

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or an Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part‑time or term‑time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Why join us?

• Be part of a forward‑thinking service making a measurable difference to children, families and schools
• Access to training and development, including clinical supervision training with Sussex University if applicable
• Opportunities to influence whole‑school mental health systems
• A supportive, multi‑disciplinary working environment
• Flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Interview details

Interviews will be in person at County Hall, Lewes on Thursday 04 June 2026. Please ensure you are able to make this date, as we may be unable to offer an alternative. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist.

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